In a new department building, a smoke alarm shall activate:

In a new department building, the requirement that a smoke alarm shall activate only the smoke alarms in the dwelling aligns with the principle of localized alarm systems, which are designed to alert occupants directly within their immediate environment. This ensures that residents are promptly notified of smoke or fire hazards without unnecessary alarms sounding in unaffected areas, which could lead to alarm fatigue or desensitization to alarms over time.

When smoke is detected, the system's primary goal is to ensure that those directly at risk—those within the dwelling—are alerted first and foremost. This localized response also facilitates a swift and orderly evacuation in case of an emergency, allowing residents to respond quickly to the threat.

While there may be benefits to integrating alarms with central monitoring stations or municipal fire stations for broader emergency response, these options are more about external alerts rather than immediate notification for occupants, making them less relevant to the specific context of the question.