FIRE-DETECTION SYSTEMS

Engine fire-detection systems generally fall into two categories: spot-detection type systems and
continuous-loop type systems. With a spot-detection type system, individual fire detectors, or
switches, are used to detect a fire. Such detectors must be placed in locations where a fire is
likely to occur, because with this type of system a fire warning sounds only when a fire exists in
the same location as the detector. The continuous-loop type system works on the same basic
principle as the spot-type fire detectors, except that a single switch in the form of a long inconel
tube is used instead of several individual switches. The small-diameter inconel tube is run
completely around an engine nacelle or an area that surrounds an auxiliary power unit, thus
allowing more complete coverage than spot-type detection systems.

FENWAL SYSTEMS
Fenwal produces a thermoswitch fire-detection system, a thermocouple fire-detection system,
and a continuous-loop fire-detection system.
THERMOSWITCH DETECTOR
A thermoswitch fire detection system is a spot-type detection system that uses a number of
thermally activated switches. Each switch, or sensor, consists of a bimetallic thermoswitch that
closes when heated to a predetermined temperature.

With a thermoswitch detector, the actual switch is mounted inside a

stainless steel housing. If a fire starts the switch housing heats up
and elongates, causing the contact points to close.

Single-Loop System
With a Fenwal single-loop system, all of the thermoswitches are wired in parallel with each other,
and the entire group of switches is connected in series with an indicator light. In this
arrangement, once a thermoswitch closes, the circuit is completed and power flows to the warning
light.
Double-Loop System
In a double-loop system, all of the detectors are connected in parallel between two complete loops
of wiring. The system is wired so that one leg of the circuit supplies current to the detectors while
the other leg serves as a path to ground. With this double-loop arrangement the detection circuit
can withstand one fault, either an open or short circuit, without causing a false fire warning.
THERMOCOUPLE DETECTOR
A thermocouple-type, Edison fire-detector system is similar to a thermoswitch system in that
they are both spot-type detection systems. However, a thermocouple detector initiates a fire
warning when the temperature of the surrounding air rises too rapidly (warms too fast), rather
than responding to a preset temperature as does the thermoswitch detector.

CONTINUOUS-LOOP DETECTOR
In addition to a thermoswitch detection system, Fenwal also produces a continuous-loop type
system that consists of a single fire or overheat-sensing element that varies in length, depending
on the size of the fire zone. A typical sensing element can be anywhere from 1 foot to 15 feet long.
As mentioned earlier, the sensing element used in a continuous-loop fire detection system
consists of a flexible, small-diameter inconel tube.

KIDDE SYSTEM
The Kidde system is also a continuous-loop type system consisting of a single overheat-sensing
element that varies in length. The sensing element consists of a rigid, preshaped inconel tube with
two internal wire conductors. The conductors are embedded in a thermistor, or thermal resistor
material, to prevent the two electrodes from touching each other and the exterior casing. Like
the eutectic salt used in the Fenwal system, the thermistor material has an electrical resistance
that decreases as the temperature increases.

A Kidde sensing element consists of a sealed inconel tube containing

two conductors embedded in a thermistor material.

LINDBERG SYSTEM
The Lindberg fire detection system is a pneumatic continuous-loop type system consisting of a
stainless steel tube filled with an inert gas and a discrete material that is capable of absorbing a
portion of the gas. The amount of gas the material can absorb varies with temperature. One
end of the tube is connected to a pneumatic pressure switch called a responder, which consists
of a diaphragm and a set of contacts.

The sensing element used with a Lindbergh

continuous-loop system consists of a stainless tube
that is filled with an inert gas and a gas absorbing
material. One end of the tube is sealed while the other
end is connected to a diaphragm switch.

SYSTRON-DONNER SYSTEM
Like the Lindberg system, the Systron-Donner system's principle of operation is based on the gas
law: if the volume of a gas is held constant and the temperature increases, gas pressure also
increases. The helium gas surrounding the titanium wire provides the systems averaging or
overheat function. At normal temperatures, the helium pressure in the tube exerts an insufficient
amount of force to close the overheat switch. However, when the average temperature along the
length of the tube reaches an overheat level, the gas pressure increases enough to close the
diaphragm switch, which activates the alarm. Once the source of the overheat condition is
removed, the helium gas pressure drops and the diaphragm switch opens.

The Systron-Donner fire

detection and overheat system
consists of a helium-filled
sensor tube surrounding a
hydrogen-charged core. With
this system, excessive
temperatures increase the gas
pressure which forces a
diaphragm switch closed.
Once closed, power flows to
the warning light and bell.

FLAME DETECTORS
Another type of fire detection system that is used on an aircraft is a flame detector system. Most
flame detectors consist of a photoelectric sensor that measures the amount of visible light or
infrared radiation in an enclosed area. The sensor is placed so it can see the surrounding area,
and anytime there is an increase in the amount of light that strikes the cell, an electrical
current is produced. Once enough current is produced and channeled through an amplifier, a
fire warning light and bell are activated.

A typical installation of a Systron-Donner system consists of

two independent loops attached to a support tube. The
support tube establishes the routing of the detector element
and provides attach points to the airplane.