What is a manually operated device used to initiate an alarm signal called?

The term for a manually operated device used to initiate an alarm signal is a manual fire alarm box. This device is typically installed in accessible locations throughout a building, allowing individuals to activate a fire alarm system by breaking a glass panel or pressing a button, thus alerting occupants and emergency services to a fire or other emergency situation.

Manual fire alarm boxes are crucial for safety because they empower people to take immediate action in the event of an emergency, even before the automatic systems (like smoke or heat detectors) are activated. This direct human intervention can significantly reduce response times and help save lives.

In contrast, an automatic fire alarm system refers to a comprehensive assembly of devices that automatically detects fire without human input. Smoke detectors and heat detectors are specific devices within an automatic fire alarm system that sense smoke or heat respectively, but they do not require manual operation to initiate an alarm signal.