FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING

AKTU, LUCKNOW

RAR606 - Architectural Services - IV

FIRE DETECTION EQUIPMENTS - HEAT & SMOKE SENSORS.

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

SUBMITTED BY :
YUKTIKA GARG

RISHAB GAUTAM

TUSHAR SHARMA

PRATEEKSHA SINGH

SHAKTI

SAURABH

NUPUR

SHIVAM RAJPOOT

UTKARSH MISHRA

VIKASH KUMAR

YASH SINGHAL
FIRE DETECTORS

-YUKTIKA GARG
-SHUBHAM SARASWAT
FIRE DETECTION
▪ Fire detectors sense one or more of the products or phenomena resulting from fire, such
as smoke, heat, infrared and/or ultraviolet light radiation, or gas.
▪ In dwellings, smoke detectors are often stand-alone devices. In non-domestic buildings, fire detection will typically take the
form of a fire alarm system, incorporating one or more of the following automatic devices:

Fire detection
➢ Heat detector
➢ Smoke detector
➢ Flame detector Fire gas
➢ Fire gas detector Heat detector Smoke detector Flame detector
detector

WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF FIRE DETECTION DEVICE?

1. Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors utilize the smoke in the air to quickly detect fires. There are three subtypes
of smoke detectors:

• Photoelectric alarms: These alarms utilize a photoelectric sensor, which means it uses
a light beam to detect smoke. When smoke particles cross through the beam, the sensor
is set off.

• Ionization alarms: These are alarms that use a small amount of radioactive material to
keep an electric current running between two electrodes. When smoke enters the alarms,
this interrupts the ionization, resulting in the alarm going off. (You should note that
sometimes with ionization alarms false alarms can be triggered by things like humidity.)

• Combination alarms: These kinds of alarms use both of the technologies discussed Smoke Detectors
above in tandem, so both low- and high-energy fires can be detected.
2. Heat Detectors

• As the name implies, heat detectors are activated when the heat of a fire causes the
temperature around the detector to rise, triggering the alarm. They are often installed in areas
with a very consistent ambient temperature, as frequent temperature variations could
triggered false alarms..
3. Flame Detectors

Flame detecting sensors are designed to respond to the presence of a flame or fire, or the by-product
of a fire. There are three types of flame detectors:

• Optical Detectors : These detection devices use optical sensors to detect when flames are Heat Detectors
present
• UV Detectors : Flames give off UV radiation at the moment of ignition, which is what triggers UV
flame detectors – this method allows them to detect flames within four milliseconds. Some UV
detectors incorporate a three-second delay due to the potential for accidental triggers from things
such as lightening.
• IR (Infrared) Detectors : IR detectors use thermal imaging cameras to monitor the infrared
spectrum and trigger an alarm when it recognizes the specific patterns that hot gases, like carbon
dioxide, that are produced by a fire. The typical alert time for IR detectors is 3-5 seconds.

4. The Best Solution: Air Sampling Smoke Detectors Flame Detectors

• After looking at the previous three types of smoke detectors, there is one option that stands above the
rest: Air Sampling Smoke Detectors.
• These detectors are considered Very Early Warning Fire Detection Systems, which means they can
detect low energy fires before they can damage delicate equipment, like telecommunication devices and
servers.
• These smoke detectors use a more flexible system, relying on constantly sampling and testing particle
levels in the air of the protected space, setting warnings and alarms when the level of smoke particles
rises above the amount usually present in the area.
• A great example of an air sampling smoke detector is the Kidde Fenwal Aspirated Smoke Detector,
which is an AIR-Intelligence detector.
The Best Solution: Air Sampling Smoke Detectors
FIRE ALARM CONTROL PANELS
• The equipment is designed with ultra-sensitive smoke detection and digital voice command evacuation systems. These panels
can be used in a smaller building up to extensive and more complex networks for larger, high-rise buildings or multiple
buildings in a campus configuration.

• A fire alarm control panel (FACP), fire alarm control

unit (FACU), or simply fire alarm panel is the controlling
component of a fire alarm system.
• The panel receives information from devices designed to
detect and report fires, monitors their operational integrity
and provides for automatic control of equipment, and
transmission of information necessary to prepare the
facility for fire based on a predetermined sequence.
• The panel may also supply electrical energy to operate any
associated initiating device, notification appliance, control,
transmitter, or relay.
• There are four basic types of panels: coded panels,
conventional panels, addressable panels, and multiplex
systems.

INITIATING DEVICES

• Fire alarm pull stations, waterflow monitors, and sensor-

activated detectors initiate devices that activate an alarm
conditions.
• Traditional fire alarms were manually activated while
today’s technology allows for automatic sensing elements
to activate the alarm, minimizing false alarms.
• These more sophisticated smart devices are more
common in modern buildings and have saved many lives. Fire Alarm Pull Stations Sensor-activated Detectors Waterflow Monitors
SELECTION OF FIRE DETECTORS
• Basic table for describing the selection of the fire detectors.
LOCATION AND SPACING OF POINT FIRE DETECTORS ON FLAT CEILINGS

• On a flat ceiling with no obstructions, the radius of

protection of fire detectors is 7.5m for a smoke detector
and 5.3m for a heat detector, and detectors should be
mounted a minimum of 0.5m from a wall.

• Some analogue multi-criteria detectors have a heat

sensor only function, switched by the control panel,
typically used to reduce the possibility of false alarms
during daytime when a building is occupied, reverting
to multi-sensor operation at night time.

• If this type of operation is employed, the radius of

protection for a heat sensor should be used.

