In a fire alarm system, which component is primarily used to indicate an alarm to occupants?

• A. Initiation device
• B. Notification device
• C. Annunciation device
• D. Suppression device

Answer: (B)

Getting occupants to evacuate relies on clear alerting, which is provided by the notification device. This component delivers the alarm through audible and visual signals—things like horns, bells, and strobe lights—so people know to evacuate. Initiation devices are sensors or pull stations that start the alarm, but they don’t by themselves notify occupants. Annunciation devices display the system status to building personnel, not to the occupants, and suppression devices control extinguishing actions. So the element designed specifically to indicate an alarm to people in the area is the notification device.