A flame detection sensor is a small sensing unit designed to sense the existence of a flammable liquid or other flammable substance, enabling fire detection in advance. Responses to such a detected fire vary greatly, with some systems sounding an audible alarm, activating a fire suppression system, and deactivating an existing fuel line. However, other systems simply sound an audible beep or light, signaling that a flue or fuel line has reached a dangerous level.
Fire detectors based on infrared technology are highly effective in situations where heat is a problem. In the past, such detectors were too large and heavy to be commonly installed in domestic homes. But advances in technology, including high-frequency radio waves used for communication systems, have made it possible to incorporate flame detection systems into new home security systems. Smaller detectors based on infrared technology are now readily available for installation in residential homes, many of which are small enough to fit inside a kitchen or bathroom. They can also be mounted outdoors on garden torches or roof lights. When detecting heat, such detectors tend to only detect the very hot gases most often involved in house fires, including electricity, gasoline, and cooking oil, while the older models were effective at detecting all sources of fire.
The key benefits of flame detection systems based on infrared technology are their fast response time and sensitivity to subtle changes in the spectral range of fire. This means that it is capable of detecting changes in the flame’s spectra very quickly – usually within just a few milliseconds. These fast response times give homeowners the added advantage of being able to respond more quickly to the presence of an actual fire before it reaches critical levels. And because it operates using a principle of electromagnetic radiation detection, the flame detector does not require any tuning or calibration, making it suitable for use in any setting. Also, since it operates using infrared light waves, it is also safer than other types of detection systems, such as those based on photoelectric radiation.
Fire accidents occur when someone leaves something flammable or combustible on a table or shelf and then leaves, only to have it ignite and spread in an instant. Some of the most hazardous places in the house are also some of the most frequently visited. In the kitchen, for example, it’s not uncommon to find foods and dishes left unattended in kitchen cabinets, refrigerators, and ovens, as well as dryer sheets and clothes stacked next to, or on top of, a heating element or dryer. Installing a flame detection system in these locations will help homeowners identify those areas most at risk of starting fires and prevent tragic injuries from occurring.
The best way to keep a home safe is to make sure that it is properly maintained. With the installation of high-quality flame control systems and heat-sensing devices, this can be easier than ever. Many heating contractors today offer a comprehensive package of safety measures that go beyond basic smoke detection, fire extinguisher availability, and door and window notification. Advanced technologies make today’s systems capable of detecting even the tiniest spark in a room and alerting the homeowner or building manager so that emergency teams are immediately on the scene. These advanced fire detection and notification systems are also far more affordable than older, less effective systems, which allows for added peace of mind for consumers.
