PP2160/2009/Issue 3

Module 1 Detection Principles & Device Selection

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Contents
Detection principles & device selection Life Protection Property Protection Detection Principles & Device Selection Ionisation Smoke Detectors Optical Smoke Detectors Series 65 Optical Smoke Detectors XP95 Optical Smoke Detectors Heat Detectors Multisensor Detectors Selecting the Correct Device Series 65 A1R Heat Detector, part nos 55000-120/121/122 Series 60 Grade 1 Heat Detector, part no 55000-100 Series 60 Grade 2 Heat Detector, part no 55000-101 Series 65 BR Heat Detector, part no 55000-125/126/127 Series 60 Grade 3 Heat Detector, part no 55000-102 Series 60 Range 1 Heat Detector, part no 55000-103 Series 65 CR Heat Detector, part no 55000-130/131/132 Series 60 Range 2 Heat Detector, part no 55000-104 Series 65 CS Heat Detector, part no 55000-135/136/137 3 3 3 4 5 7 7 7 8 9 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

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MODULE 1

Detection principles & device selection

One of the most important factors to be considered when designing a re alarm system is compliance with standards and legislation applicable at the location of installation. In the United Kingdom, BS 58391 : 2002 is the primary standard. However, there may be rules or conditions which apply to a district or even a single building. The advice of the local Fire Prevention Ofcer could be useful at the preliminary design stage of a project. With the inception of the RRFSO the responsible person needs to carry out re risk assessments and be more involved with the technical elements of the re system. British Standard BS 58391 : 2002 denes re alarm systems as protection of life or protection of property. System categories are:

Life Protection
L1 All areas covered by detectors, giving the maximum degree of improvement to safety. L2 All vulnerable areas covered by detectors. In this context, vulnerable refers to areas where people are at risk and areas where potentially dangerous res are likely to start. All escape routes should be covered by the system. L3 Detectors covering escape routes and all adjoining areas except corridors less than 6m long. L4 Escape routes including stairways. L5 Selected areas (non-prescriptive, designers responsibility). M The area is covered by manual call points but there are no automatic detectors.

Property Protection
P1All areas should be covered by automatic detection, allowing a re to be discovered and extinguished before substantial damage occurs. P1 systems are necessary in buildings that have areas that are unoccupied for long periods. P2Used in buildings where areas have a very low risk and automatic detection is not thought necessary. Unprotected areas in this low risk category should be separated from protected areas by re-resistant construction. When a category is selected, the next considerations are the degree of sophistication required and limitations or freedoms imposed by factors such as building layout, construction and areas or zones to be covered. The choice is either a zone-wired conventional system or an analogue addressable system. In conventional systems, detectors are wired into a circuit (a zone). Detectors signal re conditions to a control panel by changing from high to low impedance. The panel detects this impedance change by current monitoring and identies the zone. Individual detectors cannot be identied. A zone could cover up to 2000m.

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Analogue addressable detectors are wired to loops and each device has a unique address code. The panel carries out a polling routine in which each device is interrogated in a programmed sequence. Devices respond with a status report, which includes its own address code, as conrmation that the correct device is responding. Analogue addressable systems give advance warning of a developing hazard and pinpoint the individual device raising the alarm. It is possible to follow the spread or progress of a re as individual detectors report conditions in their area and this could allow phased evacuation and precise direction for re ghting teams.

Co
mb

Light

Smoke

yg en

le tib us

Ox

Source of ignition (heat/spark)

C

Detection Principles & Device Selection There are many re protection products available on the market, some of which can be used under many different circumstances, others are more dedicated types of product for specic applications. The range of products available include point-type smoke and heat detectors, IR and UV ame detectors, beam smoke detectors, linear heat cables, sealed heat detectors, gas detectors and high sensitivity smoke detectors. For the vast majority of applications, the use of point type smoke and heat detectors is adequate. These devices are the most economical way to provide re detection and are extremely effective in giving a sufciently early warning to ensure protection of life and property. Apollo Fire Detectors supply point type smoke and heat detectors for both conventional and analogue addressable re alarm systems. The denition of point type detector is: a device for detecting the products of a re at a dened point within the protected area. Most smoke detectors are point type detectors. Beam detectors and ame detectors are not point type detectors as they can detect the products of a re over a large area and not just at a single point.

