Consider using aspirating sampling systems in your business!
Aspirating smoke detectors, more commonly known by the trade name ASD or HSSD (High Sensitivity Smoke Detection) consists of a central smoke detection unit which draws air through a network of pipes to detect smoke. The sampling chamber is laser based and detects the presence of smoke particles suspended in air by the light scattered by the particles of combustion in the chamber. The combination of these detectors makes up an Air Sampling System.
Early Detection And Alerts
An air sampling system’s continuous air sampling provides the earliest possible alert of an impending fire, well before visible smoke is even generated. This is especially valuable for mission critical facilities housing sensitive electronic equipment. ASD’s have multi-level warnings and a wide range of sensitivity settings. These sensitivity settings do not degrade or change over time, so even minute levels of smoke can be detected well before a fire has time to escalate. An air sampling system detects smoke significantly faster than traditional spot smoke detectors.
Affordable
An air sampling system is a lower cost option to regular spot type smoke detection. A single detector can cover up to 20,000 square feet. It utilizes low-cost CPVC piping or capillary tubing connected to unobtrusive sampling ports for air intake and transport. This compares favorably to the wire, conduit and electrical boxes necessary for spot detectors, not to mention the labor necessary to install all of that equipment.
Maintenance And Repairs
In areas where maintenance access is difficult, aspiration smoke detectors can be wall mounted in one central area either inside or outside of the protected location. All maintenance and testing can be performed at the ASD. Maintenance or repairs on a traditional smoke detection system are more time consuming and may require special ladders or man lifts in areas with high ceilings or other obstructions. In areas where tampering or vandalism could cause nuisance alarms and maintenance problems, air sampling systems provide a very cost effective solution.
Self-Monitoring
The detection unit is self-monitoring, generating a supervising alarm if there are any off-normal conditions with the detector, detection piping or the power supply. Air sampling systems include built-in flow sensors that will notify you if the piping becomes clogged or dirty. This provides early warning for the end user to address any blockages or obstructions in the piping. This is another advantage over traditional spot smoke detectors. Spot smoke detectors compensate for dirt or debris by performing what is known as “drift compensation” Drift compensation reduces a spot smoke detector’s sensitivity, leading to increased reaction times and the risk of false alarms. This is due to the detector’s inability to distinguish dirt from the actual smoke. The screen that covers most spot detectors is not supervised, resulting in an inability to communicate a condition where the detector is completely blocked in an unusually dirty environment.
Correcting this problem with spot smoke detectors may result in a costly service call. In an air sampling system, you can disconnect the pipe from the inlet of the detector and use a vacuum cleaner on the sampling pipe to clean it out. You won’t need a ladder and it can be completed in less than 30 minutes. In addition, an air sampling system installed in a dirty or challenging environment has the ability to “auto learn” the environment, which allows it to cancel out or disregard any background smoke or dust. Air sampling systems also feature a day/night setting, allowing it to change its sensitivity based on the application and hours of operation. For example, if it were installed in a manufacturing or industrial setting the sensitivity can be adjusted to accommodate smoke, dirt or dust generated by the work product.
All of these are reasons why an aspirating smoke detector may be a good choice for you.
Get The Best of the Best from Fireline!
At Fireline, we offer an array of portable fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems to keep your property safe. Fireline offers the highest quality alarm systems to alert occupants in your business of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. We also offer fire suppression systems and fire sprinkler systems to keep fires controlled should an incident occur. Our trained sales staff will work with you to determine which system is best for your business and our technicians will ensure a quality installation. Fireline service technicians can test, inspect and repair any existing systems you may have.
To get started with Fireline today, or for more information on fire alarm, sprinkler, or suppression systems call us at 1-800-553-3405, or visit our contact page.