If one smoke detector is inoperative in the forward cargo compartment, can smoke be detected by the remaining detector?

If one smoke detector is inoperative in the forward cargo compartment, can smoke be detected by the remaining detector?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if the other detector is also serviced
• D. Only in flight

Answer: (A)

Redundancy in the cargo smoke detection system means the forward compartment is still monitored even if one sensor fails. The forward cargo area has two detectors that watch the same space, and a smoke warning can be triggered by either one. So if one detector is inoperative, the remaining detector can still sense smoke and alert the crew. You’ll also get a fault indication for the failed unit, but it doesn’t stop the other detector from detecting smoke. Maintenance should restore the inoperative detector during subsequent service.

Redundancy in the cargo smoke detection system means the forward compartment is still monitored even if one sensor fails. The forward cargo area has two detectors that watch the same space, and a smoke warning can be triggered by either one. So if one detector is inoperative, the remaining detector can still sense smoke and alert the crew. You’ll also get a fault indication for the failed unit, but it doesn’t stop the other detector from detecting smoke. Maintenance should restore the inoperative detector during subsequent service.