• Figure gives a simple spacing plan based on these

figures, however it should be noted that this might not
be the most efficient layout for a given site; for example
in larger areas, it is also possible to use a staggered
layout, see figure 21, which may reduce the number of
detectors required. Alternate smoke detector spacing plan for
protecting large areas
• In practice, the layout of the room must be considered
to obtain the most efficient detector layout.
LOCATION AND SPACING OF AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTORS

• It is important to consult applicable local and national standards when choosing the spacing and location of fire detectors. The
following information is intended only as a guide to the location and spacing of detectors.

Simple spacing plans for smoke and heat detectors

CEILING HEIGHT
• Smoke or heat detectors can only detect fires once a certain amount of smoke or heat
has reached the sensor.

• As the height of a ceiling increases, the time taken for smoke or heat to reach a sensor
will increase, and it will become diluted with clean, cool air. As a result, maximum ceiling
heights are limited as indicated in figure below.

• Often, a boundary layer can form close to the ceiling, which is free of smoke and remains
cool.

• To avoid this, and maximise the probability of detection, smoke detectors should normally
be mounted with their smoke entry 25mm-600mm below the ceiling, and heat detectors
should be mounted with their heat element 25mm-150mm below the ceiling.

• Detector design normally ensures that the minimum requirement is met, but care needs
to be taken if the detectors are to be stood away from the roof, for example mounting on
an open lattice suspended ceiling.

• Another problem that should be considered is the possibility of stratification of the air in a
room into hot and cold layers, causing the smoke or heat to stop at the boundaries.

• This particularly affects high rooms or atria, where beam detectors are often used. Maximum ceiling height for
different types of detector
• Stratification is very difficult to predict, and can vary, even within the same room as
environmental conditions change.
CEILING OBSTRUCTIONS

• Ceiling obstructions such as beams greater than

10% of the ceiling height should be treated as a
wall, and will thus divide a room. Detectors should
not be mounted within 500mm of such an
obstruction.

• If the depth of an obstruction such as a beam is

less than 10% of the height of the ceiling, but
greater than 250mm deep, then detectors should
not be mounted any closer than 500mm to the
obstruction.

• Where an obstruction such as a beam or a light

fitting is less than 250mm in depth, detectors
should not be mounted any closer to the
obstruction than twice its depth (see figure ) Where
a ceiling comprises a series of small cells, for
example a honeycomb ceiling, or a series of
closely spaced beams, for example floor of ceiling
joists, the recommended spacing and siting of
detectors changes further, dependant on the
ceiling height and the depth and spacing of the
beams.
PARTITIONS AND RACKING
• Where the gap between the top of a partition or section of racking and the ceiling is greater than 300mm, it may be ignored. If
the gap is less than 300mm it should be treated as a wall.

• To maintain a free flow of smoke and heat to the detector, a clear space should be maintained for 500mm in all directions
below the detector.
• In corridors less than 2m wide, detectors should be spaced at a distance of 15m for smoke detectors and 10.6m for heat
detectors, with the maximum dimension to a wall at the end of the corridor being 7.5m and 5.3m respectively.

• In narrow rooms and corridors greater than 2m wide, due to the way that the coverage radii of detectors intersect with the
walls of the corridor, the spacing between detectors will increase. Figure shows how, for a room 6m wide, the spacing for
smoke detectors can be increased from the standard 10.5m.

Spacing of smoke detectors under a pitched roof

Smoke detector spacing in corridors greater than 2m wide
SLOPING CEILINGS
• Where the ceiling is pitched or sloping, the slope of the roof tends to
speed the rise of smoke or heat to the apex, hence reducing the delay
before the detectors are triggered.

• For sloped roofs with a pitch height greater than 600mm for smoke
detectors, or 150mm for heat detectors, a row of detectors should be
placed within a maximum vertical distance of 600mm or 150mm for
smoke or heat detectors respectively from the roof apex.

• Sloped roofs rising less than 600mm for smoke detectors or 150mm
for heat detectors may be treated as a flat ceiling.

• Since the smoke or heat tends to rise faster up the slope, it is

permissible to use a greater spacing for the row of detectors mounted
in the apex of the roof: For each degree of slope of the roof, the
spacing may be increased by 1% up to a maximum of 25%.

• Where, as in figure 24, the roof slopes are unequal the spacing down
the slopes can be unequal, however along the roof apex spacing the
lesser of the two figures should be used, in this example 10.5m +18%.

• Where the slope finishes within the adjusted detection radius, the
standard distance to the next row of detectors, 10.5m, should be
used.
Spacing of smoke detectors under a
pitched roof
• Care must be taken when placing the next row that no gaps are left in
detection coverage.
STAIRWELLS AND LIFT SHAFTS

• Internal stairwells and lift shafts and other vertical service ducts
through a building provide a clear path for smoke to pass between
floors of a building as if they were chimneys.

• It is therefore important to protect these, preferably using smoke

detectors.
• All vertical shafts through a building must be protected by a smoke or
heat detector at the top of the shaft, and by a detector within 1.5m of
each opening onto the shaft.

• In internal stairways, a detector should be mounted on each main

landing (Figure). In addition, if the detectors on the landings are
separated by more than 10.5m, intermediate detectors should be
mounted on the underside of the stairs.
• Detectors should also be fitted into any room opening directly onto a
stairway other than a WC cubicle.

Detector in stairwells
VOIDS AND FALSE CEILINGS

• Detectors need not normally be installed in voids less than 800mm deep,
unless on the basis of a fire risk assessment it is thought that fire or smoke
could spread extensively through the voids before detection, or unless the fire
risk in the void is such as to warrant protection.

