An engineered system that uses mechanical fans to manage smoke movement is best described as what?

An engineered system that uses mechanical fans to manage smoke movement is referred to as a mechanical smoke control system. This type of system is designed to actively manipulate the airflow within a building during a fire to either remove smoke from certain areas or contain it, helping to improve visibility and reduce the risk of smoke inhalation for occupants.

Mechanical smoke control systems work by using powered fans to push smoke out of specific spaces, often in conjunction with smoke barriers and venting that directs the smoke to designated areas. This allows for safer evacuation routes and protects critical paths of egress for building occupants during an emergency.

The other options represent different aspects of fire safety management. A fire suppression system refers to systems like sprinklers that extinguish fires rather than manage smoke. An active smoke detection system involves sensing smoke presence rather than controlling smoke movement. A passive smoke management system typically relies on building design features, like smoke shafts and barriers, to limit smoke spread without mechanical intervention.