What is a characteristic feature of a control panel in an electric system?

A control panel in an electric system is designed to manage and control the functionality of various equipment and systems. Its characteristic feature is that it can activate certain outputs based on pre-determined decisions or inputs from sensors. This means that the control panel is not just a display of information; it plays an active role in the system's operation by sending commands to different devices based on specific conditions.

For instance, if a control panel is monitoring temperature, it can activate a cooling system if the temperature exceeds a certain threshold. This decision-making capability is essential for automating processes and enhancing the efficiency of electric systems.

The other options describe limitations or incorrect characteristics of a control panel. A control panel operates as an active component within a system rather than a passive device. While it may require initial configuration and occasional input from users, it is built to work autonomously and doesn't require constant human involvement to function. Furthermore, it is designed to be capable of making decisions rather than being limited to operating without judgment.