Which of the following is not a convenience function of a building automation system?

• A. Fire alarm, supervision
• B. Lighting control
• C. HVAC scheduling
• D. Energy monitoring

Answer: (A)

Convenience features in a building automation system are those that directly enhance occupant comfort or energy efficiency. Lighting control helps people adjust and fine-tune illumination for comfort and convenience. HVAC scheduling aligns heating and cooling with occupancy and time-of-day, reducing waste and improving comfort when needed. Energy monitoring provides visibility into consumption, enabling informed decisions to save energy and costs.

Fire alarm and supervision, on the other hand, are life-safety functions. They’re designed to detect hazards, alert occupants, and coordinate emergency responses. While a BAS might interface with fire alarm systems for centralized monitoring, this safety role isn’t considered a convenience function because it serves critical safety requirements with stricter reliability and regulatory needs.

So the feature that is not a convenience function is the fire alarm, supervision.