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ma

A fire produces

ial t er
Heat

Gases CO es es C O
O

CO CO

Fast-burning waste paper bin

Apollo FIre Detectors Limited 2001/JDR

Smouldering armchair

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Ionisation Smoke Detectors Ionisation smoke detectors manufactured by Apollo contain an inner reference chamber within an outer smoke chamber. A small radioactive source irradiates the air within the chambers resulting in the air particles becoming ionised. Both positively and negatively charged ions are produced. The radioactive source holder is the positive electrode and the outer smoke chamber is the negative electrode. The result is a small electric current that ows between the two. The current is derived from the fact that the positively charged ions are drawn towards the negative electrode and negatively charged ions are drawn towards the positive electrode. When smoke particles enter the chamber, ions become attached to them with the result that the current owing through the ionisation chamber decreases. This effect is greater in the smoke chamber than in the reference chamber and the imbalance causes the sensing electrode to become more positive. This type of detector gives a good response to fast burning, high energy/aming type res that emit invisible smoke particles (<0.01 micron in size).

10 volts on foil holder Radioactive foil

+ + + + + +

Reference chamber Sensing electrodes Sensing chamber

+ + +

In clean air

0 volts
Negatively charged ion Positively charged ion Smoke particle
A ll Fi D t t Li it d 1997/RHD/JDR

With smoke

Figure 1: Ionisation Smoke Chamber

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Ionisation type detectors were the rst type of commercial re detector and were developed during the 1950s. They are also used extensively in domestic environments. The demand for ionisation detectors has decreased recently due to environmental concerns. These concerns have resulted in higher costs of disposal and shipping and have also seen some cities and even countries become radioactive free zones. In this country the use of radioactive sources is controlled and monitored by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB). Ionisation detectors are tted with anti-tamper screws to make them difcult to open and, in fact, the regulations state that they should not be opened except by experienced personnel. In the eld they should only be cleaned by either blowing the detector through with high-pressure air or by vacuuming. Ideally they should be returned to Apollo for cleaning and recalibration. There is no limit to the amount of ionisation smoke detectors that may be installed in any re protection system, however, there will be regulations for storage, depending on local standards and legislation. In the UK up to 500 detectors may be stored in any premises, although there are stipulations on storage facilities if more than 100 detectors are stored in one building. At the end of their recommended working life of ten years, ionisation detectors should be returned to Apollo for safe disposal or disposed of in an otherwise locally approved and environmentally safe manner.

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Optical Smoke Detectors The optical smoke detectors manufactured by Apollo have a chamber that incorporates an IR (infra-red) LED and a photo-diode. The components are located at an angle such that no light emitted from the IR LED falls upon the photo-diode in clean air conditions. Series 65 Optical Smoke Detectors The IR LED emits a burst of light every four seconds. When smoke particles enter the chamber, light is scattered in all directions within the smoke chamber, some of this light will fall on the photodiode. If enough light is seen by the photo-diode to indicate an alarm condition, the IR LED will emit a further two bursts of light at two second intervals. If the total amount of light sampled is greater than that required to initiate an alarm condition, the detector will latch into its alarm state. XP95 Optical Smoke Detectors The optics in the XP95 optical smoke detector are exactly the same as those in the Series 65. The IR LED emits a burst of light every one second. The amount of light falling on the photo-diode is directly related to the smoke density and characteristics. This level is then converted into a value that is reported to the control panel. This type of detector gives a good response to slow burning/low energy smouldering type res that emit visible smoke particles (>0.3 micron in size). Optical detectors can easily be cleaned in the eld, again by blowing through the detector with high-pressure air or by vacuuming the device. They can also be opened by simply using a crossheaded screwdriver to undo screws in the lid. Once the lid is removed the optical chamber can be carefully unclipped and removed. Then a soft brush or detector duster aerosol could be used to remove any dust and debris in the chamber. Once cleaned all devices should be re-tested using smoke to ensure they are in correct working condition.

Photo-diode

Infra-red LED

In clean air
Light beam Diffused light beam Smoke particle
Apollo Fire Detectors 1997/RHD

With smoke

Figure 2: Optical Smoke Chamber

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Heat Detectors Older style rate-of-rise heat detectors manufactured by Apollo incorporate a pair of matched thermistor beads. One of the thermistor beads is well insulated and the other is exposed to the ambient air. The exposed thermistor responds quickly to changes in air temperature (its resistance falls as the temperature increases). The other thermistor, being insulated, responds more slowly. When the ratio of resistances reaches a preset level, the detector latches into its alarm state. That determines the rate-of-rise response of the detector. In the event that the temperature increases more slowly, there is never any great difference between the resistance of the thermistor beads. The detectors, however, incorporate a xed value resistor and when the ratio between the exposed thermistor and the insulated thermistor/ xed resistor combination reach a preset level, the detector latches into alarm. That determines the xed temperature response of the detector. Now, conventional heat detectors are tted with micro-controllers and use a single thermistor bead. Algorithms (mathematical formulas) are factory programmed to give a response to EN54 Pt 5 classications as shown in the table on page 12. Note: analogue addressable heat detectors are xed temperature devices and consequently only incorporate one thermistor bead. The value reported by the detector to the panel is directly proportional to the temperature at the thermistor.

