All initiating devices for fire alarm and signaling systems are activated by what means?

Initiating devices in fire alarm and signaling systems are designed to detect a fire or other emergency condition and activate the system to alert occupants and responders. These devices can be activated in two primary ways: manually and automatically.

Manual activation is accomplished through devices like pull stations that require a person to take action to signal an alarm. This type of activation is crucial for situations where occupants may observe a fire or emergency and feel the need to alert others immediately.

Automatic activation occurs through devices such as smoke detectors and heat detectors that sense changes in their environment without any human intervention. These devices automatically trigger the alarm when they detect specific indicators of a fire or an emergency situation, allowing for a faster response to potentially dangerous situations.

The combination of both manual and automatic initiation provides a comprehensive system that can account for a variety of circumstances, ensuring greater safety and quicker response times in real-world scenarios.