What is an alarm control panel?

An electronic unit which controls an alarm system. This could be an Intruder Alarm, Fire Alarm etc. They commonly power the alarm system, monitor the devices on the system and display the status of the alarm system. Such as if there are any faults or alarm activations. Most also have their own battery back up, just in case the mains power fails, they are still fully functional. A user can control what the panel does. For example, to test the alarms, programme, disconnect certain circuits etc.