Following the introduction of the smoking ban you may think fire detection has become simpler, since smoke detectors would no longer need to distinguish between cigarette smoke and smoke from a fire - but you couldn’t be more wrong.
  
It’s a fact that some people will find ever more imaginative places to smoke, particularly in bad weather, and smoke sensing technology has to be even more technologically advanced to avoid false alarms caused by these ‘secret smokers’ and, perhaps more importantly, prevent careless disposal of their cigarettes with their potential for causing real fires.

A fire detector’s main function is to quickly and accurately identify real fires. They should at the same time avoid persistent false alarms that result in time wasted and people desensitised to future alarms by increasing their reluctance to respond to them at all. Gent by Honeywell, long associated with quality systems and innovation in the fire detection and alarm industry, has tackled this problem head on by designing its ground breaking S-Quad detector with four sensing elements to virtually eliminate false alarms. S-Quad monitors the environment for smoke from a real fire while recognising cigarette smoke, steam or aerosols. By a simple adjustment to the software, the fire panel can also be alerted that cigarette smoke has been detected in a particular area allowing investigation prior to activation of the whole fire alarm system.

With limitless customised state settings, the sensor can be simply programmed for specific locations and conditions. It offers the most advanced solution for the early detection and signalling of fires, utilising its innovative fire sensing expertise to eliminate false alarms in any environment.

Of course, S-Quad, with its integrated sensor, sounder, speech and strobe, also has additional advantages. As a single device, it offers cost savings at the installation stage, with all four functions supported on the same two wires within the fire system making it fast and simple to fit. A further significant benefit is its audio-visual alarm feature which is invaluable in high noise areas and ensures compliance with the alarm requirements of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act and its low profile and semi-flush mounting option ensures an enhanced, discreet appearance.

For further information about Gent by Honeywell visit their website on www.gent.co.uk or phone the literature hotline on 0870 240 1434.

Email: beryl@adrempr.co.uk