Heat detectors used for shunt trip are not required to be connected to the fire alarm system and are not required to be monitored for integrity. Is this statement true or false?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only connected
• D. Only monitored

Answer: (B)

Heat detectors used for shunt trip are part of how the fire alarm system can immediately shut down power to critical equipment during a fire event. Because this action directly affects safety, those detectors must be connected to the fire alarm system and be supervised for integrity. This means the system monitors the detector’s circuit for open or short faults and can indicate if the device or its wiring is not functioning correctly. If the detectors aren’t connected or not monitored, a fault or a failure could prevent the shunt trip from operating when needed, or could cause unnecessary trips, compromising safety. So the statement is false: heat detectors used for shunt trip do need to be connected to the fire alarm system and monitored for integrity.