Most people recognize the blaring horns and flashing strobes of a fire alarm, but fewer understand the quiet alerts that protect buildings behind the scenes: supervisory signals.
At Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, we know good information prevents emergencies. Let’s break down what supervisory signals are and why you should never ignore them.
WHAT IS A SUPERVISORY SIGNAL?
A supervisory signal tells you when something in your fire protection system—like sprinklers, valves, or pumps—isn’t working properly, though it hasn’t triggered a full alarm yet.
It’s your first warning: no fire yet, but something important needs attention.
According to NFPA 72 (2022 Edition), these signals must alert building managers when fire protection systems are compromised or operating outside normal parameters.
COMMON SUPERVISORY CONDITIONS
Your system might send supervisory signals for several reasons:
- Closed sprinkler valves that should remain open
- Pressure problems in sprinkler systems
- Fire pump power issues
- Tamper switch activation on system valves
- Heat trace failures in cold climates
Each condition affects your system’s readiness, even without an active emergency.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF SYSTEM ALERTS
Here’s how supervisory signals compare to other alerts:
| Signal Type | What It Means | What You Should Do |
| Alarm | Fire or life safety event | Evacuate & call emergency services |
| Trouble | System malfunction or wiring issue | Contact your fire protection company |
| Supervisory | Fire protection component issue | Investigate and fix promptly |
A supervisory signal won’t make you evacuate, but it still needs quick attention to keep your fire suppression working properly.
PROFESSIONAL MONITORING RESPONSE
With Pye-Barker monitoring, any supervisory signal goes straight to our central station, where our team:
- Calls your designated contact
- Sends a technician when needed
- Documents everything for inspection records
This stops small issues from becoming dangerous problems—exactly why you shouldn’t ignore these signals.
BUILDING OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES
Ignoring supervisory signals can leave your building with an ineffective fire protection system that might:
- Break fire code requirements or insurance rules
- Slow emergency response during a fire
- Create liability issues and higher repair costs
The International Fire Code (IFC) 901.6 requires fire protection systems to stay operational at all times. Supervisory signals help maintain this standard.
PROTECTING YOUR BUILDING
Regular inspection and maintenance offer the best defense against supervisory issues. Our licensed technicians check all monitoring devices during scheduled visits to keep your building safe and compliant.
Seeing an alert you don’t understand? Call your local Pye-Barker Fire & Safety branch today—we’ll explain what’s happening and fix the problem.