At what time must the alarm sound following a ground fault detection?

The alarm must sound at the first occurrence of the ground fault to ensure immediate awareness of the issue, as ground faults can pose significant risks, including electrical shock or fire hazards. Early detection is crucial in marine environments, where conditions can change rapidly and the safety of personnel and equipment is paramount.

By sounding the alarm right away, it allows for prompt action to be taken to assess and correct the fault before it escalates into a more dangerous situation. Timely notifications can help prevent accidents and maintain the overall safety of the vessel.

Other responses suggest varying delays or conditions before an alarm is sounded, which could compromise safety by allowing a hazardous condition to persist without immediate awareness.