Fire detection systems developed by experts for high-risk industries.
Selecting the right fire detection system is key, with early detection playing a central role in minimising the damage caused by a fire. We work with a broad spectrum of fire detection system manufacturers from across the world, using our expertise to find the perfect fire alarm systems for your business. If you’re looking for the perfect commercial fire protection system, call us today on 0800 975 5767 or fill in our contact form. If you would like to see our products in action, the video below shows how we protect a biomass and waste wood processing plant:
What is a fire detection system?
An automatic fire detection system detects fires in their early stages and notifies building or site occupants of the fire before activating any programmed emergency protocols, such as alerting the fire and rescue service and activating fire suppression systems. As well as being automatically activated, fire detection systems may also a control panel and manual calls points, enabling manual activation and control when required.
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Types of fire detection system
A wide range of fire detectors are available for purchase and installation, with each one suited to different businesses. At Fire Shield, we work with you to ensure you have the most effective system possible. Some of the options we provide are:
Thermal imaging
Thermal imaging systems detect subtle changes in temperature, alerting you when action is required and acting automatically to de-escalate the situation as quickly and effectively as possible. By reacting to more subtle changes in temperature, thermal imaging detectors can alert you to the risk of a fire developing much earlier than alternatives, giving you crucial time to react accordingly and minimise damage.
Ember detection
Ember detectors are well-suited to detecting fires on moving production lines, where just one overheated item could contain enough energy to start a fire and travel the length of your plant. Ember detectors work on a much subtler level than flame detection systems, as the heat required to start a fire isn’t always enough to trigger flame detectors. For example, and overheated, sparking battery may not trigger flame detectors until it has started a fire. Ember detection systems would detect the battery and act before a fire started.
Spark detection
Spark detectors are vital in industries which commonly produce dust and sparks and are commonly used in the ducting process, which takes raw material from one part of a machine to another. In this situation, a rogue spark could be enough to cause an explosion and severe damage. Spark detectors immediately detect sparks in your systems, extinguishing them and acting to close down both ends of the machine if required.
Flame detection
A flame detection system will detect the presence of a flame and react accordingly, from sounding your fire alarms to activating fire suppression systems. The mechanisms used to detect flames can make flame detectors faster to react than smoke or heat detectors. Saving time in a situation where every second is vital.
Addressable linear detection
Addressable linear detection methods use linear heat detection cables to detect heat throughout an area and trigger fire suppression systems accordingly. Durable and easy to maintain, these cables are suited to particularly confined areas where alternatives would struggle to fit.
Rate of rise heat detection
Unlike traditional heat detection systems, which detect an area reaching a specific temperature, rate of rise heat detection systems detects rapid rises in temperature over a short period of time. This allows for operation at a lower fire condition temperature than standard heat detectors, with the increased sensitivity allowing for faster reactions.
Why install a fire detection system?
Installing an effective fire detection system in your business provides numerous safety and financial benefits.
By ensuring you receive an early warning of any fire and can quickly act and evacuate you are, first and foremost, protecting the lives of your staff. A fire starting naturally causes panic to swell throughout the building, something which can result in devastating consequences. Alerting and evacuating staff before the fire has properly taken hold plays a key role in ensuring a safe, efficient evacuation.
In addition to this, early detection also reduces the damage any fire causes to your equipment. Fast, automatic activation of any fire extinguishing systems alongside fire brigade notification keeps the fire contained, limiting the damage caused to your premises.
If you’re unfortunate enough to suffer a fire at your business, effective fire protection solutions help it result in a blip in activity, rather than a catastrophic end to the company. Often, insurance companies look favourably on businesses with comprehensive fire protection systems installed, meaning you could also benefit from discounts on essential insurance policies following installation of the system.
About us
At Fire Shield Systems Ltd, we design, install and maintain bespoke, accredited fire protection solutions. Our team has over 25 years’ experience designing and installing fire protection systems in a wide range of industries. We understand that each business is unique and work closely with you to ensure you have the perfect system for your needs. With Fire Shield, you can always be confident you’re getting the perfect fire protection system.
Contact us
If you’re looking for a fire detection system, contact us today on 0800 975 5767 to discuss your requirements with a member of our team.
FAQs
For any further information, please see our list of fire detection systems frequently asked questions in our collapsable menu below:
Fire detection systems are the part of a fire protection system that recognises when a fire has started or that one may be imminent. This allows them to raise the alarm or trigger an automatic fire suppression response.
How often should fire detection and warning systems be checked?
The Fire Protection Association notes that under BS 5839-6:2019, in commercial premises, fire alarm systems need to be checked weekly. However, it may be acceptable to rotate which of your fire detectors is used to check the overall alarm system, in order to test all of your detectors over the course of several weeks or months. You should have your entire system inspected by a competent individual at least once every six months.
When is an automatic fire detection system considered necessary?
All businesses must be adequately prepared to raise the alarm in the event of fire. For the smallest premises, this can be done manually just by shouting. For larger buildings with work taking place in multiple zones, an automatic fire detection system may be necessary to fully protect all occupants. A fire risk assessment by a competent professional should help you to decide whether this is necessary or not.
Is an automatic fire detection system always a legal necessity?
Not always. However, in larger businesses, and especially in the presence of combustible materials or hazardous chemicals, an automatic fire detection system can allow evacuation and may enable you to put the fire out before it takes hold. Automatic fire suppression systems can help to do this without putting any personnel at risk.
How does a fire detection system work?
A fire detection system works by watching for the potential outbreak of a fire. That might be a change in temperature before a flame has been ignited, the visible flames of a fire, or a chemical process to detect airborne smoke particles. These can then trigger an alarm state, with an automatic fire suppression response or to allow manual intervention.
What are the three basic types of fire detection systems?
There are many different types of fire detection systems, including three main categories:
Smoke detection
- Smoke detectors are triggered in contact with physical smoke particles in the air. They may work using ionization or photoelectric detection and can be highly sensitive to even very low levels of smoke.
Heat detectors
- Heat detectors work by measuring a change in temperature and raising the alarm if this change is suspicious (ie if it appears to be caused by a fire). This is ideal in smoky environments where smoke detectors would be triggered with no fire present.
Flame detection
- Flame detection is highly accurate and works by looking for the tell-tale visible light signature of a fire, along with invisible wavelengths like infrared and ultraviolet. This type of protection is incredibly effective and is popular in high-value businesses.
What is the difference between fire alarm system and fire detection system?
A fire detection system relates specifically to the technology used to detect the outbreak of fire. In contrast, a fire alarm system includes the strobe lights and beacons, and the audible warnings, that raise the alarm amongst a building’s occupants when a fire is detected.
What are the basic components of fire detection and alarm systems?
In general, a fire safety system can include several basic components:
- A fire detection system to raise the alarm
- A fire alarm system to notify occupants to evacuate
- A fire suppression system to prevent the spread of fire.
Alarms and suppression systems can be manually triggered, or the full process can be automated for the fastest and most comprehensive protection against fire.
How do you install a fire detection system?
Any competent person can install a fire detection system, but this means you ideally need someone with a good understanding of the technology, relevant British Standards and electrical installations. For a reliable fire detection system, leave it to the experts – the investment will pay off if you ever suffer a fire on your premises.
Contact us
Do you own or operate a business that needs fire protection?
Call us today on 0800 975 5767, or fill in our contact form, to speak with a member of our team.