If a smoke detector fails a sensitivity test, the technician should:

If a smoke detector fails a sensitivity test, the technician should:

• A. Test the circuit
• B. Replace the smoke detector
• C. Calibrate sensitivity
• D. Ignore and proceed

Answer: (B)

Sensitivity testing checks that a smoke detector will respond to smoke within the range the manufacturer specifies. If a detector fails this test, its sensing element or circuitry has drifted out of tolerance, meaning it may not detect a real fire promptly or could trigger false alarms. In residential systems, many detectors aren’t field-calibratable, and once they’re out of spec, simply adjusting or recalibrating isn’t a reliable fix. Replacing the unit restores proven reliability and ensures the system continues to meet safety and code requirements. After replacement, re-test the new detector to confirm proper sensitivity and overall function.

Sensitivity testing checks that a smoke detector will respond to smoke within the range the manufacturer specifies. If a detector fails this test, its sensing element or circuitry has drifted out of tolerance, meaning it may not detect a real fire promptly or could trigger false alarms. In residential systems, many detectors aren’t field-calibratable, and once they’re out of spec, simply adjusting or recalibrating isn’t a reliable fix. Replacing the unit restores proven reliability and ensures the system continues to meet safety and code requirements. After replacement, re-test the new detector to confirm proper sensitivity and overall function.