I also have a QE 4.0 and not only does the alarm sound but it stops sewing. You can then continue to sew but mine does both of those things. I don't have my manual handy right this second but if you look in yours I'm pretty sure it will talk about it in there too. You can PM me if you have any other questions. Not sure if I can answer them but I can try, I've had my machine since last June.