Certified Facility Manager (CFM) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered a fire detection device?

1. Smoke detector

2. Heat alarm

3. Smoke damper detector

4. Flame detector

The correct answer is: Smoke damper detector

A smoke damper detector is not classified as a fire detection device in the traditional sense. Instead, it serves a different purpose within fire protection systems. Smoke dampers are typically integrated into HVAC systems and are designed to prevent the spread of smoke through ductwork during a fire. They detect the presence of smoke and close to obstruct its flow, but they do not actively detect fire or flames themselves. On the other hand, devices like smoke detectors, heat alarms, and flame detectors are explicitly designed to identify signs of fire. Smoke detectors sense smoke particles in the air, heat alarms detect high temperatures associated with fire, and flame detectors identify the specific wavelengths of light emitted by flames. Each of these serves a crucial role in alerting occupants and enabling fire safety measures. Thus, smoke damper detectors, while essential for controlling smoke flow, are not categorized as fire detection devices.