Which type of output is often used in alarm systems to trigger other devices?

Alarm systems commonly utilize relay output to trigger other devices. Relay outputs are electromechanical switches that can control high power and can isolate different circuits from one another. When an alarm is triggered, the relay output sends a signal that can operate devices such as sirens, lights, or other alarms, effectively acting as a bridge between the alarm system's low-power signal and the higher power requirements of those devices.

Relay outputs are specifically designed to manage such functionalities because they can handle a variety of voltages and currents, providing versatility in connecting to various devices in a security system. This makes them invaluable in ensuring the alarm system can effectively communicate and interact with the environment, activating the necessary responses such as alerts, notifications, or security measures.

In contrast, while an open collector output can also be utilized in specific scenarios for triggering devices, it often requires an external power source and is more limited in its applications compared to relays. Digital outputs usually represent binary states and may not be suitable for triggering higher power devices directly. Likewise, analog outputs typically produce a continuous voltage or current to represent real-time variables, which is not the primary function needed in alarm activation scenarios.