What is the consequence of a failure of one of the two engine fire detection loops?

The reason why the correct response indicates that a failure of one of the two engine fire detection loops does not affect the normal operation of the system lies in the design redundancy embedded within the fire detection system of the aircraft.

In many aircraft, including the A320, the fire detection system typically utilizes two independent detection loops for each engine. This dual-loop setup ensures that if one loop fails or experiences a fault, the second loop remains operational, allowing the system to continue monitoring for potential fire hazards effectively. Consequently, even with the failure of one loop, the other loop is still capable of detecting an engine fire and triggering the appropriate warnings and responses, ensuring that the engine remains protected.

This redundancy is crucial in aviation safety, as it provides an added layer of assurance that any potential fire detection is not compromised, even if one detection loop encounters issues. Therefore, the system can still function normally and maintain its fire protection capabilities, despite the failure of one loop.