Fire Detection Systems are divided into 3 main categories:
1. Conventional Fire Detection Systems
2. Addressable Fire Detection Systems
3. Gas Detection Systems
1. Conventional Fire Detection Systems
This fire detection systems have cabling that is in the form of fields. In the last device of the system mounted terminal resistor. The devices are recognized by the panel in bands (groups). With these systems we achieve the control of a district building without knowing the exact position of the activated detector. Conventional systems are placed in small buildings or buildings with a single area.
2. Addressable Fire Detection Systems
These are fire detection systems which are wired in a loop and every component of the fire detection system (detector, control panel, siren, beacon, alarm button) is individually identified by the panel with a text message displayed on the liquid crystal display of the panel.
Addressable Fire Detection Systems are ideal for buildings with multiple areas (offices, storage areas, industries) where the accuracy of the information allows us to take immediate action in the specific area so as to mitigate the results of a fire.
In large scale projects, these fire detection systems not only provide better security and control of the area, but are also cost efficient due to the lower wiring cost compared to conventional fire detection systems.
It is also possible to display all the system’s data on a PC using the appropriate software. We are thus able to control the system from a workstation and are able to access the system via the internet. By way of a specific code, the operator of the program can check the status of all the components and verify the location of an activation error or fire.
If an event (fire, error, etc.) occurs, the information of the component is displayed on the screen (description, position, panel, building), along with the respective floor plan and all relevant data.
The display software allows the fire detection system to connect to the buildings’ security systems.
3. Gas Detection Systems
Gas Detection Systems are divided into two main categories:
A. Explosive mixture detection systems.
The purpose of this system is to detect the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) of a gas or a vapour, meaning the lowest concentration of a gas or vapour that will burn in the air.
B. Toxic gas detection systems.
The purpose of gas detection systems is to measure the gas or vapour concentration in parts per million (ppm). Prolonged exposure to atmospheres with such gases or vapours may jeopardise human health. A gas can be both toxic and explosive. Depending on the requirements of the project, gas detection systems may be conventional or addressable anti-explosive for installation in ATEX zones.