Fire Alarms and Fire detection – Beam detectors

Large indoor areas can present challenges for  fire alarm systems. Will Mason of Fire Systems Ltd will examine the role of optical beam smoke detection in protecting such spaces.

Large, wide indoor areas can present a challenge to traditional fire alarm systems: in order to provide effective fire detection over such spaces, complex networks of multiple overlapping fire detection sensors will be required. However, optical beam smoke detectors, on the other hand, are designed exactly for such situations – one single beam detector installed on a wall, so as to cover a distance of 100m, can detect smoke over an area of up to 1500m² (BS 5839-1). More coverage per beam detector means fewer smoke detectors, with associated reductions to the time and cost of installation and wiring, as well as a reduced aesthetic intrusion. Mounting on the vertical wall, as opposed to the horizontal ceiling, can allow more convenient access for fire alarm maintenance, and a low-level controller further speeds and eases the process. A space which might need as many as 15 smoke detectors could therefore be maintained from one single low-level controller, as opposed to organising height access to 15 different spots.

There is already a lively debate about the relative merits and drawbacks of different smoke detection fire alarm systems, with the main methods being point smoke detection, aspirating (sampling)/HSSD smoke detection, and beam smoke detection. A common theme is that beam detection may not be as reliable or trouble-free as other methods; however this is almost always due to incorrect or poor installation by the fire alarm installer. Beams, in fact, can be much more suitable for some situations than other detection systems, and this article will explain how to get the best from beams.

Fire alarm company Fire Systems Ltd, install all types of smoke detection and is a BAFE fire alarm installer. Whether it be a beam detection system or a wireless fire alarm system you can rely on fire systems to provide a good service and a quality fire alarm installation.