Pre-discharge alarms are required to have a minimum decibel rating of 90 dBA.

Pre-discharge alarms are required to have a minimum decibel rating of 90 dBA.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Only during testing

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a pre-discharge alarm must be clearly audible so people inside the protected area have enough warning time before the system discharges. Setting a minimum of 90 dBA ensures the alarm rises above typical ambient noise levels and can be heard by occupants in most environments, making the warning effective rather than easily masked by background sounds. This requirement is a defined performance standard, not a suggestion or something tested only intermittently, so the alarm must meet or exceed 90 dBA in normal operation. Therefore, the statement is true. The other options don’t fit because the standard does specify a minimum loudness, and the requirement isn’t limited to testing or left unspecified.

The key idea is that a pre-discharge alarm must be clearly audible so people inside the protected area have enough warning time before the system discharges. Setting a minimum of 90 dBA ensures the alarm rises above typical ambient noise levels and can be heard by occupants in most environments, making the warning effective rather than easily masked by background sounds. This requirement is a defined performance standard, not a suggestion or something tested only intermittently, so the alarm must meet or exceed 90 dBA in normal operation. Therefore, the statement is true. The other options don’t fit because the standard does specify a minimum loudness, and the requirement isn’t limited to testing or left unspecified.