FAA Powerplant Written Practice Test

What type of system can initiate an alarm when there is a significant temperature change in the environment?

1. Thermal sensor system

2. Ionization smoke detector

3. Combination detector system

4. Photoelectric alarm system

The correct answer is: Thermal sensor system

A thermal sensor system is designed specifically to monitor temperature changes and can effectively initiate an alarm when it detects a significant shift in temperature within its environment. These types of systems utilize thermistors or other temperature-sensitive elements that respond to heat variations. When the temperature exceeds preset thresholds, the thermal sensor triggers an alert, which can be crucial in early detection of fire or overheating scenarios. In applications where environmental safety is paramount, such as in aircraft engines or combustor areas, having a reliable means of detecting heat fluctuations is key. Thermal sensors can provide timely warnings to operators, allowing for swift action to mitigate potential hazards. While other systems like ionization smoke detectors and photoelectric alarm systems are effective for smoke detection, they do not specifically monitor temperature changes. The combination detector system could encompass multiple types of detection technologies, but it is not solely focused on temperature, thus not directly fitting the requirement posed in the question. Therefore, the thermal sensor system is the optimal choice for initiating an alarm based on significant temperature changes.