Is it possible to detect a fire days before it breaks out?
Fire is one of the biggest threats to businesses, data centres and public institutions. Not only can it cause significant property damage, but it can also endanger human lives. Therefore, the timely detection of fires is of utmost importance to enable quick reactions and effective evacuations – this is also about the safety of employees. This aspect of safety technology for companies, like fire protection, should not be neglected.
Definition and importance of early fire detection
Early detection of fires and fire refers to the timely detection and early alerting to minimise damage to people, property and the environment. It is a system or combination of technologies developed to identify potential fire outbreaks at an early stage before they can develop into larger and more dangerous fires. Fire detection involves monitoring smoke, temperature, gases and other indicators that may indicate the presence of a fire. By using advanced sensor technologies, thermal imaging cameras and advanced algorithms, early fire detection systems can enable a rapid response by triggering automatic alarms while relaying relevant information to emergency services or people on site.
Early fire detection is a crucial aspect of fire safety as it enables a rapid response to a fire. Conventional smoke detectors and fire alarms are usually limited to protecting homes and smaller spaces. However, in larger buildings and complex facilities, more advanced early fire detection systems are required to provide early warning of potential hazards. Fires in technical installations, for example, are frequently (>50%) caused by electrical faults and can have a variety of causes, leading to short circuits and/or fire outbreaks. These include, for example:
- Insulation fault
- Overcurrents
- improper maintenance/installation of electrical systems
- overheated cables
- defective devices
An automatic early fire detection system can detect such electrical faults and give an early alarm to minimise the risk of fire (fire prevention).
Functions of an automatic early fire detection system
An automatic early fire detection system consists of various components that work together to detect a fire and trigger alarms. Here are some important functions of such a system:
Smoke detectors and heat detectors: These sensors continuously monitor the room for signs of smoke or heat that could indicate a fire.
Fire alarm control panel: This panel receives the signals from the sensors and evaluates them. When a possible fire is detected, it triggers an alarm and informs the security staff or the fire brigade.
Alarm system: The automatic early fire detection system can trigger various types of alarms, such as sirens, flashing lights or voice announcements to warn people in the building and initiate an evacuation.
With its innovative features, the Kentix MultiSensor offers brilliant possibilities for early fire detection. The combination of seeing (camera / thermal imaging camera) and smelling (smoke sensor), just like a dog, give the sensor enormous sensory power to protect your system-critical infrastructures.
Advantages of automatic early fire detection
The use of an automatic early fire detection system offers a number of advantages:
Early detection: The sensors can detect fires at a very early stage, even before smoke or flames are visible. This gives more time for evacuations and fire brigade intervention. Often, fires can even be detected by the Kentix MultiSensor before they actually break out.
Reliability: Automatic early fire detection systems work around the clock and are not dependent on human vigilance. This ensures that fires are detected even when no one is in the room.
Minimising damage: By detecting fires early, quick action can be taken to limit the damage and prevent the fire from spreading.
Integration with other systems: Advanced early fire detection systems can be integrated with other security systems such as access control and video cameras to provide comprehensive monitoring and response to events.
Special features of early fire detection in the storage of rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable batteries are widely used in many devices and applications, from mobile phones and laptops to electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Although rechargeable batteries are generally safe, there is still a small risk of fire, especially if they are improperly stored or damaged.
In the storage of rechargeable batteries, fire protection as well as early fire detection, at best even before the fire breaks out, is therefore even more important than in other industrial buildings due to the hazardous materials involved. Again, temperature and humidity sensors can be used to ensure that storage conditions are safe. Excessive heat or humidity can affect the stability of the batteries and increase the risk of fire. Therefore, it is important to continuously monitor these parameters and take appropriate action in case of deviations.
The following special features apply to battery storage:
Fire hazard due to thermal reactions: Rechargeable batteries contain chemical compounds that can cause increased heat development if stored improperly or damaged. These thermal reactions can lead to a fire. Therefore, it is important to monitor the temperature in storage areas and to use early warning systems that will sound an alarm if the temperature rises.
Gas evolution: Some batteries can release gases when overcharged or damaged. These gases can be flammable and contribute to fire development. It is therefore advisable to install gas detectors in storage areas that can detect an increased concentration of flammable gases and sound an alarm.
Smoke development: In the event of a fire, accumulators can develop smoke, which should be detected at an early stage. The use of smoke detectors in storage areas is therefore of great importance to ensure a quick response and prevent the spread of the fire.
In addition, care should be taken to ensure adequate spatial separation when storing batteries. Good storage practice dictates that batteries are not stored near flammable materials or other potentially hazardous substances. This reduces the risk of fire from contamination or external influences.
Finally, training of staff involved in the storage of batteries should not be forgotten. Staff should be aware of the potential hazards associated with battery storage and trained on appropriate early fire detection and suppression measures. This will enable them to react quickly and correctly in an emergency to minimise damage.
