Professional Documents
Culture Documents
PRODUCT GUIDE
CONTENTS
GLOSSARY OF TERMS 9
1.1. DEFINITION 11
1.1.1. PROJECTED BEAM SMOKE DETECTOR 12
1.1.2. REFLECTIVE BEAM SMOKE DETECTOR 12
3.1. STANDARDS 17
4.1. STRUCTURE 29
4.4. SENSITIVITY 31
7.3. APPROVALS 40
7.4. ACCESSORIES 41
8. F I R E R A Y REFERENCE LIST 43
CONTACTS 47
NOTES 49
APPENDICES 51
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Stratification
An effect that occurs when the air containing
smoke particles is heated by smouldering or
burning material and, becoming less dense that
the surrounding cooler air, rises until it reaches a
level at which there is no longer a difference in
temperature between it and the surrounding air.
Stratification can also be caused by forced
ventilation.
1.1. DEFINITION
Edge
Core
IR
Infrared Light Beam Axis and Centre Energy
(All diagrams are side views unless otherwise stated) Beam Width
CORE: the effective region corresponds to the SCATTERED REGION: the energy in the
Core area, which will connect the scattered region is not sufficient to ensure
Transmitter with the Receiver / Reflector. reliable operation of the system.
The Core region contains sufficient radiation
energy to operate the system. EDGE: the transition area between the Core
and the Scattered Region.
1.1.1 PROJECTED BEAM SMOKE DETECTOR 1.1.2 REFLECTIVE BEAM SMOKE DETECTOR
The Transmitter (T) and the Receiver (R) are The Transmitter (T) and the Receiver (R) are
installed at each end of the area to be protected, contained within one unit: the Transceiver. The
from 10metres to 100metres apart. The transmitted infrared light beam is reflected back
Receiver is electrically connected to a Control by a prism mounted directly opposite this unit,
Unit, the later being installed at the ground level. between 5metres and 100metres away. The
same unit monitors the signal information.
The Beam Smoke Detector works on the sensitivity level based on a percentage of total
principle of light obscuration. The photosensitive obscuration. Fire Fighting Enterprises Beam
element of the Beam Smoke Detector sees light Smoke Detectors offer various sensitivity settings
produced by the Transmitter in a normal to choose from.
condition. The Receiver is calibrated to a preset
Unlike point-type photoelectric smoke detectors, beam by a solid object, such as a sign or a ladder,
Beam Smoke Detectors are generally less being inadvertently placed in the beam path.
sensitive to the colour of smoke. Therefore, a
Beam Smoke Detector may be well suited to Very small, slow changes in the quality of the light
applications unsuitable for point-type source also are not typical of a smoke signature.
photoelectric detectors, such as applications These changes may occur because of
where the anticipated fire would produce black environmental conditions such as dust or dirt
smoke. Beam Smoke Detectors do require accumulation on the Beam Smoke Detectors
visible smoke and therefore may not be as optical assemblies or on the reflective surface.
sensitive as ion detectors in some applications. These changes are typically compensated for by
an automatic gain control (AGC). When the
Beam Smoke Detectors are sensitive to the Beam Smoke Detector is first turned on and put
cumulative obscuration presented by smoke field. through its setup program, it assumes the light
A combination of smoke density and the linear signal level at that time as a reference point for a
distance of the smoke field create this cumulative normal condition.
obscuration across the projected light beam.
Cumulative obscuration, then, is a measure of the As the quality of the light signal degrades over
percentage of light blockage. time, perhaps due to dust, the AGC will
compensate for this change. The rate of
Since the sudden and total obscuration of the compensation is limited to insure that the Beam
light beam is not typical smoke signature, the Smoke Detector will maintain its set sensitivity
Beam Smoke Detector will see this as a trouble and also will still be sensitive to smouldering or
condition, not an alarm. This threshold is slow building fires. When the AGC can no
typically set by the manufacturer at a specified longer compensate for the loss of signal (as with
sensitivity level. This minimizes the possibility of an excessive accumulation of dust or dirt) the
an unwanted alarm due to the blockage of the Beam Smoke Detector will signal a trouble
condition.
