Sometimes you need to go beyond doing simply what’s required to do what’s right. Such is frequently the case with early warning aspirating smoke detection technology: Even if not always required by fire or building code mandates, some professionals demand nothing less. NFPA 72 sets guidelines for the location of air sampling tubes, and other codes provide guidelines for other aspects of fire system designs that incorporate aspirating smoke technology. Yet, aspirating smoke detection systems may not be required. Loss prevention specialists, insurers and others charged with protecting the most critical data or facility assets, however, may find that simply following code is inadequate or doesn’t provide early enough warning.
For most applications, traditional System Sensor detectors provide ample warning. For example, when a light fixture malfunctioned in the reference library of the historic Texas Capitol building in April, the nearest System Sensor smoke detector went into pre-alarm mode, alerting security personnel to the situation. Fortunately, this warning during the incipient stage kept a potentially devastating fire from escalating beyond minimal smoke damage.
However, for some facilities, even minimal smoke damage is too much. Think of a brokerage firm’s computer server room, an art museum or a pharmaceutical research and development lab: How much smoke can these environments afford?
If a smoke detector trips the sprinkler or chemical suppression system because of a nuisance alarm or because the fire is advanced, could you live with the results? Or would the water or chemicals be as damaging to your assets as smoke or flames?
Risk management is all about making intelligent decisions about what you can stand to lose versus what you are willing to do to gain adequate protection. A fire safety system that is completely suitable in one environment may not offer early enough warning or proper coverage for another project.
That’s why System Sensor is excited about broadening its fire and life safety system line with the addition of the FAAST® Fire Alarm Aspiration Sensing Technology system. This highly sensitive aspirating smoke detection system is the new standard in the industry. By covering the high end of the very early warning protection range, FAAST is a great complement to other devices we currently carry.
Designing fire safety systems entails thorough analysis of risks and objectives and then taking proactive steps to ensure those goals are met. System Sensor understands that no one can afford to take unnecessary risks, and we proudly offer you even more options to protect life and property.
Jeffrey Klein
Vice President of Marketing, System Sensor U.S.
Tags: Editorial, Smoke detection
Posted in Editorial, Fall 2010, Intelligent Detection
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