• Use of heat and smoke detectors in voids greater than 800mm high is
dependent on the protection category, and fire risk assessment.

• Where they are installed into voids, a detector's sensing element should be
mounted either in the top 10% or the top 125mm of the void space whichever
is greater.

• Although it can be difficult to install detectors the correct way up in void

spaces, care should be taken as incorrect orientation of a detector can lead to
increased ingress of dirt and dust, leading to reduced maintenance intervals,
and possible nuisance alarms.

• Detectors above a false ceiling may be used to protect the area below it, if the
false ceiling is perforated uniformly across the complete area of the ceiling,
with the holes making up over 40% of the ceiling surface area, having a
minimum size of 10mm and the false ceiling having a thickness of less than
three times the dimensions of the perforations. Protection of vertical shafts

• In all other cases, the areas above and below a false ceiling should be treated
as separate, and thus should be protected separately with detectors below the
ceiling, and if necessary in the void above the ceiling.
LANTERN LIGHTS
• A detector should be mounted in any lantern light used for ventilation or having a height exceeding 800mm.
• The temperature in lantern lights can change rapidly owing to heating by sunlight, which means that rate-of-rise heat
detectors should not be used and heat detectors should be protected from direct sunlight.

LOCATION AND SPACING OF OPTICAL BEAM DETECTORS

• Generally, for an optical beam detector mounted within 600mm of a ceiling, the fire detection coverage is up to 7.5m either
side of the beam (Figure ).
• The beam of the detector should not be closer than 500mm to any obstruction.
• Similar recommendations to above apply to the application of beam detectors with sloped ceilings, voids, false ceilings, walls
and partitions and ceiling obstructions.
• Where it is likely that people will be present in an area protected by beam detectors, the detectors must be mounted at a
minimum height of 2.7m, and consideration must also be given to the possibility of other temporary obstructions to the beam
such as forklift trucks.
• For further information on the use and mounting of beam detectors, see Beam Detector Guide.

Smoke detector spacing in corridors greater than 2m wide

ALARM SIGNALS
AUDIBLE ALARM SIGNALS
VISUAL ALARM SIGNALS

• Visual alarms are required in order to satisfy the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) as well as being used in areas of high
background noise where hearing protection is likely to be worn.
• Just as audible alarms should be placed throughout all accessible areas of a building, visual alarms should be placed such that
they can be seen in order to alert the hearing impaired.
• Visual alarms should be clearly distinguishable from other warning lights, preferably red and should flash at a rate of 30 to 130
flashes per minute.
• The recommended mounting height is above 2.1m, however they should not be mounted closer than 150mm from the ceiling.
• They should be positioned so that any alarm is clearly visible from all locations within the area protected.
MAINTENANCE OF FIRE DETECTORS

• Caution: Prior to carrying out any maintenance or testing on a fire alarm system, the relevant authorities and staff should be
notified.

• Over time, the sensitivity of a smoke detector can change owing to a build-up of dirt in the detector chamber.

• In most modern detectors this effect is slowed by the inclusion of drift compensation functions, however the build up can still
lead to a risk of false alarms or change in the detector sensitivity.

• The frequency of maintenance requirements on a detector will depend on site conditions, obviously the dirtier the site the more
frequent maintenance will be required.

• The optimum frequency for a given site should be determined over a period of time after the commissioning of the fire system.

• Some detectors (smoke, heat, or multi-criteria) are designed such that they can be easily dismantled for maintenance.

• Normally it is sufficient to use compressed air or a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the detector chamber.

• Once maintenance on a fire detection system has been completed, it should be re-tested.
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
HEAT DETECTORS

-RISHABH GAUTAM
HEAT DETECTION
• Oldest type of automatic fire detection.
• They have the lowest false alarm rate but they are slow in response.
• They can’t differentiate between heat of fire and that of furnace.
• Used in confined place where rapid fire is expected or in places where
other methods fail.

Heat
Detection

Fixed
temperature Rate of rise
type type
FIXED TEMPERATURE HEAT DETECTORS
• Detectors are designed to alarm when the temperature of the operating
elements reaches a specific predefined air temperature.
• They cover a wide range of temperature
• Types of fixed temperature heat detectors:
❖ Electro-mechanical heat detectors- Contains a bi-metallic strip as a part of
electric circuit, that completes the circuit when a particular temperature is
reached.
❖ Fusible link type- An eutectic alloy is used, which is fixed on a spring. It
changes from solid to liquid at a particular temperature and acts as a
solder.
> This enables the spring to release & actuate alarm.
❖ Opto-mechanical type- Modern variation of electro-mechanical
type.
>It contain one or more fiber optic cables separated by a heat
sensitive insulator.
> A focused light signal is passed through the fiber optic cable.
When exposed to heat, the heat sensitive insulator changes state
discontinuation of the focused light signal. has the effect of
> This actuates the alarm.
RATE OF RISE HEAT DETECTOR
• As an effect of flaming fire the air temperature rises rapidly
• The detector functions when the rate of rise in air temperature exceeds a
preset value; generally (12-15)F/minute.
• Rate-of-rise detectors are designed to compensate for the normal changes
in ambient temperature that are expected under non-fire conditions.
ELECTRO-PNEUMATIC TYPE HEAT DETECTOR
•It’s a rise-of-rate type heat detector.

•Electro-pneumatic heat detectors comprise a controlled vented

chamber containing a diaphragm that moves due to a pressure
differential according to the rate of change of the ambient
temperature.

•When the ambient temperature changes faster than the calibrated

rate which the vent has been designed to release, the diaphragm
moves sufficiently to create an electrical circuit to indicate an alarm.

•Electro-pneumatic heat detectors operates at a range of

temperatures because they respond to the rate of change in
temperature, not at a fixed temperature only.
OTHER DETECTION METHODS
• Air aspirating system - It draws air draws an air sample into the
detection chamber, via the pipe network.
1.The sample is analyzed for the existence of smoke, and then returned to
atmosphere.
2.If smoke is present in the sample, it is detected and an alarm signal is
transmitted to the main fire alarm control pane

• Gas Sensors - New systems are being developed that can analyze
the concentration of particular type of gases like- CO, CO2
> When the concentration exceeds a limit the alarm is triggered.
HEAT DETECTOR PROS AND CONS
• Heat detectors function best in fires that involve high flames, intense heat and little
initial smoke.
• Heat detectors also provide a more reliable fire detection device in dusty or dirty
environments in which false alarms can be triggered on smoke detectors.
• They are also typically used to trigger sprinkler systems due to their low incidence
of false alarms in comparison to smoke detectors.
• Heat detectors, however, fall short in fires involving heavy smoke but little initial
heat, such as in the case of damp fires or smoldering fires.

Where to Install Heat Detectors ?

Install heat detectors in areas posing a higher likelihood of high flames and intense
heat, such as in garages or sheds where fuels and other flammable chemicals may be
stored. Heat detectors also should be installed in high-ceiling areas where smoke may
not trigger smoke alarms.
SMOKE DETECTORS

-TUSHAR SHARMA
INTRODUCTION
Smoke detectors serve the purpose of early detection, notification, and reaction. Some detectors
are also used to activate mechanical or electrical systems, such as dampers, doors, and
electronic shutdown.

Smoke Detector Smoke Detector Installed on ceiling

Smoke detectors have evolved into two principal types of devices:

▪ A detector that provides early detection and reports back to an alarm panel to initiate
evacuation alarms
▪ A detector that provides some type of signal to initiate one of the actions discussed above.
DEFINITION
Smoke Detector — Alarminitiating device designed to actuate when visible or invisible products of
combustion (other than fire gases) are present in the room or space where the unit is installed.

Smoke detection is the preferred

automatic alarm device in such
occupancy types as residences and
health and institutional care facilities
because smoke detectors sense the
presence of a fire much more quickly
than heat-detection devices. Because of
the dangers of toxic fire gases, an early
warning can mean the difference between
a safe escape and no escape at all.

Smoke Detector beeps red in alarming condition

Many factors affect the performance of smoke detectors, including:
▪ Type and amount of combustibles
▪ Rate of fire growth
▪ Proximity of the detector to the fire
▪ Ventilation within the area involved

Types of smoke
detectors

Photoelectric Ionization smoke Aspirating smoke Video based

smoke detector detector detector smoke detector

Smoke detectors and smoke alarms are tested, certified, and listed based on their performance
by third-party testing services. Regardless of their principle of operation, all smoke detectors
are required to respond to the same fire tests. Two basic methods of smoke detection are in
use: photoelectric and ionization. The allowable sensitivity ranges for both types of smoke
detectors are established by UL. The following sections also describe duct and video based
detectors.
PHOTOELECTRIC SMOKE
DETECTORS
-PRATEEKSHA SINGH
PHOTOELECTRIC SMOKE DETECTOR
• Photoelectric smoke detectors are designed to sense smoke by utilizing these effects of smoke
on light.
• Photoelectric smoke alarms are generally more responsive to fires that begin with a long period
of smoldering (called “smoldering fires”)
• Employ light sensitivity sensor to decipher the presence of smoke.
• The light is continually positioned at a 90 degree angle.
• When the presence of smoke agitates and scatters the light in a photoelectric alarm's chamber,
the detector initiates its alarm sequence.
• Work best in detecting fires characterized by their slow/smoldering properties
• Reduced number of false alarms triggered by cooking/shower steam.
• Photoelectric smoke detection is best suited for areas containing overstuffed furniture and
other areas where smoldering fires can occur.
TYPES

Projected-beam Application Refractory application

(Obscuration) (scattered)
Projected-beam Application (Obscuration)
• The projected-beam application style of photoelectric
detector uses a beam of light focused across the area
being monitored onto a photoelectric-receiving device
such as a photodiode.
• The cell constantly converts the beam into current,
which keeps a switch open.
• When smoke interferes with or obscures the light beam,
the amount of current produced is lessened.
• The detector’s circuitry senses the change in current,
and initiates an alarm when a current change threshold
is crossed
• Projected-beam application smoke detectors are
particularly useful in buildings where a large area of
coverage is desired, such as in churches, atriums, or
warehouses.
• Rather than wait for smoke particles to collect at the top
of an open area and sound an alarm, the projected-
beam application smoke detector is strategically
positioned to sound an alarm more quickly.
Refractory application (scattered)
• A refractory application
photoelectric smoke detector
uses a beam of light from a light-
emitting diode (LED) that passes
through a small chamber at a
point distant from the light
source.
• Normally, the light does not strike
the photocell or photodiode.
• When smoke particles enter the
light beam, light strikes the
particles and reflects in random
directions onto the photosensitive
device, causing the detector to
generate an alarm signal
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES
•Ideal for detecting dense •Sensitive to dust particles
smoke and insects, meaning that
regular maintenance is
•Less prone to false alarms needed
from cooking fumes or
shower steam •Expensive to maintain
•Do not contain radioactive •Require more current to
materials, making them operate (they are typically
safer for use wired to a 110-volt power
source
•Suitable for general use
IONIZATION SMOKE DETECTORS

-TUSHAR SHARMA
INTRODUCTION
An ionization smoke detector contains a sensing chamber consisting of two electrically charged
plates (one positive and one negative) and a radioactive source for ionizing the air between the
plates. A small amount of Americium 241 that is adjacent to the opening of the chamber ionizes the
air particles as they enter. The ionized particles free electrons from the negative electron plate and
the electrons travel to the positive plate .Thus, a small ionization current measurable by electronic
circuitry flows between the two plates.

Ionization smoke detector Ionization smoke detector circuit

Products of combustion, which are much larger than the ionized air molecules, enter the chamber and
collide with the ionized air molecules. As the two interact, they combine and the total number of
ionized particles is reduced. This action results in a decrease in the chamber current between the
plates. When a predetermined threshold current is crossed, an alarm is initiated .
Changes in humidity and atmospheric pressure in the room can cause an ionization detector to malfunction and
initiate a nuisance alarm. To compensate for the possible effects of humidity and pressure changes, a dual-
chamber ionization detector that uses two ionization chambers has been developed and may be found in many
jurisdictions. One chamber senses particulate matter, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. The other chamber is
a reference chamber that is partially closed to outside air and affected only by humidity and atmospheric
pressure. Both chambers are monitored electronically and their outputs are compared. When the humidity or
atmospheric pressure changes, both chambers respond equally to the change, but remain balanced. When
particles of combustion enter the sensing chamber, its current decreases while the reference chamber remains
unchanged. The imbalance in current is detected electronically and an alarm is initiated.

An ionization smoke detector works satisfactorily on all types of fires, although it generally
responds more quickly to flaming fires than photoelectric smoke detectors. The ionization detector
is an automatic resetting type and is best suited for rooms that contain highly combustible
materials, such as the following:
▪ Cooking fat/grease
▪ Flammable liquids
▪ Newspapers
▪ Paint
▪ Cleaning solutions
WORKING
An air-sampling smoke detector is a type of
ionization detector that is designed to
continuously monitor a small amount of air
from the protected area for the presence of
smoke particles. There are two basic types of
air-sampling smoke detectors. The most
common one is the cloud-chamber type . This
detector uses a small air pump to draw
sample air into a high humidity chamber
within the detector. The detector then imparts
the high humidity to the sample and lowers
the pressure in the test chamber. Moisture
condenses on any smoke particles in the test
chamber, which creates a cloud inside the
chamber. The detector triggers an alarm
signal when the density of this cloud exceeds
a predetermined level.
The second type of air-sampling smoke
detector is composed of a system of pipes
spread over the ceiling of the protected area .
A fan in the detector/controller unit draws air
from the building through the pipes. The air is
then sampled using a photoelectric sensor.
ASPIRATING SMOKE DETECTORS

-SHAKTI SINGH
ASPIRATING SMOKE DETECTION
• An aspirating smoke detector (ASD), also called an air sampling smoke detector, will typically detect smoke
before that is invisible to the naked eye by recognizing the light scattered by the smoke particles in the
sampling chamber.
• Aspirating smoke detectors continuously draw air samples from the areas requiring protection and evaluate
them for the presence of smoke.
• They ensure reliable fire detection in demanding application areas, where earliest possible fire detection is
essential
COMPONENTS OF AN ASPIRATING SMOKE DETECTOR

• A sensing chamber with a high sensitivity sensor to detect

smoke particles suspended in air
• An aspirator or fan to draw air from the protected area to
the sensing chamber
• An optional filter to remove all large particles that may
damage the sensor within the sensing chamber

Sampling Pipe Network Types

TYPES
Laser-Based Systems (Filtered) –
• This method utilizes a laser as the light source within the
detection chamber.
• First, the air passes through a filter system to remove all large
particles. The filtered air sample then passes in front of the laser,
and the light scatter caused by the smoke particulates is
measured by a photo collector.
• The detector’s sophisticated electronics determine the quantity
of smoke particles within the chamber.
Laser-Based Systems (Non-Filtered) –
• This method, commonly referred to as “particle counting,”
also utilizes a laser as a light source in the detection
chamber.
• In this configuration, the air is sent directly to the sensing
chamber instead of passing through a filter.
• As the air passes in front of the laser, a photo collector
counts the number of particles within the specified micron
size to determine if sufficient smoke particulates are
present.
• The laser technology’s sophisticated electronics differentiate
between suspended dust particles and smoke particles
within the sample.
Cloud Chamber –
• This method is the oldest and original aspirating technology.
• The sensing element is a sealed chamber containing
extremely dense water vapor.
• When a charged smoke particle interacts with the dense water
vapor, the particle is ionized.
• The resulting ions act as condensation nuclei around which a
mist will form (because the original water vapor is extremely
dense and on the verge of condensation).
• This process amplifies the size of the particulate from
something that was below the wavelength of light (invisible) to
a size far above the wavelength of light (visible).
• The particulate will then be sufficiently sized and the photo cell
inside the chamber will detect the mist/smoke particulates.
Dual Source Sensor –
• This method utilizes a blue LED to detect extremely low
concentrations of smoke and an infrared laser to identify
nuisances like dust that can cause false alarms.
• Advanced algorithms interpret signals from both sources to
determine if the sample is smoke or dust suspended in the
air.
• Detected particulate levels could be as low as 0.00046%
per foot (0.0015% per meter) obscuration
VIDEO BASED SMOKE
DETECTORS
-TUSHAR SHARMA
WHAT IS VIDEO IMAGE SMOKE DETECTION?
Video image smoke and fire detection (VISD) consists of a digital video camera coupled
with a computer running video analytic software which can recognize smoke and fire in
the image. VISD systems can monitor large volumes to look for visible indications of a
fire.

