Which location corresponds to an ionization type smoke detector?

• A. Cockpit.
• B. Engine compartment.
• C. Lavatory and electronics rack.
• D. Cargo hold.

Answer: (C)

Ionization smoke detectors are designed to react quickly to flaming fires that produce many small smoke particles. They’re particularly effective in small, enclosed spaces where a fast, flame-driven fire could develop and spread, such as a lavatory or an electronics rack where electrical faults can ignite a rapid blaze. In those areas, the detector can sense the tiny smoke particles early and raise the alarm, giving crew time to act. Other locations like engine compartments or cargo holds present harsher environments or different fire signatures, so they typically use detectors tailored to those conditions or different sensing principles. Cockpit protection often emphasizes minimizing false alarms due to crew activity, so the placement aligns with that approach.