New smoke detection platform for early warning
FFE has launched its Sensis aspirating smoke detection range for sites where very early warning and stable performance are required.
The company said the system is designed for environments where conventional point detectors can be harder to apply or may not provide early enough response.
Target applications include data centres, high-security facilities, warehousing and logistics, libraries and archives.
FFE stated that Sensis is intended as a single aspirating smoke detection platform that can be deployed across these varied building types.
Single chamber approach to EN54-20 classes
According to FFE, the core of the Sensis range is a “one chamber” design philosophy.
Each Sensis detector can be configured to meet EN54-20 Classes A, B and C using the same detection chamber.
The company contrasted this with aspirating smoke detection systems that use different chambers for each sensitivity class.
FFE noted that using a single chamber for all three classes can reduce the chance of incorrect product selection for a given site.
It added that this approach can also simplify stockholding and specification activity for project teams.
Blue-light technology and on-board tools
FFE reported that Sensis uses blue-light detection technology to increase sensitivity to the small smoke particles associated with incipient fires.
By using blue light instead of red laser or LED sources, the system is designed to detect early-stage smoke more quickly while maintaining stability under normal conditions.
The manufacturer explained that the Sensis 500 and Sensis 2000 models include on-board programming so configuration can be carried out directly on the detector.
This feature is aimed at data centres and high-security locations where laptops may be restricted or not permitted on site.
FFE said that once engineers are familiar with Sensis Flow and SensisTool, they can apply the same software tools across the full Sensis aspirating smoke detection range.
This is intended to streamline training, commissioning and ongoing configuration work for installers and commissioning engineers.
Event logging and Smart Smoke Level operation
FFE stated that Sensis provides extensive event logging to support fault-finding and post-event review.
Each detector can store up to 180,000 events for later interrogation.
The company indicated that this depth of recorded history can help maintenance teams review site behaviour over time, recognise trends and examine incidents in more detail.
Another element of the platform is SSL – Smart Smoke Level – which FFE describes as a dynamic background algorithm.
SSL continuously gathers information on ambient particulate levels and calculates an average contamination baseline.
Alarm thresholds are then controlled so they remain above naturally occurring contamination levels.
FFE said this is intended to support stable day-to-day operation and lower the likelihood of unwanted alarms in more challenging environments.
With Sensis, the company aims to combine very early warning detection performance, algorithm-based stability and installer-focused features in one aspirating smoke detection platform that can be used across a broad range of sectors and building types.
Operational considerations for specifiers and engineers
System installers and fire-protection contractors working in data centres, high-security facilities, warehousing and archives can apply Sensis where very early warning is required but point detectors are less practical.
Equipment specifiers and fire engineering consultants can use the single-chamber coverage of EN54-20 Classes A, B and C to simplify product selection, documentation and stock management across projects.
For commissioning engineers, on-board programming on Sensis 500 and 2000 offers a configuration route on sites where laptop access is limited or controlled.
Facility managers and risk assessors can draw on the 180,000-event log to review site behaviour over extended periods and to support incident investigation.
In environments with fluctuating background contamination, the SSL – Smart Smoke Level – algorithm provides a method of maintaining alarm thresholds above typical particulate levels, which can help manage unwanted alarms in day-to-day operation.