According to the NFPA 72 standards, what is an essential aspect of the installation for fire alarm systems?

In the context of NFPA 72 standards, the requirement for all fire alarm systems to be supervised is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of these safety systems. Supervision involves continuously monitoring the fire alarm system for any faults or malfunctions, which allows for immediate response to any issues that may compromise the system's operation. This ensures that the system remains operational and can alert occupants in the event of a fire, thus enhancing safety.

Supervisory features include monitoring for conditions such as open or short circuits, and other irregularities that might affect performance. By requiring supervision, the NFPA 72 standards aim to minimize the risk of system failure and ensure that the fire alarm is always capable of detecting and warning occupants of a fire hazard.

The other aspects, although they have relevance in different contexts, do not provide the foundational level of safety and reliability mandated by the NFPA standards as effectively as system supervision does.