Optical Flame Detector Family Selection Guide

1 Model Range & Characteristics

The all‐new Fike family of optical flame detectors offers superior immunity to false alarms, enhanced speed of response and are available with or without an integral high‐definition (HD) video camera.

The updated Fike family looks and feels the same as previous devices, but the portfolio has been widened to tackle more challenging applications and to provide additional capabilities, like expanded reporting, system interface & diagnostics. We have also developed a new color scheme in recognition of the energy transition market for our FIK‐IR3‐H2 and FIK‐IR3‐H2‐HD detectors.

The HD detector version provides high‐definition (HD) video output of the monitored area with clear imaging of any fire event and personnel at distances up to 100 ft (30m). This allows the rescue team to be aware of the exact situation before entering the hazardous area.

The HD units automatically record any fire event for 1 minute before and up to 3 minutes after the alarm. These features and the built‐in event logger provide additional means to study the cause and development of fire events for “lessons learned” reviews.

The following table lists the range of Fike detector models, each with its maximum detection distance and typical response times. All Fike models are suitable for use in indoor and outdoor applications.

4.2 The X5 Variant – for All Fike Detectors

“Flame Detection” can provide coverage for a wide range of different fire types, solid, liquid, and gaseous. The challenge is that no one flame detector can respond to every fire type in sufficient time to limit the escalation to a point where significant damage has been caused. That is why the Fike family is now available with an X5 variant. The X5 variant is FM‐approved for fast‐evolving or moving fires. These fires may be caused by a release from pressurized paint, a solvent cloud contacting an ignition source, a fire moving on a conveyor, etc.

NFPA 33 defines a list of requirements for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials. The 2018 Edition, section 9.9.1, specifically requires “automated liquid electrostatic spray application equipment, both listed and unlisted, shall be further protected by listed optical flame detection, installed, and supervised in accordance with NFPA 72. In the event of ignition, the optical flame detection shall react to the presence of flame within one‐half (0.5) second.” The X5 variant complies with NFPA 33.

4.3 Spark & Arc Detection

In electrical installations such as high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, static var compensators (SVC), flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) and their valve halls, and numerous others, the ability to detect sparks and electrical arcs, in addition to fire can be valuable in protecting assets.

The presence of sparks and electrical arcs is usually a precursor to a more serious event, such as a fire. We at Fike have enhanced the capabilities of all our Fike UV‐IR( HD) and UV‐IR‐ F(‐HD) detectors to generate an additional signal, either via the 4‐20 mA signal or an auxiliary relay to indicate the presence of sparks and arcs (high UV levels) in addition to a flame detected signal.

If HD variants are used, spark and arc detection will also initiate the pre‐ and post‐event video recording to aid incident analysis.