What is the main difference between an active and a passive fire protection system?

The main difference between an active and a passive fire protection system lies in the requirement for human intervention. Active fire protection systems, such as sprinkler systems and fire alarms, rely on mechanisms that actively respond to a fire by detecting it and then either extinguishing it or alerting occupants. This often requires human involvement, whether in the form of manual operation or in responding to alerts triggered by the system.

On the other hand, passive fire protection systems are designed to contain fires without the need for active intervention. These systems include features such as fire-resistant walls, floors, and doors, which compartmentalize areas and prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Because they are built into the structure, they operate automatically and continuously without reliance on ongoing human action or mechanical systems.

While the other options touch on characteristics of active and passive systems, they do not accurately capture the essence of the primary distinction. For instance, the idea that active systems are more expensive than passive systems may be true in some cases but not universally applicable. Similarly, while passive systems may help with containment, they do not provide alarms; that function is specific to active systems. Maintenance requirements can vary widely based on system design and use, so this point does not effectively define the difference between active and