Commercial Fire Safety: 3 Fire Detection Options for Your Operation

If you are planning on upgrading your building's safety, you should consider installing new fire detection devices. Good detectors are crucial elements in effective alarm systems in commercial spaces. Their efficiency will determine the alarm system's ability to identify a fire incident and trigger an appropriate response. Basically, the detection components will significantly affect the level of safety in your operation.

There are different brands and types of fire detection devices, but these can be categorised according to their method of function. Here is a brief discussion of the three primary detection options to consider for your building.

Smoke Detectors

The most common fire alarm systems utilise smoke detectors. These types of devices are favourable because they can identify the presence of most fires, including small localised ones, quickly. As implied, these products function by responding to the presence of smoke. Smoke detectors can be further classified according to the mechanism they utilise in analysing the smoke. Photoelectrical sensors have an optical chamber with a continuous beam of light. When there is a fire, the smoke particles will interrupt the light beam, activating the alarm.

Ionisation detectors have a chamber which contains radioactive particles. The radioactive material promoted the creation of a continuous electrical current. If smoke gets into the chamber, the current will be interrupted, triggering the alarm. In general, the photoelectric type is ideal for smouldering fires while the ionisation alternative can detect high energy fires. If your operation is at-risk with regard to both fire types, consider selecting combination smoke detectors. These utilise both types of sensors, ensuring maximum efficiency and optimal safety.

Flame Detectors

Flame detectors are ideal protection devices because they can detect the presence of a fire and pinpoint its exact location. This makes the process of fire control more efficient, and your building will be safer. In addition, these sensors are designed to identify the presence of flames, so the fire will be identified at the ignition point. Optical flame sensors are the popular because they analyse the nature of the light emitted by flames. Therefore, the accuracy and response time is exceptional. Alternatively, you can choose flame detectors which ultraviolet and infrared sensors.

Heat Detectors

Typically, heat detectors are not suitable as prompt warning devices in case of a fire. However, they are useful in identifying unusual increases in temperature which could indicate danger in sensitive environments such as heater closets and even commercial kitchens. If you want to install heat detectors, you should avoid use in spaces with inconsistent ambient temperature.

Contact an industrial equipment supplier to learn more about these and other fire alarm systems.