Research projects on contaminated heat sensors

Building Research Establishment (BRE) and the Fire Industry Association (FIA) are conducting two research projects to investigate the performance of contaminated heat sensors.

One project focuses on heat detectors connected to fire panels, and the other on heat alarms, which are self-contained devices for domestic applications.

As reported by the FIA, obtaining appropriate samples of used devices with supporting information on their history has been the most challenging task.

Need for more samples

BRE and the FIA have expressed their gratitude to everyone who has provided samples so far, particularly those who completed the supporting short questionnaire.

These contributors will be acknowledged in the final report.

However, to ensure statistical significance, at least 200 good samples are required.

To date, a good mix of heat detectors (17 models representing nine manufacturers) has been received.

A small proportion of these detectors have been observed to be operating outside the limits of EN 54-5, but many more samples are needed.

Call for contributions

The BRE and FIA are urging anyone with used heat detectors or heat alarms over five years old or showing signs of significant contamination to download and complete the appropriate questionnaire.

The completed forms should be returned to Gemma Sambells at BRE.

This effort is crucial to obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the performance of these devices and ensuring the research results are statistically significant.