True or False? All smoke alarms must be connected to a central control panel.

The correct understanding is that not all smoke alarms are required to be connected to a central control panel. In residential settings, smoke alarms typically function independently, providing alerts locally to occupants without needing to communicate with a central system. This allows them to be installed easily and maintained without the complexities associated with a central control panel.

In commercial buildings, building codes might require a more integrated approach, where smoke alarms and other fire detection devices are linked to a centralized alarm system to ensure comprehensive monitoring and rapid response in case of a fire. However, in general residential applications, smoke alarms often operate solely on their own, allowing individual units to effectively detect smoke and alert residents in real-time.

This distinction is important as it highlights the context in which fire safety regulations apply, accommodating both individual and integrated systems based on the type of building and its intended use.