If a smoke alarm fails a sensitivity test, which action is appropriate?

• A. Tighten the mounting screws
• B. Ignore the failure
• C. Extend the wiring
• D. Replace it

Answer: (D)

Sensitivity testing checks whether a smoke alarm will respond to smoke at expected levels. If the unit fails this test, its sensor isn’t reliably detecting smoke, meaning it can’t provide the protection it’s meant to. Replacing the alarm is the safest and most effective way to restore reliable detection, because a degraded or out-of-tolerance sensor often can’t be fixed by simple tweaks. Tightening mounting screws won’t fix sensor issues, extending wiring doesn’t address the failure and can create electrical hazards, and ignoring the failure leaves you with a potentially life-threatening gap in protection. Replacing it aligns with safety practices and manufacturer guidelines to maintain proper coverage.