A system capable of detecting the first signs of fire and alerting building occupants is an automatic fire detection system. This system enhances manual fire detection by providing additional protection to your building even when it is not occupied.
A fire detection system that is automatic can use a variety of detection methods. The control panel will receive a signal once particles of smoke or early signs of smouldering are detected. According to the specifications of your system this could either trigger an alarm, or a warning alarm so that staff can investigate.
Automatic Fire Detection System Vs Manual
Most premises cannot be served by a manual fire detection system. Manual detection is just what it sounds; someone notices a flame and uses a manual alarm to raise the alert. This has the disadvantage that humans are unable to detect fires in their earliest stages. This means that the alarm will not be raised until a fire has already caused significant damage to the property. Aspirating fire detection technology, on the contrary, can detect smoke even before it’s visible to the eye. For Fire Alarms Northamptonshire, contact /isefireproducts.co.uk/fire-alarm-systems/northamptonshire
Automatic Fire Detection Systems Types
Depending on the exact needs of your building, automatic fire detection systems may incorporate different detection technologies.
Photoelectric or optical
These detectors operate by periodically sending pulses into a chamber that contains a sensor. Smoke particles scatter light into the sensor chamber and trigger a signal that is sent to the control panel. These sensors are not effective in dusty conditions and work best to detect smouldering flames.
Heat Alarms
These simple systems will sound an alarm when a temperature threshold is reached. They are ideal for dusty and steamy environments. They don’t always provide as much warning as other detection methods, so you should use them together.
Video Detection
They are ideal for large areas such as warehouses because they offer a broad coverage. The software analyses each frame of the video captured, using an algorithm to identify smoke patterns within pixels.