Beam Smoke Detectors are used to provide Some examples of common applications:
wide area smoke detection. These are usually - Atriums
used in situations where it is either impractical or - Conference / Exhibition Centres
not cost effective (installation, wiring and - Shopping Malls
maintenance) to use traditional point-type - Historic Buildings
detectors. It also enables coverage of a large - Churches / Mosques
area, at minimal cost. - Museums
- Hangers
Beam Smoke Detectors are also ideally suited for - Manufacturing Plants
environmental conditions that might include high - Warehouses
ceilings, dusty and dirty environments, or - Airports
environments that experience temperature - Stables
extremes. - Sport / Leisure Centres
Like point-type detectors, Beam Smoke Hazardous areas require a flame / explosion
Detectors are inappropriate for outdoor proof Beam Smoke Detector, ATEX approved:
applications. - Zone1 Environments
- Refineries
Outdoor conditions make smoke behaviour - Mills
impossible to predict. Environmental conditions - Munitions Factories and Stores
such as temperature extremes, rain, snow, sleet, - Flammable Liquid Stores
fog and dew can interfere with the proper - Flammable Gas Stores
operation of the Beam Smoke Detector. - Flammable Powder Stores
- Industrial Plants and Warehouses
- Power Stations
3.1. STANDARDS
There are many recognised national and The following guidelines are provided to give
international standards, codes of practice. information in certain application conditions
Please refer to your local authority for your where no advice or regulations are provided by
applicable edition. the relevant standard.
Beam Smoke Detectors generally have an Note: Projected Beam Smoke Detectors can be
operating range of up to 100 metres. offered with an extended range.
7.5m
7.5m
(Plan View)
7.5m
7.5m
Up to 100m
Hence a Beam Smoke Detector can protect a wide area up to: 1,500 m2.
It is important that the Beam Smoke Detector is Smoke layering, where smoke does not reach the
positioned correctly to minimise the detection ceiling level due to layers of static hot air, is
time. overcome by mounting the Beam Smoke
Detector / Prism at the recommended height
Experiments have shown that smoke from a fire below the ceiling of between 0.3m and 0.6m.
does not rise directly upwards, but fans out or This brings the infrared light beam below the heat
mushrooms due to air currents and heat layering layer and into the smoke layer.
effects.
However, if there are objects below the ceiling
The time to signal a fire condition depends on that could obscure the beam path, the detector
the location of the Beam Smoke Detector within heads / prism positioning may need to be
the premises, the volume and density of smoke adjusted (this can be determined by smoke tests).
produced, construction of the roof, ventilation
arrangements and airflow within the detection The effects of stratification should also be
area. considered when locating Beam Smoke
Detectors (see 3.4.3. Stratification).
They are several models for positioning Beam Smoke Detectors. The most common ones are described
in subsequent pages.
X1
0.3m < X1 < 0.6m
A ceiling or roof with a slope in excess of 3.5 degrees should be regarded as an APEX ceiling / roof.
X1
15m 15m
X1
X1
X1
A ceiling or roof with a slope in excess of 3.5 The lateral coverage can be increased to
degrees should be regarded as an APEX ceiling / 9m either side of the infrared light beam
roof. axis.
X1
0.3m < X1 < 0.6m
X3 X3
X1
X4
30
10 X3 = 7.5 + (7.5 x 10%) X4 = 7.5 + (7.5 x 25% MAX)
X3 = 7.5 + 0.75 X4 = 7.5 + 1.875
X3 = 8.25m X4 = 9.375m
3.3.4. ATRIUM
X1
X3
If the Beam Smoke Detector is to be placed in an the Reflector will be returned to the Receiver in
Atrium, or near glass / polished surfaces, the the normal way.
Receiver / Reflector should be offset from the
central line of sight, and angled back to the
Transmitter.
High air movement does not have as great as an of the Beam Smoke Detectors sensing range.
effect on Beam Smoke Detectors as other Although reduced spacing is not required in high
detector types. A Beam Smoke Detectors airflow areas, attention should be given to the
sensing range can be as long as a football field anticipated behaviour of smoke in these
(maximum beam range is typically 100m). It is applications.
therefore less likely that smoke will be blown out
Beam Smoke Detectors are not as limited as This version provides an early warning of
point-type detectors to hostile environments: smouldering or strongly smoke-generative fires,
temperature extremes, dirt, and corrosive which may not be picked up by flame detectors
gases installed in these hazardous areas.