Normal Conditions

Rate-of-rise response

Fixed temperature response

Thermistor partially sealed from surrounding air

Thermistor exposed to air

Fire detected on fast increase of ambient temperature

Fire detected on slow increase of ambient temperature

Note: Analogue addressable heat detectors use only a single thermistor

Apollo Fire Detectors Limited 1997/RHD/JDR

Figure 3: Dual Thermistor Heat Detection

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Multisensor Detectors The multisensor detector has an optical sensor identical to that of the XP95 optical detector with an additional thermistor bead. The signals from the optical and temperature sensor elements are independent and represent the smoke level and the air temperature in the vicinity of the detector. The detectors micro-controller processes the two signals to give a value that is reported to the control panel. Available in the XP95 and Discovery ranges, this type of detector is basically an optical smoke detector, so it will respond well to smouldering res. The addition of a heat-sensing element allows the multisensor to give a response to fast-burning, aming res, which is comparable to that of an ionisation detector. Multisenor detectors are general purpose detectors that respond well to a wide range of res.

Photo-diode

+
Thermistor exposed to air Infra-red LED
Apollo Fire Detectors Limited 2001/JDR

Figure 4: Multisensor Detector We have also introduced a conventional multi-sensor in the Orbis range. This uses a different optical chamber then that shown above but still uses a thermistor bead in combination. It will not respond to temperature change alone however. It is essentially a thermally enhanced optical detector and is useful in areas where a aming re risk exists.

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CARBON MONOXIDE FIRE DETECTORS Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas produced by combustion and a CO re detector is used to indicate the outbreak of re by sensing the level of CO in the air. The detector has an electrochemical cell which senses CO, but not smoke or other combustion products. The cells do not require much power, so the detector can be made electrically compatible with ordinary smoke and heat detectors. The electrochemical cell works like a battery: it is a simple two-electrode design and consists of a semi-permeable diffusion membrane, a reservoir or acid electrolyte, a sensing electrode and a counter electrode. CO diffusing into the cell reacts at the surface of the sensing electrode producing, as a by-product, a number of ions (H+) and electrons (e-). The ions travel through the acid electrolyte to the counter electrode whilst the negatively charged electrons travel to the counter electrode via the external circuit. Combining the electrons and ions at the counter electrode completes the reaction without any of the cells components being consumed. The amount of electrons produced by the reaction is directly proportional to the amount of CO present, so measuring the current owing through the external circuit is a basic gas monitor. The life expectancy of the electrochemical cell in a CO re detector is typically around seven years in a clean, non-corrosive environment. The device can be returned to our service department for replacement. Carbon Monoxide re detectors are a recent addition to the range of products available. The principles of use are not fully established and the real value of CO re detection is still being debated. UK Standards & Guidelines: Recognised in BS 5839-1: 2002 Product standard: LPS1265 (CO), LPS1275 (CO Heat) BFPSA Application Guidelines

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Selecting the Correct Device When selecting a detector for a particular area, the following points should be considered: What is the risk of re developing in this area? Is a re likely to be a rapidly-developing, high-energy type re or a slowly developing, smouldering re? Under normal conditions, will there be high ambient levels of smoke or steam present? Is the area a clean, dry environment or are there high levels of dust, dirt or moisture? Is there likely to be a high concentration of cigarette smoke? Are there any special risks? Is there a high ambient temperature or signicant variations in temperature? It may be that one or any of the above conditions can occur infrequently. Even so, they do still need to be considered before selection. Ionisation detectors are particularly sensitive to very small or invisible particles of smoke generated by fast developing, high-energy type res. It should always be remembered though that as this smoke spreads and cools, the smoke particles tend to combine and become visible. For example, if smoke is spreading into an escape route from the re source, the ionisation detector may not be the best detector to protect the escape route. Because they operate by effectively seeing smoke, optical detectors are better at detecting large, visible smoke particles usually generated by a slowly developing, smouldering type re where smoke could become a major hazard before the re properly develops. Although there are two choices when it comes to selecting a smoke detector, it should be remembered that there is a good crossover of detection between the ionisation and optical detectors. There are, however, some circumstances where you may choose one type of detector over another. Heat detectors would only be used where it was impractical to use a smoke detector for whatever reason. Dirty environments, kitchens and boiler rooms are prime examples of where a heat detector may be used. Multi-sensors could be used as a replacement when ionisation detectors become undesirable. They are useful for detecting aming combustion as well as smouldering res. In fact, they are a good general purpose detector for most types of combustion. CO detectors should only be used as a supplement to smoke detectors but in an L3 system they could replace heat detectors in accommodation areas. It should be understood that the aim is to achieve the best possible compromise between minimising the possibility of false alarms and giving the earliest warning of a real re developing.

