Scribd
Upload
2K views1 page

How Rate Compensate Heat Detectors Works

Rate compensated heat detectors operate when the ambient air temperature reaches a predetermined level, regardless of the rate at which it increases. They have a sealed, external metallic casing with a pair of electrical contacts attached to the inside end of the tube. The outer casing and internal struts expand at different rates with temperature changes. When the outer casing expands enough to close the contacts, an alarm is triggered. This allows the detector to operate at its design temperature during slow fires or respond promptly to rapid fires.

Uploaded by

BdSuliano
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2K views1 page

How Rate Compensate Heat Detectors Works

Rate compensated heat detectors operate when the ambient air temperature reaches a predetermined level, regardless of the rate at which it increases. They have a sealed, external metallic casing with a pair of electrical contacts attached to the inside end of the tube. The outer casing and internal struts expand at different rates with temperature changes. When the outer casing expands enough to close the contacts, an alarm is triggered. This allows the detector to operate at its design temperature during slow fires or respond promptly to rapid fires.

Uploaded by

BdSuliano
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

Fire Alarms & Detection: Rate Compensated Heat Detectors

No. FP-2012-29REV July 17, 2012

Learning Objective: The student shall be able to explain the operating principle of spot-type rate compensated heat detectors.

rate-of-rise device is a common type of heat detector that


responds when there is a rapid temperature increase in the
space where it is located. In some cases, however, a spot-type
rate-of-rise detector may not be suitable for the environment
that needs to be protected. A rate compensated detector may
offer an appropriate alternative.
A rate compensated detector operates when the ambient air
temperature reaches a predetermined level, regardless of the
rate at which it increases. The detector will operate at its
design temperature during slow-building fire conditions or
will respond promptly during rapid fire buildup.

This cutaway closeup of a rate compensated detector shows the position of the electrical contacts in the open circuit position.

A rate compensated detector relies on the physical property


that metals expand when heated. Rate compensated detectors have typical temperature ratings between
135 F and 220 F (57 C and 104 C). These are spot-type detectors that have a sealed, external metallic
tubular casing. Inside, there is a pair of electrical contacts that are attached to the sealed end of the tube.
The alloys of the external tube and internal struts are different materials that heat and expand at different
rates. Designed to resist thermal energy absorption and sealed inside the outer tube, the struts respond to
temperature changes more slowly.
As the detector is heated:

The outer casing expands lengthwise and pulls the contacts with it.

When the internal contacts close, the alarm circuit is completed, and an alarm sounds.

The detector is self-restoring when the temperature returns to normal.
The opposing forces (expansion and contraction) are balanced in such a way that on a slow rate of
temperature rise, heat takes longer to penetrate to the inner element. This prevents the contacts from
closing until the total device has been heated to its rated temperature.

When the air temperature is rising at a rate of about 40 F (22 C) per minute or less, the unit is designed
to respond almost exactly at the point when the air temperature reaches the units design temperature.
On a fast rate-of-rise, though, there is not as much time for the temperature to penetrate the inner
element, so the expanding force of the outer shell closes the contacts more quickly. This minimizes
thermal lag.
For additional information, refer to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72, National Fire Alarm and
Signaling Code.

Eligible for Continuing Education Units (CEUs)


at www.usfa.fema.gov/nfaonline

For archived downloads, go to:


www.usfa.fema.gov/nfa/coffee-break/

You might also like