Fire Alarms selection of detectors

Fire alarm information on the selection of Appropriate Automatic Detectors.

When putting together a fire alarm design, and considering the various options for fire detection, it is important that in order to avoid false alarms rate of rise heat detectors should not be
considered in areas subject to frequent temperature variations, such as in kitchens, boiler rooms and warehouses with large doors to open
air.

The fire code BS5839-1 recommends that the static response temperature of a heat detector should be a minimum of 29°C above the
maximum ambient temperature likely to be experienced for long
periods of time and 4°C above the maximum temperature likely
to be experienced for short periods of time.

Each type of conventional heat detector is manufactured to have
specific performance characteristics, which cannot be altered. Because analogue fire alarm systems are more sophisticated, only a single analogue heat detector is necessary, the characteristic of which can be programme to suit the relevant application requirements at the time of commissioning and can be adjusted later if required.