Allarmi

Allarmi, in Italian, are devices or systems that emit a warning signal in response to danger, fault, or other conditions requiring action. They can be standalone devices such as smoke detectors or bells, or integrated into building security, industrial, or public alert networks. The term covers both local audible alerts and remote notifications.

Categories of allarmi include fire alarms (allarmi antincendio), intrusion or burglar alarms (allarmi di intrusione), medical alarms, environmental or gas-leak alarms, and public alert systems for weather or civil emergencies. Modern installations often combine sensors—such as motion detectors, door/window contacts, heat or smoke sensors—with a control panel, audible and visual indicators, and a power supply with a backup battery and a communications link to monitoring services or authorities.

Operation typically begins when a sensor detects a trigger, after which the control unit may sound the siren, flash indicators, or activate safety measures such as locking doors or initiating ventilation. The alarm may also notify a monitoring center or emergency services. Many systems include verification steps to reduce false alarms, and regular testing and maintenance are required to ensure reliability. Standards exist to guide performance and interoperability in different regions, including those for fire and intrusion alarm systems, though practices vary widely.

Historically, allarmi evolved from mechanical bells and watchman alerts to electric and electronic systems that enabled automatic signaling and centralized monitoring. Today, they encompass residential, commercial, and public safety applications and are often integrated with broader security or building-management technologies.