Linear heat detection systems are ideal for providing fire protection in large spaces. In a traditional fire detection system, it is made up of a series of smoke and heat detectors, sprinklers, and notification devices that are strategically placed throughout an area. As such, these devices are triggered when fire, heat, or smoke is detected within a certain proximity. In contrast, the linear heat detection system is designed with heat sensitive cable and conductors. This type of system offers a cost-effective solution for broad coverage.

How It Works

Linear Heat Detection (LHD) uses a continuous run of cable, or wire that is equipped with heat sensitive polymers within an insulated jacket. When this cable exceeds a predetermined temperature range, it melts, shorts out and triggers an alarm. That signal then releases a fire suppression method via wet or dry sprinkler system.

Benefits of Linear Heat Detection

A linear heat detection system offers several benefits which include:

• Linear heat sensing cable provides a seamless source of effective heat detection that spans up to 10,000 feet, giving maximum protection.
• Linear heat sensing cable lasts for several years and maintains its durability.
• Easily integrates with various fire alarm system modules.
• Offers the option to incorporate one or several temperature alarms within a single protected zone.
• The continuous sensor coverage prevents false alarms that are common in other systems.
• Installation and material costs are less expensive than traditional fire detection systems.

Linear Heat Sensing Cable Working Principle

The linear heat sensing cable is designed using advanced technology. The innermost wiring is made of steel, tin, and copper. The steel wire provides strength and resists breakage, the tin wire resists corrosion, and the copper wire improves conductivity. The three types of wire are encased in a polymer-thermal sleeve that is temperature sensitive and designed to deteriorate or melt if the temperature set point is exceeded. When this occurs, the inlaid sensors signal the alarm.  The outermost covering is both chemical and weather resistant, which makes it ideal for various environments.

Fiber Optic System

The fiber optic system is designed with advanced technology and optical fibers capable of measuring temperature fluctuations. Comprised of real-time monitoring and continuous temperature reporting, the fiber optic system provides superior protection and accuracy over large areas and long distances. This high sensitivity cable and state of the art monitoring equipment improves safety and reliability, alleviates false alarms, and excels the alarm and suppression device response time.

Capable of detecting ambient temperature fluctuations as well as increases in gases and objects, fiber optic detection systems can provide keen monitoring in tunnel, railway systems, and more.

Confirmed Temperature Initiation Linear Heat Detector System

The Confirmed Temperature Initiation Linear Heat Detector System is made up of two insulated conductors equipped with digital heat sensors. These sensors are designed to detect temperature changes within a specified range, usually between 155-356 Fahrenheit or 68-180 Celsius. When the rated temperature is surpassed, the alarm is triggered.

Additionally, this system’s technology is capable of identifying both the location of an alarm and the cause. For instance, physical damage to the heat sensors will indicated system trouble, versus an actual short in the system caused by overheating.

With this type of system, there are various jacket types available making it useful in various environments and applications including cold storage, outdoor areas, as well as chemical or UV environments.

Common Applications Using Linear Heat Detection

The versatility of LHD systems make them ideal for areas large and small that pose physical demands and hazard risks. For instance, running sensor-equipped cable throughout an entire warehouse or storage facility provides superior protection compared to installing multiple heat devices. Conversely, it’s much easier to run cable in a closed-in area than to install cumbersome thermostats. A linear heat detection system is advantageous in a wide-range of commercial environments including:

• Warehouses
• Large Barns and Stables
• Cold Storage Facilities
• Printing Presses
• Power Generation Facilities that involve special hazards including hydroelectric, nuclear power, and fossil fuels.
• Construction Businesses
• Transportation Industries such as subways, airports, parking garages, escalators, and rail systems.
• Self-storage Units
• Conveyor Systems
• Transformers

To better understand how linear heat detectors work, check out the following information.

Warehouses

The amount of financial investment in warehouse facilities is undoubtedly significant, between the building and items housed inside such as equipment, racking systems, materials, and products. For example, wooden pallets are highly combustible and if ignited, a fire will spread quickly. Likewise, heavy equipment typically found in such facilities can produce sparks or overheat, especially if not properly maintained. Undoubtedly, if a fire occurs, massive damage costs and business interruption could be devastating.

A linear heat detection system can be tailored to provide superior protection in warehouse facilities and even enhance high-risk areas like racking systems and equipment storage areas. Unlike the more traditional spot detection system, linear detection offers a cost effective, reliable solution that can detect a fire within a large area, isolate the source, alert personnel, and initiate suppression devices to reduce damage.

Construction and Renovation Sites

Between heavy equipment, flammable solvents and materials, incomplete wiring jobs, or extreme environmental conditions, new construction or renovation sites create the perfect stage for fires. Such environments can be thoroughly protected and monitored with a linear heat detection system. Not only does this protect large upfront investments, such systems are required by law under the Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations fire codes.

Transportation and Airport Facilities

Transportation facilities are full of flammable solvents, fluids, and other elements that pose the risk of fire. One of the most viable solutions in such an environment is a linear heat detector system. The flexible heat sensitive cabling makes it easy to install in tight spaces. Likewise, its durability and resistance to abrasive, corrosive elements make it ideal for protecting vibrating engine compartments and cargo areas.

Unique Environments

Whether a fire protection solution is needed for aesthetic purposes, extreme hazardous or environmental conditions, or a unique and vulnerable space, the resilience, versatility, and long lasting design of a linear heat detection system is ideal for practically any scenario. Such examples include museums, sports stadiums, historic monuments, barns or stables.

Versatility

The linear heat detection system is so advanced that it can be customized to fit practically any environment indoors or outdoors. With the ability to sense both fire and heat conditions in everything from small spaces to thousands of square footage, the versatility is undeniable.

Affordability

In addition to the versatility of linear heat sensing, it offers one of the most cost-effective solutions available. It can be integrated with various traditional alarm panels as well as enhance the protection when combined with standard spot and notification devices.

Call On the Experts

Linear heat detection cable installation should be done by a licensed professional to guarantee NFPA guidelines are met. This upfront investment will provide a long lasting heat sensing solution that functions properly and is easy to maintain.

If you have questions about linear heat detection or would like to schedule a consultation, contact THE EXPERTS today!