What should be connected to the master alarm panels to indicate a problem with source equipment?

The correct choice is that each local alarm should connect to the master alarm panels to indicate a problem with the source equipment. This setup is vital for an effective medical gas system because it ensures that any issues detected by local alarms—such as low pressures, high pressures, or gas quality problems—are immediately communicated to the master alarm panel, alerting operators of potential hazards or system failures.

By connecting signals from every local alarm, the master alarm panel can provide a comprehensive overview of the status of all gas equipment. This means that if one piece of equipment malfunctions, the exact source of the issue is identified, allowing for prompt responses and maintenance. It contributes substantially to patient safety and operational efficiency in environments that rely on medical gas systems, such as hospitals and surgical centers.

In contrast, connecting only a single alarm, a visual indicator, or a backup power supply does not provide the same level of information or assurance regarding the operational integrity of the medical gas system. These aspects may play roles in other alarm systems but are not sufficient on their own to effectively manage the comprehensive monitoring needed for medical gas systems.