Aspirating Smoke Detector – Important Smoke Alarms Safety Tool
An aspirating smoke detector (aspirating Smoke Detector, ASD) available at ph-el.dk is a mechanism used in passive fire protection, made up of a core detector unit that draws hot air through a series of insulated pipes to detect smoke and fire. The smoke is pumped into a holding chamber, where it condenses and cools before being pumped back out into the house. As the hot air passes through the pipes, it gets mixed with low pressure air from above the ground. As the pressure rises, so does the volume of the smoke in the holding chamber.
Passive fire protection consists mainly of smoke detectors. Active fire protection entails pumping in additional liquid to the system, usually water. This liquid is usually stored in an underground vault or can be pumped in directly through the system. There are some smoke detectors that can also be manually activated by pulling a string inside of them. These types have a manual switch on the detector for activating them. Most of these detectors are set to monitor for smoke only, but there are a few that can also be set to monitor for heat or cold.
There are a number of different models of passive fire detection systems. One such system is the gas-based Aspirating Smoke Detector (ASD). This kind has a probe similar to a canister, and a heating element at its top. The heating element causes gases to be emitted, raising the temperature of the smoke and causing it to rise into the canister. Once the smoke reaches the canister, the sensor ignites the heating element and forces the smoke upward to a holding chamber where it condenses again. Once the canister is full, the system shuts off and powers down itself.
Another type of smoke detector is the Perforated Metal Aspirating Smoke Detector (PMAD). This kind has two metal probes that are perforated, with one probe sticking out the top and the other protruding out the bottom. When a canister is struck by a strike from a fire, the detector activates the sensor and causes a reaction in the probe that causes the metal pieces in the canister to stick together, forming a layer of metal that rises. Once the layer of metal is formed, the canister is sealed. A PMAD is the most commonly used type of smoke detector used to combat smoke in the workplace.
Some people mistakenly think that a PDA fire alarm is the same as an Aspirating Smoke Detector. They are both designed to protect you from fire alarms, although they differ in some ways. A PDA can be conveniently carried with you anywhere, and it comes with an accelerator that will indicate when a fire is detected in your home. A PDA does not have a sensor, and therefore, does not need to constantly “talk” to a fire alarm to alert it. PDA detectors do not have the “sweet smell” that an Aspirating Smoke Detector (ASD) releases that gives off in case of a fire.
Fire safety experts agree that a PDA is much more effective than an Aspirating Smoke Detector for a single person, as its range is limited only to a few feet. However, a PDA can be very useful if you are a member of a multi-person fire team or if you are a family that stays at one place most of the time. Multi-person smoke detectors are sometimes used in residential buildings where one person is assigned to monitor the alarms for the entire household. Multi-family dwellings also usually have a sprinkler system that includes fire pits that is used to supplement the monitoring of smoke detectors.
If you want a simple, low-cost way to alert you to a fire, and you are an employer, you can get a portable Aspirating Smoke Detector from many online and local retailers. Portable units allow you to keep your Aspirating Smoke Detector with you, even if you are traveling. Fire alarms are one of the most important tools in a home. In fact, according to the U.S. National Fire Protection Association, “smoke alarms can help save lives.”
As a note, be sure to do your research before purchasing an Aspirating Smoke Detector. Do not rely on manufacturers’ warranties. Make sure the unit you buy has a tested warrant and does not need to be replaced after one year of purchase. Aspirating smoke alarms are very affordable and can protect your home and your employees. With so many choices out there, you should not have any trouble finding the right Aspirating Smoke Detector for your needs.