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





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Miniature inductive sensors
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
The inductive IY/IZ type sensors from ifm are used in various industrial areas where space is limited.

Read more...
The expanding role of 3D cameras in industrial quality control
TANDM Technologies Sensors & Transducers
Across factory floors, warehouses, mines and research centres worldwide, computer vision paired with 3D camera technology is revolutionising quality control.

Read more...
PDS implementation on mines
Sensors & Transducers
Level 9 vehicle intervention for collision avoidance has been mandatory on South African mines since 2022, yet the effective roll-out of proximity detection systems remains slower than expected. This is not due to the technical limitations of integration but to operational readiness on site.

Read more...
Monitoring analogue process values
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Everywhere in industry, electronic sensors are used to detect process values such as temperature, pressure or flow. Process value monitoring often takes place directly in the sensor.

Read more...
Protecting buildings’ embodied carbon with retrofitted systems
Schneider Electric South Africa Sensors & Transducers
The World Economic Forum has said that around 80% of the buildings in existence will still be around in 2050; it is therefore essential that in order to combat climate change we retrofit them for energy efficiency.

Read more...
Listening for damage to wind turbines
Sensors & Transducers
The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits, working in concert with the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems, has developed a solution that can be used to identify cracks and breakage inside wind turbine blades remotely at an early stage.

Read more...
Enhancing gold leaching efficiency
Endress+Hauser South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Endress+Hauser offers a range of advanced technologies designed to enhance the stability and accuracy of pH and dissolved oxygen measurements on gold processing plants.

Read more...
Powering safer mining with PDS
Sensors & Transducers
With the mining industry under increasing pressure to prioritise safety without compromising productivity, Booyco Electronics is pushing the boundaries of Proximity Detection System and Collision Avoidance System technology across both underground and surface operations.

Read more...
The car of the future listens
Sensors & Transducers
The perception of external sounds in cars has been lacking, even in automated driving. That is why Fraunhofer IDMT-HSA is researching the integration of acoustic sensor technology in its KI4BoardNet project with the Hearing Car.

Read more...
High-performance LineScan camera
Sensors & Transducers
Lynred, a global leader in infrared imaging technologies, has launched its next-generation SWIR LineScan camera and sensor, specifically designed for the inspection of silicon wafers, solar panels and waste management.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved