EBL512 G3 V. 3.0.X
- FIRE ALARM SOLUTIONS OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
131
40. HOW TO AVOID NUISANCE FIRE ALARMS
We all realise, when life, buildings, production facilities, etc. shall be saved, it is of utmost importance that an initial fire is detected
as soon as possible. That's why more and more automatic fire alarm systems are installed.
In an automatic fire alarm installation, especially if smoke detectors (sensors) are used, everybody in the building needs to be
informed how to avoid so called unnecessary (nuisance) fire alarms.
To avoid trouble and unnecessary expenses there are a couple of things to bear in mind. Here are some advice and tips.
TOBACCO SMOKE
The detectors (sensors) cannot sense the difference between "smoke" and "smoke". They cannot separate tobacco smoke from
smoke from a fire. Intensive tobacco smoking in conjunction with bad ventilation can cause a fire alarm. Welding, grinding, cutting,
sawing & drilling These kinds of jobs cause smoke.
CARPET WELDING
Welding of plastic carpets causes a smoke that can be almost invisible, but it still influences the smoke detectors (sensors).
COOKING FUMES, TOASTING & CANDLES
It is not only "normal smoke" that influences smoke detectors (sensors). It is all kinds of "combustion products", caused by cooking
(frying/grilling), toasting, etc.
Be careful when smoke detectors (sensors) are mounted near / close to such activities.
SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTS
In certain premises a special environment can exist, which can influence smoke detectors (sensors) and cause alarm. It can be ions
(from plastics), flour dust, oil haze, aerosols, strong perfumes, strong ventilation, insecticides, disinfecting sprays, etc. If many odd
and unnecessary alarms occur, the environment must be examined and perhaps other detector types have to be chosen.
STEAM / HOT AIR
Smoke and heat detectors are influenced by steam and hot air, for example. from an oven, dry-blower, heater, and so on.