VIDEO IMAGE SMOKE DETECTION

WHAT DOES THE FIRE ALARM CODE SAY

ABOUT USING VISD? SMOKE DETECTED BY THE VIDEO

▪ NFPA 72 recognizes both video image smoke and flame detection.

▪ System hardware and software components must be UL listed as a smoke detector.
▪ It must be installed under a performance based design.
▪ Refer to manufacturer's installation and performance information to achieve an
engineered design based on the specific product being applied to the protected
space .
▪ Systems must be secured from unauthorized changes.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON APPLICATIONS FOR VISD?
▪ Using this technology makes the most sense in large volume spaces,
typically with a minimum ceiling height of 15 feet. It’s also typically
applied when protecting high value assets, whether it’s a process, a
piece of equipment that's expensive or some sort of space that has a
high value per square foot and must be monitored via video.
▪ FM Global's loss prevention data sheet on automatic fire detection gives
us places where video image smoke detectors are appropriate:
▪ OUTDOOR SPACES ▪ INDOOR LOCATIONS
▪ Oil Rigs ▪ Industrial Plants
▪ Large Boilers & Other Pressure Vessel
▪ Oil Fields Protection
▪ Mining Operations ▪ Power Plant Steam Turbines
▪ Forestry Service ▪ Power Generation Facilities
▪ Clean or Chemical Rooms
▪ Warehouses
▪ Freezer Warehouses
▪ Testing Facilities
▪ VISD can be used to protect testing
equipment and processes like
dynamometers where they can be
programmed to release CO2 when
VISD COMPUTER smoke or fire is detected.
HOW DOES VISD WORK?
Most of the systems available on the marketplace today use a central processor type arrangement
where they use standard digital video cameras networked together in a group and bring their
images into a computer (also known as a digital signal processor) with video analytic software. The
digital images from the cameras come into the computer where it determines if the images have
any visible indications of the fire. If the computers conclude the visual signature of smoke or fire is
present, information is sent through a connection to the fire alarm system.
They utilize a volume detection technique as opposed to an area detection technique like what spot
smoke detectors may use. Through the use of different types of lenses, these cameras are capable
of monitoring vast spaces or be honed in to target specific areas.
These camera systems analyze each frame of video multiple times per second, which makes them
very early warning detection devices with detection speeds rivaling air sampling. They constantly
analyze the data coming in from the video camera system to detect smoke. The cameras look at
each pixel in the image over time and as the image becomes less crisp and sections of pixels
become fuzzy, it further processes the images to look for movement of those fuzzy pixels in a way it
recognizes to be smoke.
VISD systems are trained on thousands of fires at the manufacturer's testing facility before they are
made available to the marketplace. They’re trained on fires, both smoky and flaming until they
“understand” the pixel signature of smoke.
It’s slightly different for fire. Again, the camera is analyzing those pixels for change over time and
they're looking for pixels that become brighter or have a change in luminosity. Once the camera
system sees pixels that become brighter, it starts to process further for the flicker rate. Since it's
been trained on thousands of fires, it knows what the flicker rate of a fire looks like. When it sees
pixels that get brighter and have the correct flicker rate over a certain amount of time, it identifies
it as fire and locks in sending a latching alarm to our fire alarm panel.
SPECIAL APPLICATIONS - FIRE SENSORS DETECTION

▪ Special protective housings allow us to put these cameras in corrosive,

chemical or explosive environments.
▪ Heated camera housings can be used for very cold environments.

VISD DETECTED FIRE FIRE DETECTION BY VISD

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF USING A VISD SYSTEM?

▪ Monitor Large Volume Spaces

▪ Very Fast Detection Method

▪ Provides Situational Awareness

▪ Continuous Video Recording Allows for Post Event Analysis

▪ Differentiate Between Different Types of Fumes

▪ Triangulate the Location of a Fire

▪ Program machines to ignore specific areas to prevent nuisance alarms

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION

-SAURABH
INTRODUCTION:-

• A fire alarm system warns people when smoke, fire, carbon monoxide or other fire-related
emergencies are detected.

• These alarms may be activated automatically from smoke detectors, and heat detectors or
may also be activated via manual fire alarm activation devices such as manual call points or
pull stations.

• Fire Alarm System is designed to alert us to an emergency so that we can take action to protect
ourselves, staff and the general public.

• Fire alarms are found in Offices, Factories, and public buildings, they are a part of our everyday
routine but are often overlooked until there is an emergency at which point, they might just save
our lives.
• Whatever the method of detection is, if the alarm is
triggered, sounders will operate to warn people in the
building that there may be a fire and to evacuate.

• The fire alarm system may also incorporate a remote signal

system which could then alert the fire brigade via a central
station.

• The “Brain” of the fire detector system is the Fire Alarm

Control Panel. It is the central hub for all of the detector
signals to be wired to and provides a status indication to the
users.
INTRODUCTION:-

➢ Fire alarm system is installed for protection of life, property and

mission. In order to a fire alarm system to be useful, it must be
able to perform these functions:-

• Detect the presence of a fire.

• Notify the occupants.
• Notify the fire department

➢ Fire alarm systems provide notification of fire emergencies.

• Survival depends on time from recognition to evacuation.

➢ Some systems can send signals in addition to occupant

notification.

• To locations where trained staff receive and act

• To other fire and life safety systems

Three Main System Components Of Systems

Initiating Device Notification Device Control Panel

Initiating Device :-

➢ Manual Initiating Device:-

• Manual devices are ones that must be / can be activated manually by a person when
they witness a fire emergency. This of course, refers to a manual pull station.
• Manual fire alarm box is the only kind (manual box, manual pull box, manual pull
station).
• A person pulls a handle to activate the alarm.
• Device must be accessible and visible.

