What component of a fire alarm is essential for displaying status information?

Indicator lights are crucial for displaying status information in a fire alarm system. They provide visual cues about the operational state of the alarm, indicating whether the system is active, has detected a fault, or is in an alert state. This immediate visual feedback is invaluable for both building occupants and emergency personnel, as it helps to quickly ascertain the situation and determine the appropriate response.

The other components mentioned play different roles within a fire alarm system. Manual pull stations are designed for occupants to initiate an alarm manually, ensuring that even if the system does not detect a fire automatically, individuals can still alert others. Sirens serve the purpose of alerting occupants audibly to evacuate, while smoke detectors are responsible for sensing smoke and triggering the alarm system. However, none of these components provide the same direct and visual status information as indicator lights.