In addition, flame / explosion proof Beam Smoke Flame / explosion proof Beam Smoke Detectors
Detectors have been designed for protection of are ATEX approved.
large hazardous (with potentially explosive
atmospheres) areas, such as:
- Zone1 Environments
- Refineries
- Mills
- Munitions Factories and Stores
- Flammable Liquid Stores
- Flammable Gas Stores
- Flammable Powder Stores
- Industrial Plants and Warehouses
- Power Stations
3.4.3. STRATIFICATION
Stratification occurs when smoke is heated by In many cases, however, the location and
smouldering of burning materials and becomes sensitivity of the detectors shall be the result of
less dense than surrounding cooler air. an engineering evaluation that includes the
following:
The smoke rises until there is no longer a - structural features
difference in temperature between the smoke - size and shape of the room and bays
and the surrounding air. - occupancy and uses of the area
- ceiling height and shape
Therefore, stratification may occur in areas - surface and obstructions
where the air temperature may be elevated at - ventilation
the ceiling level, but especially where there is a - ambient environment
lack of ventilation. - burning characteristics of the
combustible materials present
- configuration of the contents in the
On smooth ceilings, Beam Smoke Detectors area to be protected.
should generally be mounted between a minimum
0.3m to 0.6m from the ceiling.
The results of an engineering evaluation may
require an installation at a reduced height to
defeat the effects of stratification or other
obstructions.
Height (m)
(A) (C)
40
30
20
(B)
10
(A) This plume is narrow at the ground level and expands at higher levels; it can be detected readily at
these levels. (B) This design is slow to develop; the temperature of the plume cools around 10m to 15m
causing it to stratify at this level. (C) The design of this plume develops at lower levels and doesnt cool
until it reaches higher elevations. Due to the high temperature, its size is equal from floor to ceiling.
The purpose of this approach The purpose of this approach The purpose of this approach
is to quickly detect the is to quickly detect the is to detect the rising plume
development of a smoke layer development of a smoke layer rather than the smoke layer.
at whatever temperature at whatever temperature For this approach, an
condition exists. One or condition exists. One or arrangement of Beam Smoke
more Beam Smoke Detectors more Beam Smoke Detectors Detectors close enough to
are aimed at an upward angle are located at the ceiling. each other to assure
to intersect the smoke layer Additional Beam Smoke intersection of the plume is
regardless of the level of Detectors are located at installed at a level below the
smoke stratification. For other levels lower in the lowest expected stratification
redundancy when using this volume. The exact positioning level. The spacing between
approach, more than one of the Beam Smoke Detectors Beam Smoke Detectors is
Beam Smoke Detector is is a function of the specific based on the narrowest
recommended. design but should include potential width of the plume
Beam Smoke Detectors at the at the level of detection.
bottom of any identified
unconditioned (dead-air)
spaces and at / or near the
design smoke level with
several intermediate Beam
Smoke Detectors positions at
other levels.
COVERAGE / SPACING:
Radius = 7.5 metres Lateral coverage = 7.5 metres either side
Distance between detectors = 10 metres Distance between detectors = 15 metres
Qty required to cover 1,500 m2 = 12 units mini Qty required to cover 1,500 m2 = 1 unit
7.5m
(Plan View)
7.5m
Up to 100m
7.5m
15m
5m 10m
Conventional Beam Smoke Detectors are very module, they can be added to any intelligent
versatile; they are compatible with any system irrespective of the communication
conventional control panel and by using them in protocol between the control panel and
conjunction with a suitable interface control detectors.
4.1. STRUCTURE
Beam Smoke Detectors must be mounted on In cases where only one stable mounting surface
stable stationary surfaces for proper operation: as defined above can be used, and a Reflective
to prevent movement and subsequent Beam Smoke Detector has been chosen, the
misalignment. A surface that moves, shifts, Transceiver should be mounted to the stable
vibrates, or wraps over time will cause false surface and the Reflector should be mounted to
alarm or trouble conditions. Initial selection of a the less stable surface. The Reflector has a much
proper mounting surface will eliminate false greater tolerance for the unstable mounting
alarms and nuisance trouble signals. locations defined above.
Mount the Beam Smoke Detector on a stable DO NOT MOUNT the Beam Smoke Detector
mounting surface, such as brick, concrete, a on corrugated metal walls, sheet metal walls,
sturdy load-bearing wall, support column, external building sheathing, external siding,
structural beam or other surface that is not suspended ceilings, steel web trusses, rafters,
expected to experience vibration or movement non-structural beam, joists or other such
over time. surfaces.