➢ Automatic Initiating Device:-

• Automatic devices are those that are triggered automatically by the right conditions
these include:-
• Smoke detectors
• Fire sprinkler water flow switches
• Heat detectors

• Among automatic initiating devices, there are spot type devices and linear type devices.

• Spot type devices are detectors that focus solely on their area where they have been
installed, while linear types have a method of detection that covers a wide area of space
but communicates to a single control unit. A standard Ionization smoke alarm is an
example of a spot type, while a Light-obscuration photoelectric smoke detector is an
example of a linear type.
Notification Device :-

• Notifying occupants is the most important function of the fire alarm system.
– Many different notification appliances are used.
– System type and device location depend on multiple factors.

Audible appliances Visible appliances Combination appliances

❖ Produce flashing lights seen when the fire
❖ Horns alarm system activates ❖ Audible and visible devices
❖ Speakers ❖ Necessary in case audible alarms are not combined to originate from
❖ Bells heard a single appliance
❖ Chimes, Buzzers, Sirens, ❖ Required by adopted building, fire ❖ Combinations: Horn/strobe,
Piezos accessibility, and life safety codes ❖ Speaker/stroke,
❖ Exit-marking audible ❖ Installed in public/common areas, Bell/flashing incandescent
❖ notification appliances employee work areas, high-ambient- lamp
noise-level areas, sleeping rooms in
institutional/residential occupancies
Control Panel :-

The Panel receives information from devices designed to detect and report fires, monitors their operational integrity and
provides for automatic control of equipment, and transmission of information necessary to prepare the facility for fire based on
a predetermined sequence.
There are some types of control panel used from Older to Modern:-

➢ Older systems used conventional ➢ Next generation of panels featured: ➢ Today’s panels use:
technology to link manual fire
alarm boxes and bells. • Smaller electronic components • State-of-the-art electronics
• 2-wire circuits • Logic or circuit relays • Microprocessors
• A break in a wire could down entire • Two- and four-wire circuits • Intelligent software
system • Expanded performance and monitoring
ADDRESSABLE FIRE – ALARM
SYSTEM

-NUPUR
ADDRESSABLE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
▪ An addressable fire alarm system is one in which all fire and smoke detection devices in a system are connected and
communicate both with each other and a central control monitoring location.
▪ The interconnectivity of devices allows the control personnel to identify the location or “address” where the initial detection
occurred.
▪ The information directs the emergency response team to pinpoint their efforts immediately to the precise location of the
developing problem.
▪ It represent the current state-of-the-art in fire detection and alarm technology.
▪ Each intelligent fire alarm system is a small computer overseeing and operating a series of input and output devices.
COMPONENTS OF ADDRESSABLE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

Typical initiating devices on an addressable system include:

•Heat detectors
•Smoke detectors
•Manual pull stations
•Sprinkler system inputs
•Standard pressure and flow control switches
Output devices on an addressable system include:
•Audible warning relays
•Door control relays
•Auxiliary function control
These components of an addressable fire alarm system control a range
of functions including:
•Opening or closing doors
•Turning fans off or on
•Activating notification appliances
•Initiating fire suppression systems
•Elevator recall to the designated floor
•activating or communicating with additional fire alarm control panels
WORKING OF ADDRESSABLE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

▪ Each detection and notification device is connected to each

other.
▪ Moreover, each device is connected directly to the central
addressable fire alarm control panel which is continually
sending messages to check on the functionality of each
instrument.
▪ In response, each element sends back a report that informs
the control panel of its current health.
▪ If for any reason a device does not respond, the control panel
indicates a problem at that particular address.
▪ Authorized technicians from the fire alarm maintenance
company can immediately proceed to the location, fix or
replace the problem device, and the issue is solved.
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF ADDRESSABLE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
▪ Cost effective for larger applications. ▪ Cost, not as competitively priced for smaller applications.
▪ The location of a fire condition is detected and recorded ▪ Typically with an intelligent panel, your peripheral
at each individual device, identifying exactly where the devices (i.e. smoke detectors, etc…) tend to be more
fire is occurring. This will improve response time for expensive than conventional devices.
emergency responders.
▪ This panel is computer like and at times there may be
▪ Lower ongoing service cost, because when a device issues caused by the firmware (panel
goes into trouble (i.e. needs cleaning, repair or software). However, this is not common and the
replacement), the panel will tell you the exact location of advantages of intelligent panel far outweigh any of these
the device needing service. firmware issues.
▪ Online capabilities: New intelligent panels have the
capability to provide detailed online notification of
alarm/trouble/supervisory events.
APPLICATION OF ADDRESSABLE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

▪ Industrial/ Non Industrial Buildings

▪ Institutional Buildings
▪ Residential Apartments
▪ Hotel & Hospitals
▪ All Industries
▪ Mall & Multi Storied Complexes
▪ Offices & Control Rooms
CONVENTIONAL FIRE – ALARM
SYSTEM

