Latest Trends in Fire Detection Technology

While there is undoubtedly still a place for the simple smoke alarm in many commercial premises, there are increasing needs for much faster and much more accurate solutions, systems that can work in remote and unstaffed areas, and systems that can be installed quickly and with minimum disruption.

This article is looking at some of the latest trends and developments we’re seeing in the field of fire detection technology. Some are already relatively common but are rapidly developing to become increasingly sophisticated, while others are technologies still in their infancy but which we are going to be seeing entering the mainstream in the coming years.

Wireless detection systems

While the use of wireless fire detection systems is not in itself particularly new, what is becoming increasingly apparent is how wireless technology can make integrating the different components of a complete fire safety system easier, cheaper, faster and more reliable. Detection systems, control panels, alarms, and automatic extinguisher and sprinkler systems can all be connected wirelessly, something that is of particular use in spaces that are difficult to access and work in or where installing a hardwired system could damage – whether physically or aesthetically – the rooms they are located in. 

Aspirating fire and smoke detection

Unlike traditional detectors, which sit there and wait until signs of a fire reach their sensors, aspirating fire and smoke detection systems are constantly testing the air where they are located for signs of microscopic smoke particles that might indicate the very earliest stages of a potentially damaging fire. Modern systems of this type are becoming ever more sophisticated, allowing for faster and more accurate detection.

You can read more about aspirating fire and smoke alarms in our previous blog.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning

There’s been a lot of negative press recently about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the creative sector, but as one of the fastest developing technologies on the planet, it is likely to be bringing considerable benefits to many other industries.

One of these areas is in the field of fire safety, where automated systems are soon likely to be able to identify developing problems far quicker than is possible by human observation alone, allowing for far more effective and targeted fire alarm maintenance measures to be carried out. And because these AI systems learn as they go on, they should be able to become even more accurate and even more reliable all the time. 

Video detection

Using the latest video technology means that not only can the presence of a fire be rapidly detected, but also that its exact source can be pinpointed. That means that an extinguishing agent can be targeted more accurately and effectively to put the fire out more quickly and with less secondary damage to surrounding stock or equipment than might otherwise be the case. Video fire detection also offers consistently accurate results in even harsh environments where other systems might be more likely to trigger false alarms. 

Fire alarm monitoring

Having a fire detection system that can accurately and quickly pick up on signs of a fire and then trigger an alarm is all well and good, but may not be much help if there’s no one around to respond to and deal with it.

Fire alarm monitoring centres are part of a growing support system that gives commercial premises 24-hour protection because there’s always someone available to alert the fire and rescue service or even identify a false alarm. That not only means that a rapid response to a fire is always possible even when there’s no one on the premises, but also that the fire and rescue service’s valuable time will never be wasted on a false alarm.

As one of the leading fire safety companies operating across South East England, Scutum London is always in touch with the latest trends and developments in all areas of fire safety so that we can continue to offer customers the most advanced and most reliable solutions available. 

Make sure you’re providing the best possible fire protection for your premises and staff by contacting our expert team of advisors today.