New gas detector enhances BESS fire detection

Kentec Electronics has released a new flammable gas detector, K-Detect-iON, designed to provide early hydrogen detection for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) fire protection.

According to Kentec Electronics, the detector operates without calibration for at least ten years.

The company stated that the K-Detect-iON integrates directly with its Sigma ZXT extinguishing panels and provides live monitoring of hydrogen gas levels in remote energy storage environments.

Kentec said the detector is intended to detect hydrogen gas at the earliest stage of battery malfunction, helping reduce the risk of fire by triggering ventilation and suppression systems.

The company added that this early-stage monitoring is particularly relevant given the typical progression of BESS fire events from cell failure to gas release and ignition.

System compatibility and certification details

Kentec Electronics stated that K-Detect-iON is designed to function consistently across both EN and UL regulatory environments.

The company reported that the Sigma ZXT (EN) version complies with EN54 Part 2, EN54 Part 4 and EN12094 Part 1.

It also confirmed that the Sigma ZXT (UL) version is pending certification to UL 864 (10th Edition), FM Standards and NFPA 855.

According to Kentec, this multi-standard compatibility means the same core technology can be used across international installations without modification.

The integration of K-Detect-iON into the Sigma ZXT platform allows users to configure site-specific responses to hydrogen detection events.

Detector performance and environmental resilience

Kentec stated that the K-Detect-iON covers a 0–100% Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) range for hydrogen gas.

The detector is designed to identify hydrogen release at early stages, well before critical levels are reached.

It also supports a wide operating temperature range from -30°C to 75°C, with a tolerance of ±0.48°C.

The company said this performance helps minimise false alarms in challenging site conditions.

Kentec also noted that the unit is designed to respond rapidly to gas presence, allowing preventative action before ignition risk escalates.

System automation and suppression integration

When used with the Sigma ZXT panel, Kentec stated that K-Detect-iON can activate extraction vents in energy storage units.

This action removes hydrogen from the system and reduces the possibility of ignition.

Kentec explained that depending on how the system is configured, the detector can also trigger fire suppression sequences automatically.

This integrated functionality is intended to streamline the entire gas detection and response process within a single platform.

The company highlighted that early detection and automatic control are especially important for remote BESS sites where manual intervention may be delayed.

Technical specifications and sensor features

Kentec Electronics confirmed that K-Detect-iON supports a VOC detection range from 0 to 500 VOC.

The device includes three programmable relay outputs.

It also supports both single and multi-sensor configurations for scalable deployment.

The detector offers Modbus RTU communication via RS485, according to the manufacturer.

Kentec stated that these features make it adaptable to a range of energy storage system layouts.

Kentec hydrogen detector launched for BESS fire safety: Summary

Kentec Electronics has released the K-Detect-iON flammable gas detector for Battery Energy Storage System protection.

The detector provides calibration-free hydrogen detection for a minimum of ten years.

It integrates with Kentec’s Sigma ZXT extinguishing panels.

K-Detect-iON is compatible with both EN and UL regulatory environments.

The EN version meets EN54 Part 2, EN54 Part 4 and EN12094 Part 1.

The UL version is pending UL 864, FM and NFPA 855 certification.

The detector operates across a 0–100% LEL range.

It can automatically activate ventilation and suppression systems.

K-Detect-iON supports operation from -30°C to 75°C.

It offers three programmable relays and a 0–500 VOC range.

Modbus RTU communication is available via RS485.