Sensors & Transducers


Intelligent approach to conventional fire detection technology

August 2002 Sensors & Transducers

The latest development in fire detection technology from System Sensor Europe, the Series 300, addresses the important issue of false alarm immunity by enhancing the functionality of the conventional detector, incorporating many of the advanced features previously only provided in an analogue addressable unit.

Available to the South African security industry through Honeywell-TeqTrader, the cost-effective Series 300 is said to be the first conventional detector from a major detector manufacturer to incorporate intelligence in the head, a development that is likely to redefine the conventional detector landscape. The onboard intelligence provides users and installers with features and capabilities previously only found in more complex analogue addressable detectors. The Series 300 is fully compatible with most popular control panels from the major manufacturers.

The photoelectric detector's stability over time is ensured through a new detection chamber configuration, specifically designed to be highly tolerant to the long-term build-up of dust and other airborne contaminants.

The photo-thermal detector is intended to give the ultimate in protection against both slow and fast developing fires. It is a true multicriteria unit - the output levels from both the optical chamber and the thermistor are continually monitored by the onboard processor, using algorithms developed specifically for the unit. An alarm signal is only enabled in the detector once the processor is satisfied that an incipient fire has been detected. By using a combination of inputs, the incidence of nuisance alarms is reduced while at the same time; the response time to an actual fire is not impaired.

Although individual detectors cannot be interrogated and managed from the control panel in the same way as a fully analogue addressable unit, each detector can be assigned an individual identifier within the system. Once into alarm, the identity of the initiating device(s) within the zone can be displayed on an optional digital address display panel, enabling the source of the alarm to be specifically identified.

The two remote tools are major benefits for the commissioning and maintenance engineer. The simpler tool is the laser test unit, a remarkably simple idea, and effective over a range of three metres. The more sophisticated remote programmer unit is similar in concept to the laser test unit, but with much increased functionality, including read/write the last maintenance date, read chamber contamination level and thermal element value, select alarm threshold, programme device address and instruct detector to latch into an alarm. The detector will only latch into alarm provided it passes an internal self-test programme carried out when the command is received.

The Series 300 is fully backwards compatible with the range of bases from System Sensor's previous generation of the conventional detectors, the Series 100. Upgrades and extensions to existing installations are a matter of plugging in an alternative detector to an existing base.

With the introduction of the Series 300, specifiers have a much better choice between conventional and analogue addressable systems in the small to mid-size installation, enabling many of the features of a full analogue addressable system to be provided in a lower cost conventional system.

Honeywell-TeqTrader is a comprehensive one-stop security solutions wholesaler supplying installation and system integration companies through a countrywide network of branches. Offering one of the widest product selections, Honeywell-TeqTrader also guarantees dedicated technical support and offers a program of regular certified training courses at all its branches.

For more information: Frank Fowles, Honeywell-Teqtrader (A division of Honeywell Southern Africa), 011 403 3002, [email protected], www.honeywell.com





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