What is essential to ensure the reliability of an alarm system when components are being cleaned?

Sending supervisory signals is crucial to ensure the reliability of an alarm system when components are being cleaned because these signals monitor the operational status of various system parts. By sending supervisory signals, the system can alert operators if any component is malfunctioning or if there is a disruption in communication during the cleaning process. This ensures that any potential issues can be addressed promptly, thereby maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the alarm system.

Regular maintenance is indeed important for keeping an alarm system functional and reliable; however, it may not be as immediate or specific to the cleaning process as supervisory signals. Disabling the entire system could lead to unwanted security vulnerabilities, and cleaning only one component at a time may not provide the necessary oversight of the system's overall functionality. Hence, sending supervisory signals stands out as the best practice to ensure that the system remains reliable while cleaning activities are underway.