If a detector fails a sensitivity test, what action should be taken?

• A. Clean and recalibrate or replace
• B. Adjust sensitivity up or down manually
• C. Ignore the detector
• D. Replace only if supply fails

Answer: (A)

When a detector fails a sensitivity test, the appropriate action is to clean the unit and then recalibrate or replace it. Detectors rely on staying within a designed sensitivity range to reliably sense hazards; a test failure signals that something is off. Cleaning removes dust, dirt, or other contaminants that can dampen or alter the sensor’s response. After cleaning, recalibrating ensures the detector’s output matches the required baseline so it will respond correctly to real threats. If cleaning and recalibration don’t bring the detector back into spec, replacing the detector or its sensing element is the next step to restore system reliability.

Manually adjusting sensitivity is not advised because it bypasses the established test criteria and can create under- or over-sensitive conditions, compromising protection. Ignoring the failure leaves a potentially unreliable detector in service, which is unsafe. Replacing only if the supply fails doesn’t address an actual sensitivity issue. After any remediation, re-test to confirm the detector meets spec and document the work.