What defines the effectiveness of a manually activated fire alarm system?

The effectiveness of a manually activated fire alarm system is primarily defined by its reliability and the speed of signal transmission. A reliable system ensures that the alarm is activated without failure when someone takes the initiative to trigger it, which is crucial in emergency situations where every second counts. The speed of signal transmission is equally important because it determines how quickly the alarm signal reaches the fire department or emergency response teams. A prompt alert can significantly enhance safety by expediting emergency responses, leading to quicker evacuations and potentially saving lives.

In contrast, while factors like accessibility and clear signage, sound and visual indicators, and placement throughout the venue are important for overall safety and usability, they do not directly define the effectiveness of the alarm system itself. These elements contribute to how well people can operate the system and respond to it, but the core effectiveness hinges on the system's dependability and its rapid communication capabilities.