What defines a smoke alarm?

A smoke alarm is specifically characterized as a standalone device that functions independently and is not connected to a larger fire alarm system. This means it operates autonomously to detect smoke and sound an alarm, which serves as an early warning about potential fire dangers. While interconnected fire alarm systems may include smoke detectors as part of their operation, a smoke alarm on its own is not reliant on those connections for its primary function.

The definition emphasizes the self-sufficient nature of smoke alarms, distinguishing them from more complex systems that may incorporate multiple components and require a connection to a central monitoring station or components of a larger network. This makes it clear that a smoke alarm serves its purpose simply by being located in a space where it can effectively detect smoke, regardless of whether it is part of an integrated fire prevention system.