Aspirating Smoke & Gas Detectors

What are the benefits of air sampling versus conventional smoke detectors?

Both types of conventional smoke detectors (photoelectric and ionization) require smoke to reach the ceiling before activating. For many environments, these smoke detectors provide an early enough warning to locate portable fire extinguishers, notify fire fighters and/or evacuate the building, depending on the severity of the fire.

However, these types of smoke detectors are not ideal for environments with mission critical assets when very early warning detection is critical. In environments such as data centers where cooling and air flow is constant, any smoke from a fire could be diluted and not reach a smoke detector early enough to prevent damage.

For these types of applications, air sampling detection systems are required because of their ability to detect even the smallest traces of smoke in the environment.

Another reason air sampling devices may be chosen is because unlike smoke detectors they do not interfere with electromagnetic waves and other systems found in hospitals, MRI rooms and anechoic chambers. The air sampling unit is located outside of these rooms, and the non-interfering pipe network is routed through the protected space.

Finally, air sampling may help reduce maintenance costs. For example, in atriums, conference centers, expos and other high-ceiling buildings, providing periodic maintenance to smoke detectors and changing their batteries will likely require the use of a scissor lift and hours of labor. Conversely, an air sampling unit is easily accessible.