1.

Definition of heat detector

A heat detector is a fire alarm device designed to respond when the convected thermal
energy of a fire increases the temperature of a heat sensitive element. The thermal mass
and conductivity of the element regulate the rate flow of heat into the element. All heat
detectors have this thermal lag.

Thermal or heat detectors respond to the energy emission from a fire in the form of heat.
The normal means by which the detector is activated is by conventional currents of heat air
or combustion products or by radiation effects. Because this means of activation takes some
time to achieve, thermal detectors are slower to respond to a fire when compared to some
other detection devices.
Description Model Description Model
PRECISION LaserCOMPACT VLC-828 Remote Indicator VFD-603
Detector
Photoelectric Smoke Detector VFD-100 Switch Monitor Module VFD-501
Ionization Smoke Detector VFD-200 Priority Switch Monitor Module VFD-502
Heat Detector VFD-300 Mini Switch Monitor Module VFD-506
Multi-sensor Detector VFD-400 Priority Mini Switch Monitor VFD-505
Module
4-inch Mounting Base VFD-000 Sounder Control Module VFD-504
4-inch Relay Base VFD-003 Input Output Monitor Module VFD-503
4-inch 20D Isolator Base VFD-004 Short Circuit Isolator VFD-500
6-inch E-Z Fit Mounting Base VFD-005 Short Circuit Isolator Base VFD-001
6-inch Trim Ring VFD-002 PRECISION Addressing Cards PSP-2039

The Heat Detector uses a single thermistor to sense the ambient air temperature at the
detector position. The reading at the thermistor is converted to a digital format, which is
processed to provide a digital value for transmission to the PROACTIV FACP when the device
is polled.
The detector has two integral LED indicators, which can be illuminated by the FACP to
indicate that the device is in alarm. The detector can be programmed to flash each time the
device is polled.
If communication with the FACP is interrupted, the detector automatically switches to its
conventional alarm reporting mode. When a fire is detected, the detector imposes an alarm
signal on the SLC which is received by the FACP.
2. How heat detector work

Heat Detectors react to the change in temperature caused by fire. Once the temperature
rises above 135 degrees F (57 C) or 194 degrees F (90 C), the heat detector will send a signal
to an alarm panel and trigger an alarm.There are two different types of heat detectors, a
fixed heat detector and a rate of rise heat detector.

There are two common types of heat detectors—fixed temperature and rate of rise. Both
rely on the heat of a fire incident to activate the signal device. Fixed-temperature detectors
signal when the detection element is heated to a predetermined temperature point. Rate of
rise detectors signal when the temperature rises to a level exceeding a predetermined
degree. Rate of rise detection devices can be set to operate rapidly, are effective across a
wide range of ambient temperatures, usually recycle rapidly, and can tolerate a slow
increase in ambient temperatures without sounding an alarm. Combination fixed-
temperature and rate of rise devices will respond directly to a rapid rise in ambient
temperatures caused by a fire, devices will tolerate a slow increase in ambient temperatures
without effecting an alarm, and recycle automatically on a drop in ambient temperature.

Heat detectors normally have a higher reliability factor than other types of fire detectors.
This tends to lead to fewer false alarms. Overall, they are slower to activate than other
detecting devices. They should be considered for installation only where speed of activation
is not considered critical or as a backup fire detection device to other fire detection devices.
They have an advantage of suitability for outdoor applications but the disadvantage of not
sensing smoke particles or visible flame from a fire.
 Some systems can be strung as line devices and offer detection over long paths; alternatively
they can be used as spot detectors. A common deficiency after installation is that they tend
to become painted over, susceptible to damage, or the fusible element may suffer a change
in activation temperature over a long installation period.

Heat detectors are activated by either melting a fusible material, changes in electrical
current induced by heat loads on bimetallic metals, destruction of the device itself by the
heat, or by sensing a rate of ambient temperature rise.

3. History of heat detector

Early in the 19th century, electricity was an exciting area of scientific investigation, and
scientists soon discovered that metals varied in their resistance and conductivity. In 1821,
Thomas Johann Seebeck discovered that a voltage is created when the ends of dissimilar
metals are joined and placed at different temperatures. Peltier discovered that this
thermocouple effect is reversible and can be used for cooling.

In the same year, Humphrey Davey demonstrated how the electrical resistivity of a metal is
related to temperature. Five years later, Becquerel proposed using a platinum-platinum
thermocouple for temperature measurement, but it took until 1829 for Leopoldi Nobili to
actually create the temperature sensor.

Platinum is also used in the resistance temperature detector invented in 1932 by C.H.
Meyers. This measures the electrical resistance of a length of platinum wire and is generally
considered the most accurate type of temperature sensor. RTDs using wire are by nature
fragile and unsuitable for industrial applications. Recent years have seen the development of
film RTDs, which are less accurate but more robust.

The 20th century also saw the invention of semiconductor temperature measuring devices.
These respond to temperature changes with good accuracy but until recently lacked
linearity.
4. New technology of heat detector

Fixed Temperature Heat Detector works when the heat exceeds a pre-determined
temperature, the bi-metal deflects and closes the contact, triggering the fire signal.Fixed
Temperature Heat / Thermal Detectors can respond to:
a. Fixed temperature limit
b. Rapid rate of change of the temperature in the protected area
c. Combination of these types of detection

Typical fixed temperature spot-type detectors contain a bimetallic switch element that
closes at a specified temperature limit. The switch is normally composed of two metals, each
having a different temperature coefficient of expansion.As this bimetallic element heats the
metal with higher coefficient of expansion, it causes the switch to bend or curve, closing the
switch; thus indicating an alarm condition.

Line type thermal detectors are cables that detect heat along their entire length. A line type
thermal detector may consist of two wires that are separated by an insulator.After the heat
builds to a certain level the insulation melts, allowing the wires to touch and current to flow,
initiating an alarm.Bimetallic spot and coaxial style thermal detectors are self restoring.
Fusible link and melting insulation types of line thermal detectors are not self-restoring.
a. Advantages of Fixed Heat detection
 Lower cost than smoke detector units
 More reliable than smoke detector units
 Not affected by dusty or dirty environments
 Minimal maintenance
b. Disadvantages of Fixed Heat detection
 Slower to respond than smoke detectors
 Will not detect products of combustion
5. Conclusion

The conclusion is Heat detectors are suitable for application in a number of scenarios where
other fire alarm systems like smoke detectors are not useful. For example, any environment
like warehouses, factories, storage facilities or garages which has a high amount of airborne
particles due to increased steam, dust or moisture will not benefit from smoke detectors. In
such cases, heat detectors become a preferred choice as they focus on temperature to
detect fires.

The kitchen in your home is another example. Smoke detectors may not be the ideal choice
as your kitchen can be filled with smoke during normal cooking. Heat detectors are better
choices in this case.

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. Most alarm systems
provide information to emergency responders on the location of the fire, speeding the
process of fire control.

To be useful, detectors must be coupled with alarms. Alarm systems provide notice to at
least the building occupants and usually transmit a signal to a staffed monitoring station
either on or off site. In some cases, alarms may go directly to the fire department, although
in most locations this is no longer the typical approach.