According to the IBC, all valves controlling the water-flow switch for an automatic sprinkler system shall ______________.

The correct answer is that all valves controlling the water-flow switch for an automatic sprinkler system shall be electrically supervised. This requirement is crucial because electrical supervision ensures that any unauthorized changes or alterations to the valve position can be detected immediately. If a valve is shut off or tampered with, the electrical supervision system will send a signal to the fire alarm system, triggering an alert.

This electrical supervision enhances the reliability of the sprinkler system, ensuring that it can function as intended when it is most needed—during a fire emergency. The ability to monitor valve status electronically contributes to the overall safety strategy of a building, as it minimizes the risk of undetected valve tampering or failure that could lead to ineffective fire suppression.

The other options are less relevant to the core purpose of ensuring the operational integrity of the sprinkler system: manual operation does not provide the same level of oversight, location restrictions may not be feasible in all building designs, and alarming may not address the fundamental need for continuous supervision of valve status. Therefore, the requirement for electrical supervision is a vital aspect of maintaining the effectiveness and reliability of fire protection measures within a building.