When duct detectors are present, which detectors must be monitored by the fire alarm system?

When duct detectors are present, which detectors must be monitored by the fire alarm system?

• A. Duct detectors
• B. Smoke detectors
• C. Heat detectors
• D. Gas detectors

Answer: (A)

Duct detectors must be monitored because they are initiating devices tied directly to the fire alarm control panel. They report smoke detected inside the HVAC ductwork, and the panel supervises them to ensure they’re functioning and that any fault (like a wiring problem or a failed detector) is reported promptly. This supervision guarantees that smoke detected in the ducts will trigger the alarm and that the system remains reliable. While other detectors such as smoke, heat, or gas detectors are also part of a complete system, the requirement in this scenario specifically notes that duct detectors themselves must be monitored by the fire alarm system.

Duct detectors must be monitored because they are initiating devices tied directly to the fire alarm control panel. They report smoke detected inside the HVAC ductwork, and the panel supervises them to ensure they’re functioning and that any fault (like a wiring problem or a failed detector) is reported promptly. This supervision guarantees that smoke detected in the ducts will trigger the alarm and that the system remains reliable. While other detectors such as smoke, heat, or gas detectors are also part of a complete system, the requirement in this scenario specifically notes that duct detectors themselves must be monitored by the fire alarm system.