What does "interconnected smoke alarms" refer to?

Interconnected smoke alarms refer to a system where multiple smoke alarms are physically wired together, allowing them to communicate with each other. When one alarm detects smoke and goes off, all the interconnected alarms will activate, providing a greater safety benefit by alerting individuals in different areas of the building simultaneously. This feature is crucial in larger spaces or multi-story homes where the alarm in one location may not be heard in another.

In contrast, alarms powered solely by batteries do not offer the interconnected capability, as they operate independently. Individual control panels do not create a direct linkage between alarms, and standalone smoke alarms located in separate zones function independently as well, lacking the comprehensive alert network that interconnected systems provide. Thus, the interconnected nature enhances the overall effectiveness of smoke detection throughout a building.