What does the term 'off-line' refer to in fire alarm systems?

The term 'off-line' in fire alarm systems refers to periods when fire alarm signals are not transmitted to the fire department. This can occur due to various reasons such as maintenance, upgrades, or system malfunctions. When a fire alarm system is off-line, it means that the monitoring link to the fire department is temporarily disabled, which could prevent the fire department from receiving important alerts about potential emergencies.

Understanding this concept is crucial for fire drill conductors as it impacts the level of safety and preparedness in a building. Emergency response plans must account for these off-line periods to ensure that occupants are fully aware of possible limitations in alarm response and have alternative safety measures in place.