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Be Warned of Fire Immediately Using the Right Heat Detectors
A heat detector is a device that detects heat and can be either electrical
or mechanical in operation. With the help of various heat detector
parts, you can interface your home security system in the best way.
Heat and smoke detector are either electrical or battery operated
and in rare situations operated by both. Thermocouple and the electro-pneumatic
are the most familiar types of sensitive heat detectors which can
respond to changes in ambient temperature. In general the alarm signal
is triggered while the ambient temperature rises above a predetermined
threshold.
Heat detectors are made from the photoelectric technology. They also
play a vital part in fire detection. The heat detector offers the
best security in circumstances where there may be more flame than
smoke, as in an alcohol fire. They are implemented with various techniques
from solid-state to bi-metal contacts for indicating the presence
of heat when the temperature exceeds a specific value or rate of rise.
Where could you use Heat Detectors?
Heat detectors are usually used in dirty, dusty environments or where
dense smoke is produced. They can be used in places where smoke detectors
are useless due to environmental or other special reasons. They are
also used effectively where the value of materials and fire is less.
Sensitive heat detectors can be handled in indoor areas without winds
or drafts that can protect heat from reaching the detector. They are
effective in manufacturing areas where large quantities of vapors,
gases or fumes are released. They are extremely handy in kitchens,
furnace rooms, utility and other place where combustible particles
are normally present.
Difference between Smoke and Heat Detectors
Heat detectors are ideal for areas where flammable gasses and liquids
are handled or any area where a fire will quickly cause a large change
in the surrounding temperature. But Smoke detectors will meet the
requirements of areas holding wood; paper, plastic or fabric materials
by detecting a fire at its flaming or early flame stages. Through
out combustion these materials generate a combination of smoke types
with noticeable levels of both large and small particles.
Smoke detectors can’t be used in areas where dust and dirt’s
are heavy. They are helpless in high ceiling areas. Though heat detectors
are less receptive they are more suitable than a smoke detector in
most environments. The most common heat detectors either react to
a broad temperature change or a predetermined fixed temperature. Hence
a heat detector is always preferable and better than smoke detectors.
Fixed temperature heat detector uses a set of temperature-sensitive
resistors called thermistors that decrease in resistance as the temperature
rises. While one thermistor is sealed to be secure from the surrounding
temperature the other is exposed. A sharp increase in temperature
reduces the resistance in the exposed thermistor, which allows a large
current to activate the detector's alarm.
Continue to: Differences between Heat and Smoke Detector
