What is a combination detector?

• A. A detector that uses two sensing methods (e.g., smoke and heat) in one unit
• B. A detector that uses only smoke
• C. A detector that uses only heat
• D. A detector that is addressable

Answer: (A)

A combination detector combines two sensing technologies in one unit, typically smoke and heat. This dual sensing lets the device respond to different fire types—smoldering fires that produce smoke and faster flaming fires that generate heat—providing earlier and more reliable detection than a single-sensor unit. By using two signals, it can confirm a fire condition and reduce false alarms that might come from relying on just one type of detection. The other options describe detectors that use only one sensing method or refer to how the device is addressed on the system, not to the sensing methods themselves.