Which of the following is an indication of a malfunctioning fire alarm system?

A constant beeping without a trigger is a clear indication of a malfunctioning fire alarm system. This behavior suggests that the system is producing alerts erroneously, which may result from electrical issues, software problems, or a fault in the alarm’s hardware. When a fire alarm is working correctly, it should only activate in response to actual conditions indicating a fire, such as smoke or heat. Continuous, untriggered sounding creates confusion and can lead to desensitization among occupants, which may ultimately compromise safety.

In contrast, regular alerts and responses demonstrate that the system is functioning appropriately in line with actual fire conditions. Occasional smoke detection alerts are typical for sensitive systems and may not necessarily indicate a malfunction; they can signal environmental changes or temporary conditions. A silent response during drills might suggest a testing oversight, but it does not definitively indicate a malfunction. Overall, a constant, unprompted beeping is a significant red flag for system failure.