Which device is commonly used to provide early warning of fire or smoke?

The smoke detector is widely recognized as the device that provides early warning of fire or smoke. Its primary function is to sense airborne particles or gases produced by combustion, triggering an alarm that alerts occupants to the presence of smoke. This early detection allows for timely evacuation and increases the chances of preventing damage or loss of life.

Smoke detectors come in various types, including ionization detectors, which are more sensitive to flaming fires, and photoelectric detectors, which are better at detecting smoldering fires. Their ability to alert residents at the first sign of smoke makes them an essential component of fire safety in both residential and commercial settings.

In contrast, a fire alarm system may encompass smoke detectors as part of its broader framework, which can include manual pull stations and audible/visual alarms. However, the question specifically asks for a device that exclusively provides early warning, where smoke detectors excel. Emergency lights are designed to illuminate pathways during evacuations, and carbon monoxide detectors are used primarily for detecting dangerous levels of carbon monoxide gas, which is not directly related to fire detection.