Which of the following is a key benefit of using a hard-wired smoke detector in a residential setup?

The choice highlighting interconnectivity as a key benefit of using a hard-wired smoke detector in a residential setup is particularly important because it emphasizes enhanced safety through a network of devices. Hard-wired smoke detectors can communicate with one another throughout a home. When one detector senses smoke or fire, all interconnected units will activate, providing a more comprehensive alert to the occupants of the house, no matter where they are. This feature significantly increases the chances of timely evacuation and overall safety by ensuring that alarms are sounded throughout the residence, not just in the vicinity of the alarm that first detected the threat.

In contrast, options like lower initial cost for installation may lead to dust or neglect of maintenance over time, while the ability to operate during power outages is more commonly associated with battery-operated models, not hard-wired ones, which rely on a power source but usually have battery backup. Less space required for installation does not apply as hard-wired systems typically require more extensive wiring compared to standalone battery-operated units. Thus, focusing on the interconnectivity of hard-wired smoke detectors supports the argument that they offer a critically enhanced safety mechanism in residential environments.