Optimal fire protection requires the correct detection system
April 2001
Sensors & Transducers
Just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, an engineered fire alarm system is only as good as its detectors. For that reason Notifier takes a systems approach, integrating state-of-the-art detection and control technologies to create systems with a combination of stability and early warning capability unmatched in the fire protection industry.
Often traditional smoke detectors are required. As the technology leader with more than 50 years' experience, Notifier recognises that there is no one detector that suits all applications. Unique hazards and environmental conditions require different detectors. When special conditions exist, Notifier looks to their 'advanced detection systems'. By combining the right detectors and controls the company provides the right solution to unique detection problems.
The range of advanced detection systems from Notifier include:
* The VIEW (very intelligent early warning) laser smoke detector.
* HARSH (hostile area smoke head) for use in hostile environments where traditional smoke detectors cannot be used.
* AMS (advanced multisensor) combining photoelectric, ionisation and thermal detection technologies to eliminate the possibility of false alarms.
* The HAZARD, an intrinsically safe, intelligent photoelectric smoke detector for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
In addition to the company's range of advanced detectors, Notifier has a full range of traditional detectors. The applications and results of independent tests for the VIEW detector are detailed below.
The VIEW detector system is good for critical applications where even a trace of undetected smoke is unacceptable or where high airflows can make traditional smoke detectors inadequate. Applications for the VIEW detector include telephone exchanges, computer rooms, clean rooms in microprocessor manufacturing plants, hospitals, museums, archives and anywhere else where very early smoke detection is required. VIEW provides the very early warning, individual point annunciation, total supervision and simplified maintenance available only from hard-wired intelligent technology. VIEW uses a bright laser diode, combined with a special lens and mirror optics, to achieve a signal to noise ratio that is much higher than traditional photoelectric detectors. In addition the tightly focused beam, combined with AWACS algorithms, allow the system to differentiate between dust and smoke particles. Because of this differentiation, the VIEW detector can be set to high sensitivities, yet can reject false signals caused by airborne particles such as dust, lint and small insects.
Honeywell Home & Building Controls
(011) 805 1201
[email protected]
www.honeywell.co.za
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