Which type of device would typically trigger an alarm response?

A smoke detector is specifically designed to detect the presence of smoke, which is commonly associated with fire. When it senses smoke, it communicates this condition to the fire alarm system, triggering an alarm response. This allows for the early detection of a fire, providing critical time for evacuating occupants and alerting emergency services.

In contrast, a strobe light serves as a visual signaling device that indicates an alarm condition; it does not detect fires or the presence of smoke. A siren emits a loud sound to alert occupants to evacuate or respond to an emergency, but it also does not detect smoke or fire itself. Lastly, a control panel functions as the central hub for managing the fire alarm system, processing signals from detectors and initiating alarms, but it does not independently trigger an alarm response. Therefore, a smoke detector is the primary device that initiates alarm notifications in fire safety systems.