Optical Beam Smoke Detector

An Optical Beam Smoke Detector is a device that uses a projected beam of light to detect smoke across large areas, typically as an indicator of fire. They are generally used to detect fires in buildings where standard point smoke detectors would either be uneconomical or restricted for use by the height of the building.

Optical Beam Smoke Detection can provide an economical solution for detecting smoke in large open space areas such as Shopping Malls, Warehouses and Airports. For example, just one optical beam smoke detector can be used instead of 16-point smoke detectors and wiring to a single device can be more cost effective than fitting metres of air sampling tubing.

In certain circumstances optical beam smoke detectors can also prove advantageous due to what is known as a stratification layer. Smoke particles are heavier than air and are carried upward by the warm air around them through cooler air. This cool surrounding air will cool the plume and warm air trapped by the ceiling forms a thermal cushion preventing the smoke reaching the ceiling. Standard smoke points detectors and aspiration detection could fail to see the smoke because of the fact they are installed directly on the ceiling, however beam detection is typically placed 600mm down from the ceiling which means they are less likely to be above the stratification line.

There are two main types of optical beam smoke detectors, paired transmitter and receiver devices and a reflective device. Both these types of devices are fully motorised to ensure that even if there is slight movement with the building structure the optical beam smoke detectors remain permanently inline. Most manufacturers now also include a Low-Level Indicator with the optical beam smoke detectors, this unit allows for simple basic maintenance to take place without the need of high access equipment.