Reflective objects too near to the line of sight can If this occurs, the Beam Smoke Detector will not
reflect the infrared light beam from the be able to distinguish these reflections and the
Transmitter. protected space will be compromised.
There must be a permanent clear line of sight Any object in the infrared light beam path could
between the Transmitter and the Receiver / cause a reduction in signal and ultimately may
Reflector. prevent the system from operating correctly.
4.4. SENSITIVITY
Sensitivity is the smoke obscuration (% / metres) The Beam Smoke Detectors working
over a distance (metres). environment (dust, humidity) is an element to
be considered whilst selecting the sensitivity
level.
After successful installation and alignment (see manufacturers specific alignment procedure), the Beam
Smoke Detectors will require testing for both Fire and Trouble conditions.
Taking into account the sensitivity threshold set The Receiver optics (for the Projected type Beam
during the installation, the Beam Smoke Detector Smoke Detector) and the Reflector (for the
can be smoke tested by progressively obscuring Reflective type) should be covered totally. The
the Receiver optics (for the Projected type Beam Reflector should be covered with a non-reflective
Smoke Detector) and the Reflector (for the material.
Reflective type) with the Transparency (Filter)
past the selected obscuration value. The Beam Smoke Detector should indicate a
trouble condition after a defined time by
The Transmitter optics must remain uncovered activating the trouble indicator.
during the smoke test.
Once the obstruction has been removed, the
The Beam Smoke Detector will indicate a fire Beam Smoke Detector will automatically return
within a defined time (typically 10 seconds) by in the conditions prior to the trouble, within a
activating the fire indicator and closing the fire defined time.
relay.
Reflective Beam
Smoke Detector
Obscuration
Value
Projected Beam
Smoke Detector
Receiver Optics
Light sources of extreme intensity such as If possible, the exposure should be North/South.
sunlight and artificial lamps, if directed to the
Receiver, can cause a dramatic signal change If the sunlight cannot be avoided, the Receiver
resulting in fault and alarm signals. should be mounted slightly higher than the
Transmitter or Reflector, causing the Receiver to
Pointing the Receiver to the rising or setting sun look below the horizon.
should be avoided.
Sources of high heat level can affect the line of If possible, heat sources need to be placed as far
sight between the Transmitter and the Receiver, as possible to the line of sight in order to avoid
and may have an adverse effect on the the heat haze to potentially distort and attenuate
performance of the Beam Smoke Detector. the infrared light beam.
Before starting any maintenance on Beam Smoke essential that routine checks (such as regular
Detectors, the proper authorities need to be tests and scheduled service visits) and the special
notified that the Beam Smoke Detectors will be servicing are carried out in order for the Beam
temporarily out of service. The zone or whole Smoke Detectors to remain fully operational and
system managing the Beam Smoke Detectors that to function effectively in an alarm condition.
are undergoing maintenance, is disabled to
prevent unwanted alarms and possible dispatch of Remember to advise the authorities notified at
fire services personnel. the beginning of the maintenance activities that it
has been completed and the whole system is
Beam Smoke Detectors are designed to be as operational again.
maintenance-free as possible. However, it is
Routine checks should consist of: Special servicing will be required under special
- visual inspection of all devices for physical circumstances:
damages and any other condition that - after a fire
might impair proper operation - if an unacceptable rate of false alarms is
- the installation remains mechanically experienced
(fixture) and electrically (wiring) optimal - when a new maintenance organisation is
- no major changes to the environment: the contracted
line of sight is respected and reflections - following long period of disconnection
have not been added
- Trouble and Fire Alarm tests using the
specially designed Transparency
In both circumstances, if any actions need to be undertaken, the installation and alignment criteria need to be
fulfilled and the testing procedure must subsequently be carried out again.
F I R E R A Y range contains both types of Beam There are also a number of accessories that have
Smoke Detectors: been specially engineered to suit specific
- Projected = F I R E R A Y 2000 range applications and the variation of standards/codes
- Reflective = F I R E R A Y 50R/100R range requirements.
Specifications are listed on the Product Data Sheet, Specifications are listed on the Product Data Sheet,
see Appendix A.1 see Appendix B1.
