What is the essential characteristic of fire alarms regarding sound notification?

The essential characteristic of fire alarms regarding sound notification is that they must be audible. Fire alarms are designed to alert occupants to the presence of smoke, fire, or other emergencies, and an audible sound is critical for ensuring that individuals are warned effectively in a timely manner. This characteristic helps ensure that everyone, including those who might not be in immediate sight of the alarm, can hear the warning and take necessary actions to evacuate or respond to the situation.

Sound notification plays a crucial role in life safety systems because it can penetrate barriers and draw attention even in noisy environments. Effective alarms need to produce a sound level that is loud enough to be heard above other ambient noises, aiding in the swift evacuation of all individuals in a building.

While other characteristics may contribute to the overall effectiveness of fire alarms, such as visual notifications or the placement of alarms, the fundamental requirement is that they must be audible to serve their primary purpose of alerting and safeguarding lives in emergencies.