Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) Practice

The term that best describes points in an exit system where the character or dimension of a route changes or where routes merge is "transitions." In fire safety and evacuation planning, transitions are critical areas where individuals may need to adapt to different routes, understand directional changes, or navigate merging paths. These points are essential for the effectiveness of an evacuation plan, as they can impact the flow of people and the overall safety during an emergency.

Understanding transitions helps in designing clearer exit pathways and ensuring that signage and instructions are appropriate for these critical junctures. This is particularly important in complex buildings where navigating these changes can significantly influence individuals' ability to evacuate safely.

The other terms provided do not encompass the specific concept of changing route characteristics or points of merging within an exit system. Terms like "detours" generally refer to alternate routes taken due to an obstruction; "endpoints" denote the final destinations of a route; and "terminals" typically refer to the end areas of a transportation network rather than points of change or merging in the context of exit systems.