Today
Multi sensor detectors (or multi criteria detectors or combination detectors) are now relatively common in many countries and a wide variety of types are installed. They comprise, typically, a combination of two or more sensing technologies – usually smoke, heat and CO (though others are possible).
Installed detectors containing more than one sensing technology may be configured to use that technology independently from the other technology(ies), or interdependently including those that enhance a given technology by utilizing another.
Multisensor detectors may respond to a functional test from a single phenomenon, e.g. smoke, heat. However, a single phenomenon test is not necessarily an adequate test 'in the field' for this type of detector. Each of the detection principles present within the detector (e.g.: smoke / heat / CO) needs to be individually tested for the specific detection principle regardless of the configuration status at the time of testing.
This requirement is increasingly being reflected in codes and standards and is a very important clarification. With individual testing the time and cost implications increase. Without individual testing the individual sensors cannot be relied upon.
Our current product range offers a comprehensive range of solutions for testing smoke, heat and CO. Solutions for all three are interchangeable with each other, providing a quick, reliable and economical method of testing.
Visit the individual product pages for more information:
Changing Design Needs
With the test requirements for multisensors being clarified it is clear that Detectors and Panels need to adapt so that individual testing of all sensors can be accomplished (be that sequentially or simultaneously) – and so that activation of each can be individually confirmed. This is not currently possible on all / many detectors. It represents a significant design weakness and is a major concern to those buying detectors with claimed features that cannot be tested. Similarly, as testing demands evolve, so must the test equipment. See Technology and Tomorrow.
