For automatic drift compensation of detectors, what must the FACP do if the compensation limit is surpassed by the detector?

• A. Identify the affected detector
• B. Shift the drift compensation range automatically
• C. Ignore the detector and continue
• D. Replace the detector immediately

Answer: (A)

When a detector’s drift compensation limit is surpassed, the system must flag and identify which detector is out of tolerance. Detectors use drift compensation to adjust for gradual changes in their baseline response due to aging or environmental factors. If the drift goes beyond what the compensation can correct, the detector’s behavior can no longer be trusted, so the FACP needs to pinpoint the exact unit affected. This identification allows maintenance to inspect, recalibrate, or replace that specific detector without treating the entire system as defective. Shifting the compensation range automatically isn’t allowed, since these ranges are fixed by design. Ignoring the detector would leave a potentially unreliable device in service, and replacing it immediately without first identifying the unit isn’t a practical step—the first priority is to know which detector needs service.