What is the primary purpose of a smoke detector?

The primary purpose of a smoke detector is to detect smoke as an indication of fire. Smoke detectors are specifically designed to sense the presence of smoke particles in the air, which often indicates that a fire is occurring or is imminent. When smoke is detected, the device sounds an alarm, giving occupants time to escape and alerting them to danger. This early warning can be crucial in preventing injuries or fatalities as well as minimizing property damage.

While some smoke detectors can be integrated with systems that alert emergency services automatically, that is not their main function. Similarly, smoke detectors do not provide light during power outages or monitor air quality, as those tasks are designated to other types of devices. The core functionality of smoke detectors is centered around the detection of smoke, making the second choice the most accurate response.