FAQs
Index
Q. Can Line type temperature detection systems REALLY provide superior detection response times to "other" types of detectors?
A. As a "point of risk" detection device - monitoring temperature changes at ANY and ALL points along its length - the systems supplied by PROLINE are able to monitor,detect and signal even the smallest adverse temperature rise (depending on selection of DIGITAL or FIBRE OPTIC linear detection system), indicate a pre-combustion/pre-smoke alarm status, its location and progression....regardless of local environmental conditions. For clean, office type environments - paper fire risks - point type smoke detection may be specified.Top
Q. Which is the best linear temperature detection system?
A. As Incipient Fire and/or Overheat conditions will ALWAYS be localised events, rapid response will best be achieved from systems which are NOT reliant on any minimum length exposure of sensor cable to achieve a particular alarm temperature and where this exact alarm temperature can be quoted prior to installation (without concern as to this altering with length exposure). The localised nature of ALL alarm situations will NOT allow resistance averaging systems to recover after an alarm. DIGITAL operating concepts are not temperature length dependant, can be designed as long zone lengths without concern for ambient temperature and can either be connected directly to a central control system loop (by others)or provide alarm location information and multiple output signalling by using manufacturer supplied interface. FIBRE OPTIC operating system offers temperature indication (accuracy +/- 0.75C), 1m spatial and measuring resolution, 7 seconds measurement time of 4kms fibre cable - single or double ended configuration. Enhanced graphic display, open communications and unlimited zone configuration.Top
Q. Can I integrate the Linear detection system with my central fire alarm control panel?
A. YES....regardless of system specified, integration is by any number of options ....from volt free contacts, RS232, RS485, Ethernet, USB, Modem, Modbus (Anybus), OPC, GPIB or programmable relays.Top
Q. What is the maximum length of sensor cable I can use on a zone?
A. This is dependant upon the linear detection system specified. It can range from less than 100m to 128,000metres. As with ALL fire detection systems, good design practices should be maintained for system zoning. As currently there are no International standards exclusively related to linear temperature detection, NFPA72 and EN54 standards are strictly followed - where appropriate.Top
Q. Should the linear heat sensor cable always be installed in direct contact with (or very close to) the equipment/risk it is protecting?
A. Unless it is the surface temperature of a specific piece of equipment that is considered to generate the major risk (i.e. motor bearing), there should always be a clear airflow around the heat sensor cable (except at regular sensor fixing/ support points). Surface contact - when not intended- can reduce response times because of the "heat sink" affect of that surface.Top
Q. Can point of alarm be identified?
A. YES....BOTH Proline "TH" digital and ZENSE fibre optic systems offer alarm point location.Top
Q. Does the linear heat sensor cable need replacement after an alarm?
A. A fire damaged section of the sensing cable will require replacement. As would all site installed equipment and materials after a similar exposure - not just a linear temperature sensor cable.Top
Q. What is the ambient temperature range in which I can install linear heat sensor cables?
A. Minus 40C (-40F) to greater than 200C (+392F).Top
Q. Is there any recommended minimum temperature allowance between the specified maximum normal ambient and minimum alarm temperature?
A. International standards (UL521) recommend a minimum of 11C/20F between maximum specified ambient and the linear detection system alarm temperature. Please remember that local hot spot temperatures should also be considered in alarm temperature selection - for example:
- steam pipes
- heaters or halogen lighting
- Reflected sunlight on a floating roof fuel storage tank.
Top
Q. Is Linear Heat detection suitable for installation within designated hazardous areas?
A. All linear heat detection systems supplied by Proline Protection Systems Ltd are suitable for use on hazardous sites. Any control or interface unit MUST be installed within a designated "safe", with the associated interconnecting cabling and heat sensor cable installed within the hazardous area. System approved zener barriers will be supplied with the control or interface unit where required to provide ATEX certification.Top
Q. Are linear detection systems suitable for use within sub zero temperatures and/or corrosive environments?
A. YES. Identification by the customer at the enquiry stage of such operating conditions will ensure correct product selection.Top
Q. Why should I specify manufacturers approved fixings/clips for the sensor cable. They are sure to be more expensive than locally produced/supplied equivalents?
A. Manufacturers approved fixings should ALWAYS be specified because they have been designed to ensure correct sensor cable location - to maximise system sensitivity, and to promote continuous uninterrupted operation of the system.Top
Q. What is the recommended maximum spacing between clips and why?
A. 1m to 1.5m. To provide firm and regular support of the sensing cable and maintain uninterrupted operation. For larger open risk areas (i.e. warehouse/aircraft hanger roof) where regular fixing points may not be available, stainless steel tensioning wire can be supplied to support the sensor cable across open areas in conjunction with turnbuckle and eyebolt devices.Top
Q. What approvals do the Proline linear detection systems hold?
A. Digital is FM approved and UL listed, KOFEIC certification and Russian Fire Services accepted, Fibre Optics is FM approved.Top
Q. Does ZENSE have any Voltage-Free Output? How many interface is via the PC only? How can it interface?
A. No PC required - Zense controller has on board computer. ZENSE has RS232 and TCP/IP as standard. 64 integral relay outputs facility and RS485 as options.Top
Q. Can ZENSE detect SHORT or OPEN CIRCUIT?
A. Detects BOTH conditions.Top
Q. For a per channel RESOLUTION of 1m/ Channel, the associated fibre cable can be Programmed for up to how many Zones?
A. No limit to number of zones that can be programmed.Top
Q. How many levels of ALARM THRESHOLD can be set?
A. Basically, High Temperature (Main programmed Alarm set point exceeded), Low Temperature, AVERAGE ambient temperature rise and Rate of Temperature change (Rate of Rise) FOR EACH ZONE (unlimited number).Top
Q.What type of FAULTS will the controller monitor?
A. ZENSE includes self-diagnostics and will detect and signal supply loss and fibre break.Top
Q. Can the Fiber be Connected to Manual Call Point as well?
A. If you know of a Manual Call point suitable for fibre optic wiring then YES. As a switch device, the short circuit condition imposed by call point operation will be detected as a fault.Top
Q. The Graphical Software is based on XP Platform, other OS possible?
A. Microsoft 2000 and VISTA. Top
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