-UTKARSH MISHRA
CONVENTIONAL
SYSTEM-
The main bone of this system is the Circuit board. The single circuit board contains
power supply, control, and initiating and notification circuitry.
Designated outputs occur when initiating signals are received.
This system is not expensive but not addressed beside it is a wired System.
The conventional fire alarm systems have many features
1. Two state Detector (Normal state, alarm state),
2. Two wire connection,
3. Separate indicator in the main fire alarm panel,
4. Smoke detector, and Heat Detector,
5. Manual Break Glass can share the same circuit as
6. detectors,
7. Removal of any detector shall not prevent from
8. the operating of any break glass(on/Off) Example: Sounder Module, Switching
9. On/Off Relays,
10. Interface module is a device that is used to
11. interface the conventional alarm system and the
12. addressable system
PRINCIPLE OF WORKING-
A conventional fire alarm system normally consists of a control panel
linked to a number of lines of fire detectors and manual call points,
normally called detection zones, and a number of sounder or alarm
circuits.
control panel –
“The control panel drives the detection zones and sounder circuits,
provides LED indications of fire, fault or normal conditions and
contains switches to allow the sounders to be activated or silenced and
the detectors to reset following an alarm. The control panel is powered
from the mains (230VAC) and will contain back-up batteries to allow the
system to function for
WORKING OF CONVENTIONAL
FIRE SYSTEMS

In a conventional alarm system, all alarm initiating and signaling is accomplished by

the system's hardware which includes multiple sets of wire, various closing and
opening relays, and assorted diodes.
Because of this arrangement, these systems are actually monitoring and controlling
circuits, and not individual devices
Conventional or "point wired" fire detection and alarm systems were for many years the
standard method for providing emergency signaling.
In a conventional system one or more circuits are routed through the protected space
or building.
Along each circuit, one or more detection devices are placed.
Selection and placement of these detectors is dependent upon a variety of factors
including the need for automatic or manual initiation, ambient temperature and
environmental conditions,
the anticipated type of fire, and the desired speed of response. One or more device
types are commonly located along a circuit to address a variety of needs and concerns.
ADVANTAGES OF CONVENTI O NA L FIRE D ISA D V A NTA GES OF C ONV ENTI O N A L
A LA R M SY STEMS : FIR E A LA R M SY STEMS:

Cost effective for small applications. Detection of smoke or a fire is done by

zone, which could be multiple areas rather
Conventional fire alarms are ideal for small buildings, such as individual
offices or retail shops than specifying a specific location.
They go off individually when they detect smoke or heat and will help
everyone escape from your building safely and quickly
This could delay emergency responders
from locating the fire.
the advantage of conventional systems is that they are relatively simple for
small to intermediate size buildings.
Conventional panels are often called
Servicing does not require a large amount of specialized training “dumb” panels because of the inability to
provide detail information, such as…

• Device locations.
• No details on event history.
• No internet connection for notification of
alarm/trouble/supervisory events.

A disadvantage is that for large buildings,

they can be expensive to install because of
the extensive amounts of wire that are
necessary to accurately monitor initiating
devices
A D V A NTA GES OF C ONV ENTI O NA L FIR E D ISA D V A NTA GES OF C ONV ENTI O N A L
A LA R M SY STEMS : FIR E A LA R M SY STEMS:

Conventional systems may also be inherently labor intensive and Smoke detectors must be
expensive to maintain. periodically removed, cleaned, and
Each detection device may require some form of operational test recalibrated to prevent improper
to verify it is in working condition.
operation.
Conventional fire alarms can be set up in zones, with each zone
hardwired to a control panel or zone expander. With a conventional system, there is
Conventional fire alarm systems are much less expensive and no accurate way of determining
require significantly less labor to install
which detectors are in need of
servicing.
Consequently, each detector must
be removed and serviced, which can
be a time consuming, labor
intensive, and costly endeavor
If a fault occurs, the "trouble"
indication only states that the circuit
has failed, but does not specifically
state where the problem is
occurring. Subsequently,
technicians must survey the entire
circuit to identify the problem
APPLICATIONS-
Office & Factories
Schools & Colleges
Community Centres
Server Rooms
Residential Buildings
Hotels & Restaurants
WIRELESS FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

-SHIVAM RAJPOOT
WIRELESS FIRE ALARM SYSTEM:
MECHANISM

❑The lifespan of the fire detection system is up to 15 years.

❑ Fire alarm control panel is called a system brain and makes quicker
decisions
❑ The detectors such as smoke and heat detectors send information to
FACP and locate the exact location where the fire has arisen.
❑ Soon after the location is known, the action is called by the fire alarm
control panel.
THE BENEFITS OF WIRELESS FIRE
ALARM SYSTEMS:

❑As reliable as a wired system

❑Quick to install and can be fitted with minimum disruption to your

business

❑No need to shut down areas of the building or be open out of hours for
the installation to take place

❑No ugly cables or damage to your walls – the only cable is from the
control panel to the mains power

❑Can be easily installed in buildings where there is limited access e.g. due
to high ceilings
THE BENEFITS OF WIRELESS FIRE
ALARM SYSTEMS: CONT…

❑Layout is easily modified if something in your building changes e.g. you

extend

❑Will save you money on labour, making good, and decorating costs

❑Will still work even if the power goes out as they are battery operated

❑Can be used as a temporary system in locations where a wired one can’t

be installed e.g. building sites

❑Can be used to extend existing wired systems

THE DOWNSIDES OF WIRELESS FIRE
ALARM SYSTEMS:

❑Even though you save money on labour & making good with a wireless
alarm, the cost of the hardware is higher than a wired system so the initial
set-up may be pricier

❑Wireless fire alarms run on batteries which need to be frequently checked

and replaced,

❑Some wireless fire alarm systems use bespoke batteries which are more
expensive
REFERENCES
▪ https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Safety-
equipment/Smoke-alarms/Ionization-vs-photoelectric
▪ https://www.ifsecglobal.com/smoke-detectors/
▪ https://www.explainthatstuff.com/smokedetector.html
▪ https://realpars.com/fire-alarm-system/
THANK YOU