Which provision senses the presence of fire and initiates alarms and/or automatic suppression systems?

• A. Fire Alarm System
• B. Detection System
• C. Smoke Detection Network
• D. Alarm and Suppression System

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that the sensing and initiating of a fire response comes from the detection function. A detection system includes sensors that sense signs of fire—like smoke, heat, or flame—and send a signal to the control panel to start actions. Those actions can be alarms to alert occupants and, in many designs, triggers for automatic suppression systems through the control logic. The fire alarm system is the broader set of devices that notify or alert, but it relies on the detection system to know when to activate. A smoke detection network focuses specifically on smoke sensing and may not cover other fire signs or the broader initiation of suppression. An alarm and suppression system implies a combined package, but the fundamental component that senses fire and starts the response is the detection system.