This self-paced online course covers specialized fire detectors that are able to detect fires much more quickly than conventional fire detectors will actuate and much smaller than conventional devices can detect. The course will discuss the operating principles and parameters of radiant energy fire detectors, and detectors used in explosion detection. It will also examine specialized fire detectors, including flame detectors, spark/ember detectors, and explosion detectors.

Upon completion you should be able to:

• Define spark, ember, detonation, and deflagration
• List three applications where flame detectors can be used for early detection
• Explain the relationship between radiant energy and explosion detection and fire or explosion suppression
• Differentiate between infrared, ultraviolet and visible wavelengths of light relative to radiant energy detection
• List the factors that may impact the operation of a radiant energy fire detector
• List the two operating principles that are used in explosion detectors

Who Will Benefit

Anyone whose job involves designing, reviewing, evaluating or installing fire protection systems, including: designers, installers, engineers, electrical contractors, technicians, project managers, fire marshals, and architects.

Course Summary

• Flame detectors are used in high hazard applications where very rapid fire detection is required.
• All fires emit electromagnetic radiation. Depending on the fuel involved and the mode of combustion, the light energy emitted may be visible, infrared, ultraviolet, or any combination of these wavelengths.
• Ultraviolet (UV) flame detectors use a vacuum photo diode tube that generates an electrical current when exposed to ultraviolet light rays.
• Infrared flame (IR) detectors are available as either single wavelength or multiple wavelength types.
• Combination UV/IR detectors combine both the ultraviolet and infrared detection methods into a single detector. This can provide a more stable detector as a specific UV and a specific IR wavelength must be detected before the combination detector actuates and alarm.