Skip links
Fire Detection And Alarm Systems

Fire Detection and Alarm systems in Kenya | Types and how they work

Fire detection systems are designed to discover fires early in their development when the time will
still be available for the safe evacuation of occupants. Early detection also plays a significant
role in protecting the safety of emergency response personnel. Property loss can be reduced
and downtime for the operation minimized through early detection because control efforts
are started while the fire is still small. Our alarm systems at Informed Systems Ltd provide
information to emergency respondents on the location of the fire, speeding the process of fire
control.

You can also shop for fire detection and suppression devices at informed store e-commerce website at discounted prices.

11. Fire Detection Alarm Systems 1
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems in Kenya

Different Types of Fire Detection and Alarm Detectors

At the core of a fire alarm system are the detection devices, from sophisticated intelligent
smoke detectors to simple manually operated break glass units, there is a wide array of
different types, but we can divide them into groups including:

  • – Heat detectors
  • – Smoke detectors
  • – Carbon Monoxide detectors
  • – Multi-sensor detectors
  • – Manual Call Points
  • – Sounder beacon

Initiating Devices

  • Manually actuated devices; also known as fire alarm boxes, manual pull stations, or simply pull stations, break glass stations. Devices for manual fire alarm activation are installed to be readily located (near the exits), identified, and operated. They are usually actuated by means of physical interaction, such as pulling a lever or breaking glass.
  • Automatically actuated devices can take many forms intended to respond to any number of detectable physical changes associated with fire: convicted thermal energy for a heat detector, products of combustion for a smoke detector, radiant energy for a flame detector, combustion gases for a fire gas detector, and operation of sprinklers for a water-flow detector. The newest innovations can use cameras and computer algorithms to analyze the visible effects of fire and movement in applications inappropriate for or hostile to other detection methods.

Heat detectors are the most basic detection devices. They are available in several types. These
types are divided into two major categories; spot and line. Spot detectors are single units
installed in single locations throughout the protected area. Line detectors provide a continuous
detector throughout the area of coverage. Spot detectors are more commonly used, with line-type detectors being reserved for special situations.

Smoke Alarm Isolated White 1
Smoke and heat detectors

a) Heat Detectors

Heat detectors can either work on a fixed temperature basis, where it will trigger an alarm
if the temperature exceeds a pre-set value or they can work on the rate of change in
temperature. Commonly Heat detectors work in a similar way to an electrical fuse, the
detectors contain a eutectic alloy which is heat sensitive when a certain temperature is
reached the alloy turns from a solid to a liquid which in turn triggers the alarm.

b) Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors known also as CO fire detectors are electronic detectors
used to indicate the outbreak of fire by sensing the level of carbon monoxide in the air.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas produced by combustion.
In this instance, these detectors are not the same as Carbon monoxide detectors used in
the home for protecting residents against carbon monoxide produced by incomplete
combustion in appliances such as gas fires or boilers.
Carbon Monoxide fire detectors use the same type of sensor as those in the home but are
more sensitive and respond more quickly. Carbon monoxide detectors have an
electrochemical cell, which senses carbon monoxide, but not smoke or any other
combustion products.

c) Multi-Sensor Detectors

The Multi-sensor detectors combine inputs from both optical and heat sensors and process
them using a sophisticated algorithm built into the detector circuitry. When polled by the
control panel the detector returns a value based on the combined responses from both the
optical and heat sensors. They are designed to be sensitive to a wide range of fires.

 

d) Manual Call Points

Asen Ware Fire Alarm Manual Call Point 300X300 1
manual call points

A Manual Call Point or Break Glass Call Point is a device that enables personnel to raise
the alarm by breaking the frangible element on the fascia; this then triggers the alarm

 

e) Sound beacon

Sounder Beacon 1
sounder beacon with a warning light

A sound beacon is a navigation device for blind or visually impaired people. The device emits
a periodic sound that allows a person with limited vision to indicate in case of danger or to
locate something. These devices can be attached to doorways of buildings, public transport
cabin doors, traffic lights, etc. The system is the “last meters’ solution” and works on audible
distances of up to ~5.20m.

 

 

Shop you also shop for fire detection and suppression devices at informed store e-commerce website at discounted prices.

Leave a comment

  1. Thank you very much for sharing, I learned a lot from your article. Very cool. Thanks.

  2. Thank you very much for sharing, I learned a lot from your article. Very cool. Thanks.

This website uses cookies to improve your web experience.
Home
Account
Cart
Search