What can cause a false alarm aside from an actual fire?

User error or system malfunction is a primary cause of false alarms in fire alarm systems. This can happen when individuals misinterpret the function of the alarm system, such as accidentally triggering a pull station or misunderstanding the system's alerts. Additionally, malfunctioning equipment, such as a faulty smoke detector or wiring issues, can result in alarms going off without an actual fire present.

These aspects highlight why regular training and system checks are crucial in minimizing false alarms. Proper procedures must be in place to ensure that users can confidently operate the system and mitigate situations that could lead to false alarms.

While environmental changes can influence the operation of alarm systems, user error and system malfunctions are more directly related to the human interaction with the system and the technology itself, making it a significant factor in the occurrence of false alarms.