Each low-power radio transmitter/transceiver shall automatically repeat alarm transmissions not exceeding _______________ seconds until the initiating device is returned to its non-alarm condition.

The correct answer is 60 seconds. This time frame is established to ensure that alarm transmissions are repeated frequently enough to guarantee that all intended recipients are alerted to the alarm condition. A 60-second interval strikes a balance between ensuring ongoing communication of the alarm status without overloading the radio frequency, which could lead to confusion or missed transmissions.

By repeating the alarm every 60 seconds, systems can ensure that even if the initial transmission is missed or the receiving station is momentarily unavailable, the alert will be resent until the condition is acknowledged. This interval is particularly important in scenarios where quick response time is essential, such as in the case of a fire emergency, allowing for continued awareness of the alarm status until the situation is resolved.

Intervals longer than this may delay response efforts, potentially putting lives and property at risk, whereas intervals that are too short might lead to communication degradation due to excessive transmissions on the same frequency. Therefore, the 60-second mark provides an effective compromise for emergency signaling in fire alarm systems.