What describes a control panel output that may encounter power surges and is electrically isolated?

The control panel output that is described as being able to encounter power surges while also being electrically isolated is best represented by a relay or dry contact. Relays are electro-mechanical switches that can control a circuit by opening or closing contacts in response to a signal. They are designed to handle high voltages and currents while ensuring that the circuits they control are electrically isolated from one another. This isolation is crucial because it protects sensitive components of the control panel from power surges and other electrical disturbances that could otherwise cause damage.

In contrast, alarm triggers are typically the outputs that indicate an alarm condition but do not inherently provide electrical isolation. Sensor inputs are designed to receive signals and often do not describe an isolated electrical output, while a power supply unit is responsible for supplying power rather than functioning as a control output. The characteristics of a relay or dry contact make it particularly suitable for environments where surges may occur, with the added advantage of protecting the control system from potential electrical faults.