What type of detector is typically automatic and does not require manual activation?

A smoke detector is designed to automatically sense the presence of smoke without any need for manual activation. This capability makes them crucial for early fire detection within a structure, providing an alert even when no one is present to trigger it. When smoke enters the detector, it triggers an alarm, alerting occupants and enabling them to respond promptly. The automatic operation of smoke detectors contributes significantly to fire safety regulations and is a foundational element of modern fire protection systems.

In contrast, a manual fire alarm box requires someone to physically activate it to initiate an alarm, making it reliant on human action. A fire extinguisher is a portable device used to combat small fires and is not a detection system, while a heat alarm responds to elevated temperatures rather than smoke, making smoke detectors more common in various settings for comprehensive early warning.