FIA and BRE request heat detectors from school upgrades for testing

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has asked fire alarm professionals to retain and donate used but functioning heat detectors removed during school maintenance work.

According to the FIA, this appeal supports a joint research project with the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to investigate how environmental conditions affect heat detector performance.

The FIA stated that summer holidays are an ideal period for this collection, as many schools schedule system upgrades during this time.

Research aims to study environmental impact on fire detection

The Fire Industry Association explained that the project with BRE focuses on how real-life conditions influence the operation and lifespan of heat detectors.

The FIA said the results will contribute to updated standards, new maintenance advice and improved product design for the wider fire detection sector.

The organisation added that understanding long-term detector performance is essential to ensuring effective fire safety in varied built environments.

Donated devices must be working and accompanied by usage data

The Fire Industry Association confirmed that only working heat detectors will be accepted for the study.

It specified that each unit must be submitted with a completed questionnaire detailing its usage location and environmental context.

The FIA said that this contextual information is necessary for the research to deliver relevant and practical insights for future applications.

How to participate in the collection initiative

The FIA stated that heat detectors can be donated by contacting [email protected] for shipping details.

It also asked contributors to send completed questionnaires to the same address.

The Fire Industry Association and the Building Research Establishment expressed their thanks to those who have already donated.

They noted that with the upcoming summer upgrades, now is a useful opportunity for others in the sector to contribute.

UK schools asked to donate used heat detectors for fire safety research: Summary

The Fire Industry Association is collecting used, working heat detectors during school summer upgrades.

The detectors will support a joint research project with the Building Research Establishment.

The research aims to analyse how environmental conditions affect heat detector performance.

Only devices in working order will be accepted for study.

Each donated detector must be accompanied by a completed questionnaire.

The questionnaire collects data on where and how the detector was used.

The findings will support the development of future detection standards and maintenance guidance.

Contact [email protected] to participate or submit a device.