A fire detector is an essential safety system in any building, both industrial and residential. Detection is the first step in activating an extinguishing maneuver.
That’s why in this article, we analyze the different types of fire detectors, what types exist, and the role they play in conjunction with other safety systems, such as fire curtains.
What systems are used to detect a fire?
There are basically three types of fire sensors:
- Smoke detectors
- Heat detectors
- Flame detectors
Along with each of these detectors, each system incorporates a fire alarm responsible for alerting about the fire.
Types of fire alarms and detectors
There are different types of fire detectors. Let’s break them down.
Smoke detectors
Smoke detectors can be divided into:
- Ionic detectors: These operate on an ionization principle and are very sensitive, even to invisible smoke. However, they do not work if the airflow exceeds 0.5 meters per second.
- Optical detectors: Smoke entering the detector interrupts the transmission of a light beam, triggering an alarm.
- Smoke optical barrier detectors or linear detectors: This system emits and receives infrared light. If the intensity of the infrared light beam decreases due to smoke, the alarm is triggered.
- Vacuum detectors: A network of pipes sucks in the air and analyzes the sample to check for smoke particles.
Heat detectors
Heat detectors can be of two types based on the sensor:
- Thermal detectors: These activate when the temperature rises above 68 ºC, and an internal element melts, making them late detectors.
- Thermovelocimetric detectors: They operate when the temperature rises rapidly, about 8 ºC per minute, regardless of the starting temperature.
Flame detectors
Flame detectors include a sensor, and depending on the type, they can be divided into three types:
- Infrared (IR) detectors
- Ultraviolet (UV) detectors
- Mixed detectors (IR/UV): These combine both sensors to reduce false alarms while improving sensitivity.
How to choose the best fire detector
The best fire detector is the one that detects the fire from the start and alerts quickly. In environments where smoke can only be synonymous with fire, a smoke detector is the best option as it activates even before combustion.
However, it is not always the most recommended option. A fire may occur without smoke, as in the case of the chemical industry. The same applies to places where smoke may be synonymous with a daily activity, such as kitchens or garages.
In these cases, a heat or flame detector is the best option, especially the thermovelocimetric detector or the one combining IR and UV.
Regulations for fire detectors
When discussing the regulation of non-industrial buildings, the fire detector follows the regulations of the Basic Fire Safety Document of the Technical Building Code (CTE).
However, for industrial buildings, the Fire Safety Regulations in Industrial Establishments must be taken into account.
In addition to these, UNE EN 54 and UNE 23007-14 standards must also be considered.
Fire detectors in fire curtain and smoke barrier systems
The fire detection system and fire alarm do not work separately from extinguishing or compartmentalization systems. Together, both can prevent the spread of a fire that has just begun. Hence the importance of having a complete fire protection system.
In the case of fire curtains or smoke control curtains, they activate once the automatic fire detectors trigger the alarm, preventing the fire from spreading to other areas.
If your residential or industrial building already has a fire detector, contact us to learn about the different ways to compartmentalize and prevent the spread of flames and smoke.