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WHICH LINEAR HEAT DETECTION SYSTEM TO SPECIFY ........CONFUSED?......THEN READ ON......

To many end users and specifiers linear heat detection is still only considered for “traditional” applications of: cable tunnels, conveyors, fuel storage tanks, warehouses and road /rail tunnels. This concept of detection has a proven performance record on a much more diverse range of applications – with sensitivity much better than other types of detectors. Including the ability to PREVENT fires developing by detecting pre-combustion OVERHEAT conditions.
Many specifiers are confused or misled by “theoretically correct” but operationally impractical features quoted by some manufacturing concepts:-

Operating Concept & (Manufacturers Claims)

Followed by ….THE FACTS

1. Analogue (recoverable and site adjustable) – A temperature/length/resistance related system

With all incipient fires and overheat conditions only ever exposing a short length of heat sensitive cable to the temperature rise, the alarm temperature is significantly higher than the sensor cable destruct level. With systems designed for higher ambient temperature applications already calibrated to its limits, site adjustable would only be possible by reducing the ambient or shortening the zone length.

2. Fibre Optic (long zone length coverage with 1m spatial resolution and rate of rise feature)

Equal or longer Zone lengths can be achieved by a much more cost effective linear detection option which does not require specialist (expensive) commissioning.
Fibre optic sensor cable requires care with installation (vibration and sharp bends) and the rate of rise “feature” has been the cause of many documented false alarm signals

3. Listec – measuring point system (no unique claims – other than its construction)

A large diameter cable - hybrid circuits installed within it at intervals between 1m and 8m. A 250m maximum length or option of longer length BUT on Analogue operating principle ( see 1 above). Not able to detect at ANY and ALL points along its length – most sensitive at the hybrid circuit points and only carries the German Vds approval – NOT the Internationally accepted FM or UL certification.
Costly cable and electronics.

4. Electronic Pneumatic – ( non electrical)

Short zone lengths with high risk of false alarms from damage or continued exposure to harsh environments. A break in the cable releasing the system monitoring pressure.

5. Digital – ( long zone lengths, design not restricted by high ambient temperatures, sensitivity not
determined by minimum length exposure, can be integrated with ANY central fire

alarm control panel without special interface, section replacement of fire damaged sensor)

The only linear detection system that carries FM and UL certification. Does not require special interface unit.That can offer multi kms zone lengths, alarm point location option, monitors for overheat/fire at ANY and ALL points along its length, has a proven performance record that surpasses ANY other linear detection system in every application. With further developments of ambient temperature monitoring, continued operation with single open circuit fault condition on sensing cable, multiple alarm outputs from single sensor length (50 outputs).

AFTER 33 YEARS OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT & RISK ASSESSMENT – THAT’S WHY PROLINE USE DIGITAL LINEAR HEAT DETECTION.