What kind of system does a 'local' alarm refer to?

A 'local' alarm system primarily refers to a type of system that is designed to notify individuals on the premises by sounding an alarm without the need to alert external authorities or a monitoring station. This means that when the system is triggered, it activates an audible alarm or visual alert to inform those nearby, aiming to deter intruders or alert occupants of a potential issue, such as a break-in or fire.

In contrast to systems that report to a monitoring station, which relay information to professionals who can take action, a local alarm operates independently, relying solely on the immediate area to respond to the alarm's activation. This type of alarm does not involve external notifications, making it a self-contained alert mechanism. Understanding this concept is essential for recognizing how different alarm systems function and the roles they play in security and safety scenarios.