What provides power to the fire alarm system?

The fire alarm system typically requires a reliable and consistent power source to ensure it operates effectively in the event of an emergency. In this instance, a panelboard like P2-1F4-1 is designed to provide power to various electrical systems, including critical safety systems like fire alarms.

Panelboards manage the distribution of electrical power and are equipped with circuit breakers to protect the system from overload and short circuits. This makes them a suitable choice for powering other systems requiring continuous operation, such as fire alarms. They can offer the necessary voltage and current for the system's requirements, ensuring that the fire alarm stays operational when needed most.

While generator backups and battery sources are important, they are often used as supplemental or emergency power sources. In contrast, the panelboard is usually the primary power source for these systems under normal operation, which is why it would be the correct answer in this scenario.