What is the main disadvantage of a noncoded alarm system?

The main disadvantage of a noncoded alarm system is that it does not provide information about the specific source of alarm activation. This characteristic is crucial in fire safety and emergency response. When an alarm is triggered in a noncoded system, it typically sounds an alarm or alerts the occupants but does not indicate where the activation occurred or what specific issue prompted the alarm. This can lead to confusion, delays in response, and difficulty in determining the necessary actions to take, as first responders or building occupants are left unaware of the exact location or cause of the alarm. Coded systems, on the other hand, utilize distinct codes or signals that indicate the specific area or type of alarm, enhancing response efficacy and ensuring that the appropriate measures can be taken quickly.

Visual notifications, the ability to connect to monitoring services, and installation costs may be related concerns, but they do not encapsulate the fundamental limitation of a noncoded system in terms of situational awareness and effective response during an emergency.