Final answer:
The type of alarm triggered by issues like improper maintenance or installation is known as a false alarm. Smoke detectors operate with an electric circuit that uses americium to detect smoke, which is why regular maintenance is vital to prevent false alarms.
Step-by-step explanation:
An alarm that is triggered not by an actual fire but by issues such as lack of maintenance, improper detector placement, computer console malfunction, or improper system installation is typically referred to as a false alarm.
These false alarms can create uncertainty over whether a serious fire or hazard awaits after an alarm goes off, potentially leading to extreme physical danger to the occupants. It is important that smoke detectors, which generally consist of an electric circuit with metal plates and a small disk containing americium, are properly maintained and installed.
The americium ionizes the air, allowing a small current to flow, which is disrupted when smoke interferes, triggering the alarm. Regular maintenance, including battery replacement, is crucial to avoid false alarms and ensure the system works correctly in an actual emergency.