7.3 APPROVALS
F I R E R A Y Beam Smoke Detectors are being sold and installed across 80 countries on all continents, thus
carrying an extensive range of approvals. Some are listed as follows:
AMERICAS:
- UL ASIA:
- ULC - BSMI (Taiwan)
- CSFM (California) - Korea
- MEA (New York) - China
- Hong Kong
EUROPE: - Bomba (Malaysia)
- EN54 Part 12 - Most of all Civil Defence Organisations in
- CPD the Middle East / Gulf region
- VdS
- NF OCEANIA:
- DANAK (Denmark DIFT) - SSL (Australia)
- CNBOP (Poland)
- POJTEST and VNIIPO (Russia) AFRICA:
- INTYG (Sweden) - South Africa
- EMI (Hungary) - Egypt
- Czech - Morocco
7.4 ACCESSORIES
8. F I R E R A Y REFERENCE LIST
FIRE FIGHTING ENTERPRISES LIMITED (FFE) is produced, despatched and installed in applications
the world leader in the manufacture of Beam across all continents and over 80 countries.
Smoke Detectors and has established an
excellent reputation for the supply of fire FFE offers the widest range of Beam Smoke
detection products within the global fire industry. Detectors to protect lives, equipment and
properties.
In the past twenty-five years, more than 600,000
F I R E R A Y Beam Smoke Detectors have been
UK: EUROPE:
Scottish Exhibition Centre, Glasgow Mercedes Benz, Rastatt factory, Germany
West Ham Football Stadium 2004 Athens Olympic Centres, Greece
London Heathrow Airport Westpoort Rotterdam, Netherlands
Gateshead Metro Centre Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Buckingham Palace Sofia National Theatre, Bulgaria
New Tate Gallery Bilbao Exhibition Centre, Spain
Portcullis House Palace of Parliament, Romania
Blenheim Palace Pushkino Warehouse, Russia
British Museum Kaleom Salt Mine, Belarus
The Sage Riga Airport, Latvia
USA: MIDDLE-EAST:
US Capitol Dubai Airport, UAE
Jacksonville Arena Mall of Emirates, UAE
MGM Grand Hotel Qatar Petroleum, Qatar
Griffith Observatory Financial Centre, Bahrain
Boston Opera House Khafji Project, Saudi Arabia
University of Texas, Austin World Trade Centre, Bahrain
Tropicana Resort & Casino Amman Shopping Mall, Jordan
Bryant St Pump - DCWASA Saudi ARAMCO, Saudi Arabia
White House Visitor Centre SAAD Health Science Centre, Saudi Arabia
Chicago Bears Training Ground Abu Dhabi Pension & Retirement Fund HQ, UAE
ASIA:
Museum and Esplanade MRT Stations, Singapore Dewan Majilis Parliament House, Brunei
LongTan Hydropower Station, China Mando - Iksan division, South Korea
Bangkok King Power Mall, Thailand Chek Lap Kok Airport, Hong Kong
SPP Shipbuilding, South Korea KLIA Low Cost Terminal, Malaysia
FusionPolis, Singapore Festive Walk, Hong Kong
Recognising the capabilities and limitations of all Beam Smoke Detectors are an efficient and
types of smoke detectors is essential to the economical way of protecting lives, equipment
proper design of an automatic fire alarm system. and properties where:
- areas are wide
- ceilings are high
Beam Smoke Detectors should be considered - architecture cosmetic / aesthetic is
and might be the smoke detector of choice important
before selecting other types. - cost of installation and servicing is low
CONTACTS
Andrew Scarrott
Export Sales Manager Africa and Europe (except France and Spain)
Tel: +44 (0)1827 251 778
Mobile: +44 (0)7887 761 358
Email: ascarrott@ffeuk.com
David Clorley
Sales Manager UK and Ireland
Mobile: +44 (0)7710 599 888
Email: dclorley@ffeuk.com
Robert Baker
Americas Sales Director
Tel: +1 940 271 0435
Fax: +1 972 534 1526
Mobile: +1 940 231 8585
Email: rbarker@ffeuk.com
Etienne Ricoux
Export Sales Manager Middle-East, Asia, France and Spain
Tel: +44 (0)1932 856 536
Mobile: +44 (0)7887 761 357
Email: ericoux@ffeuk.com
NOTES
APPENDIX