Fire suppression equipment is critical for ensuring safety in multiple industries, especially environmental monitoring, gas analysis, and non-contact temperature measurements. Detectors are an integral part of fire suppression systems as they enable the early detection of fires and trigger a specific response to reduce potential risks. In this blog post, we will explore the factors to consider when choosing detectors for fire suppression equipment to ensure optimal fire protection.

Fire suppression equipment describes a collection of solutions designed to put out a fire. This includes fire detectors, sensors, and extinguishing systems. Fire detectors come in different types, each designed to detect specific fire hazards. The four main types of fire detectors are flame, heat, smoke, and thermopile. Below we provide a brief overview.

Understanding Fire Suppression Equipment

Flame detectors

Flame detectors detect the radiation emitted by flames and can be infrared, ultraviolet, or a combination of both. They are commonly used in high-risk areas such as industrial facilities and fuel-loading areas.

Heat detectors

They are designed to detect an increase in temperature and are less prone to false alarms than smoke detectors. They are particularly useful in environments where smoldering fires are more likely to occur, such as storage areas or boiler rooms.

Smoke detectors

Available in two main types: ionization and photoelectric detectors. Ionization detectors are effective at detecting fast, flaming fires, while photoelectric detectors are better at detecting smoldering fires. Combining both types in dual-sensor alarms provides comprehensive fire detection capabilities.

What are Thermopile Detectors?

Thermopile detectors are passive radiation-sensing voltage-generating devices. They comprise several thermocouples arranged in a series that enables temperature measurement at a distance. The temperature is measured based on an object’s infrared energy and is conducted in a non-contact method.

Because of their multiple advantages, thermopile detectors are becoming an increasingly popular choice for use in fire suppression equipment. This includes reduced noise signal due to non-contact, fast response times, and reliable performance at extreme temperatures and in harsh environments.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Detectors

A wide range of detectors are available for fire suppression equipment, and several factors should be considered when selecting the most appropriate one for your application.

Environment and Application

Different settings, such as residential or commercial, may require specific types of detectors. Hazardous or sensitive areas, such as laboratories or healthcare facilities, may have unique fire detection requirements. In smaller areas, thermopile detectors such as Dexter’s ST60 is a highly suitable option.

Fire Detection Requirements

Response time and sensitivity levels are crucial factors. Consider the speed at which the detectors can detect fires and their sensitivity to different fire types to enhance safety levels. For superior fire detection and high sensitivity, the 1M thermopile is a solid choice.

Compatibility with Fire Suppression Systems

Ensure that the detectors can integrate seamlessly with the existing fire suppression equipment. Consider compatibility with communication protocols to enable efficient information exchange. This information should be clarified with the manufacturer you are considering working with.

Dexter Research Center

Dexter Research Center is a leading provider of detectors and sensors for fire suppression and detection, gas analysis, and temperature measurement. Or detectors are widely recognized for their sensitivity, accuracy, and durability, making them a trusted choice for various applications.

We manufacture a range of silicon-based and thin-film thermopile detectors that operate remotely and non-contact. Our detectors offer accurate temperature measurements without disturbing the subject, making them ideal for various industrial processes, medical procedures, and biomedical cultures.

The models used in fire suppression equipment include the 1M, 2M, and ST60 thermopiles, all of which come with high sensitivity and good signal-to-noise ratios.