How well do you know the requirements for duct smoke detectors? Requirements come from a number of different codes and standards. Take this quiz and test your knowledge.
Created by: Thomas P. Hammerberg
1. Duct smoke detectors must be connected to dedicated fire alarm system control units.
A. True
B. False
2. Return air duct smoke detectors should be located such that there are ______ between them and the source of the smoke.
A. Filters
B. No filters
3. When testing duct smoke detectors, you are required to perform smoke entry testing in place as well as testing to ensure they properly sample the airstream in the duct.
4. Smoke detectors mounted in the air ducts of HVAC systems are permitted to initiate a/an ______ signal.
A. Alarm
B. Supervisory
C. Alarm or Supervisory
5. Detectors placed in environmental air ducts or plenums are permitted to be a substitute for open-area detectors.
6. Detectors shall be listed for operation over the complete range of air velocities, temperatures and humidities expected at the detector location when the air-handling system is ______.
A. Operating
B. Either operating or not operating
C. Both operating and not operating
D. Not operating
7. Smoke detectors listed for use in air distribution systems shall be located downstream of the air filters and ahead of any branch connections in air supply systems having a capacity of ______.
A. 2,000 cfm (cubic feet per minute) or more
B. More than 2,000 cfm
C. 15,000 cfm or more
D. More than 15,000 cfm
8. Multiple 1,500-cfm air handlers serving a common area are required to each have a duct smoke detector.
9. The NPFA standard that contains requirements for duct smoke detectors is ______.
A. NFPA 101
B. NFPA 70
C. NFPA 72
D. NFPA 90A
10. The International Mechanical Code requirements for duct smoke detectors are the same as the NFPA requirements.