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In the conventional range of heat detectors from Apollo, there are many variants to choose from: Series 65 A1R Heat Detector, part nos 55000-120/121/122 The A1R heat detectors are the most sensitive of the range in terms of rate-of-rise and xed temperature response (5465C). Use an A1R instead of a smoke detector in locations where high ambient ceiling temperatures and rapid variations are not expected. The sensitivity of the detector must be considered if used in areas where rapid uctuations of temperature are possible, for instance, skylights, kitchens where oven doors might be opened, laundries where quantities of steam may be released. Series 60 Grade 1 Heat Detector, part no 55000-100 This detector has the same description as above except that the xed temperature response is 60C. Series 60 Grade 2 Heat Detector, part no 55000-101 Grade 2 detectors have a xed temperature threshold of 65C but a less sensitive rate-of-rise response than a Grade 1 or A1R. Series 65 BR Heat Detector, part no 55000-125/126/127 The BR detectors have a xed temperature response of 6985C and a less sensitive rate-of-rise response than the A1R. Use where ambient ceiling temperatures are likely to be 4065C but where rapid changes are normal and should not trigger an alarm. Examples of such places are laundry areas and steam rooms. Series 60 Grade 3 Heat Detector, part no 55000-102 This detector has the same description as above except that the xed temperature response is 75C. Series 60 Range 1 Heat Detector, part no 55000-103 This detector has a xed temperature response of 80C and may be used where ambient ceiling temperature of up to 55C are expected. Series 65 CR Heat Detector, part no 55000-130/131/132 CR detectors have a xed temperature response of 84100C and may be used when ambient ceiling temperatures of 5580C are expected, for instance, in boiler rooms, industrial kitchens and swimming pools. This detector still has a rate-of-rise response so will therefore still respond to a rapid rise in ambient temperature although this will be less sensitive than in previous devices. Series 60 Range 2 Heat Detector, part no 55000-104 This detector has the same description as above except that the xed temperature response is 100C and may be used where ambient ceiling temperatures of 65C are expected. Series 65 CS Heat Detector, part no 55000-135/136/137 CS heat detectors also have a xed temperature response of 84100C for use when ambient ceiling temperatures are 5580C. This detector can be used in similar applications to the CR detector except that this device has no rate-of-rise response it is essentially a xed temperature heat detector.

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Series 65 Heat Detectors Min Max Orbis Heat Detectors Application Temperature Static Response Min Max Class A1R 57C EN54-5:2000 (55000-122)

Conventional Heat Detector Classication Comparison Chart

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Series 60 Heat Detectors

25C 25C 40C 40C 55C 55C

50C 50C 65C 65C 80C 80C

54C 54C 69C 69C 84C 84C

65C 70C 85C 85C 100C 100C

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Class BR 75C EN54-5:2000 (55000-127) Class BR 75C EN54-5:2000 (55000-127) Class CR 90C EN54-5:2000 (55000-132) Class CS 90C EN54-5:2000 (55000-137) Class A1R 57C EN54-5:2000 (ORB-HT-1-1001) Class A2S 61C EN54-5:2000 (ORB-HT-1-1002) Class BR 75C EN54-5:2000 (ORB-HT-1 -1003) Class BS 75C EN54-5:2000 (ORB-HT-1-1004) Class CR 90C EN54-5:2000 (ORB-HT-1-1005) Class CS 90C EN54-5:2000 (ORB-HT-1-1006)

13

Grade 1 60C BS 5445-5 (55000-100) Grade 2 65C BS 5445-5 (55000-101) Grade 3 75C BS 5445-5 (55000-102) Grade 3 75C BS 5445-5 (55000-102) Range 1 80C BS 5445-5 (55000-103) Range 2 100C BS 5445-5 (55000-104)

R = Rate of Rise S = Static Response

Module 1: Detection Principles & Device Selection Test

Please answer the following questions: 1. Which British Standard covers the code of practice for the installation of re systems?

2.

What three properties are required to generate a re?

3.

Name four detectable properties of combustion.

4.

What type of re does an ionisation device respond well to?

5.

What products are associated with NRPB?

6.

What type of smoke particles are easily detected using an optical device?

7.

Give two examples of areas that may require the use of heat detectors.

8.

Which two sensors are used in our multisensor detector?

9.

What is the maximum area permissible for a single zone?

10.

What type of detector would you use to protect the following: a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) Plant room Corridor Computer room Warehouse (ceiling greater than 15m) Student accommodation Ofce area Chemical store (hazardous) Small kitchen Boiler room Ceiling void greater then 800mm

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