A Guide to the Application and Siting of Smoke and Heat Detectors.
Situation / Location | Suitable Detector Type | Comments |
---|---|---|
Bedrooms (Hotel, Hospital incl Wards) | OPTICAL |
A Smouldering Fire is more likely to exist due to bedding and furniture. NB: However, if smoking is permitted in Hotel Rooms then Ionisation detectors would be less prone to unwanted alarms. Care must be taken in respect of the location of the detector. |
Cargo Handling Area | OPTICAL | The presence of dust and air currents could present problems with Ionisation. Beam Smoke Detectors should be considered for large, open and/or high areas. |
Churches (Chapels) | BOTH | Both types are suitable. Consideration
must be given on the contents within the building, ie:
smouldering fires = optical Flame Fire = Ionisation. |
Corridors/Passages | OPTICAL PREFERRED IONISATION ACCEPTABLE |
As air currents exist in these areas, and of a building, optical are preferred to detect visible smoke. |
Data Processing Areas incl: Telephone Exchanges |
BOTH | A smouldering Fire is more likely to occur due to many cables with PVC covering. However, consideration must be given to all room contents in respect of which type of fire is more likely to occur and the possible use of high sensitivity sampling systems for rapid response. |
Conference Rooms | BOTH | In general, Smoke Detection should be utilised but consideration should be given to the proposed use of the room and the possibility of smoke build up when in use. Rate of Rise Heat Detectors may be considered in place of Smoke Detectors - take note of the different spacing requirements. |
Department Stores Indoor Markets / Shops |
BOTH | Consideration must be given
to area contents eg: bedding, sofa stores may be more susceptible to smouldering fires, and therefore require Opticals. |
Dining Areas | BOTH | In general, Smoke Detection should be utilised but consideration should be given to the proposed use of the room and the possibility of smoke build up when in use. Rate of Rise Heat Detectors may be considered in place of Smoke Detectors - take note of the different spacing requirements. |
Electrical / Mechanical Rooms | BOTH | Both types may be suitable. Consideration must be given on the contents etc within the building ie: smouldering fires = Optical, rapid burning flame fires = Ionisation |
Factory | BOTH | Both types may be suitable. Consideration must be given on the contents etc within the building ie: smouldering fires = Optical, rapid burning flame fires = Ionisation. Care must also be given where dust or fumes from arc welding etc may be emitted, as detectors which respond to these factors must be avoided. |
Hotel Foyer | BOTH | Both types are suitable. Consideration must be given to the contents of the rooms and tobacco smoke - tobacco smoke may form large particles by the time it reaches ceiling height which could create a false alarm where Opticals are used. |
Library | BOTH | Both types may be suitable. Consideration must be given on the contents etc within the building ie: smouldering fires = Optical, rapid burning flame fires = Ionisation |
Lift Shaft | OPTICAL | A Smouldering Fire is more likely to occur and an air current may exist |
Photographic Rooms (Dark/Developing/Copying) |
OPTICAL | The presence of gaseous substances may cause false alarms with ionisation smoke detectors |
Recording Studio | BOTH | A mix of both types of detector may be required as a flaming fire is more likely to occur, however many electronics are also present which can overheat along with PVC cables thus producing a smouldering fire. |
Schools | BOTH | Consideration must be given to each area to be protected. |
Stairways | OPTICAL PREFERRED IONISATION ACCEPTABLE |
As air currents exist in these
areas and they are >Escape Routes=, for occupants of a building, optical are preferred to detect visible smoke. |
Theatre Stage Areas | BOTH | Many different factors exist which will influence the type of detector required to cover stage areas. For example materials stored and used on stage, may produce either a rapid burning fire (Ionisation) or a smouldering fire (Optical). Another possible factor is the use of a smoke generator for special effects brings about the possible consideration for using Rate of Rise Heat Detectors as Smoke Detectors could cause problems. |
Warehouses | OPTICAL BEAM DETECTORS |
Optical Beam Detectors can be used where large unobstructed roof areas need coverage such as those found in most warehouses. For other areas, both types are suitable, however if fumes are present in these areas such as those produced by diesel or propane fork lift trucks, false alarms may occur if either detectors are used. |
X-Ray/Treatment Rooms | OPTICAL | Radioactivity can cause problems if Ionisation is used. |
The above information is only a guide. When designing a system all matters must be considered ie: room type, contents and your country standards (ie: British and European), to determine the type of detector required.
Fixed and Rate of Rise Heat Detectors
Situation/Location | Suitable Detector Type | Comments |
---|---|---|
Boiler / Plant Room | FIXED HEAT DETECTORS 58 OR 82 |
A Fixed Heat is recommended due to the possible rapid changes in room temperatures. Use of 58° C or 82° C depends on normal ambient temperature expected. |
Car Parks | RATE OF RISE | Smoke Detectors would be activated by vehicle exhaust fumes. |
Kitchen | FIXED HEAT | Due to the heat that can be produced by cooking appliances, the higher temperature detector should be fitted |
Loading Bays | RATE OF RISE | Smoke Detectors would be activated by vehicle exhaust fumes. |
Furnace / Kiln Rooms | FIXED HEAT | High temperatures can be present which can rapidly change, thus making the Rate of Rise unsuitable. |
The above information is only guide. When designing a system all matters must be considered ie: room type, contents and your country standards (ie: British and European), to determine the type of detector required.