One of the best tools that you can have to prepare your home for anything and protect your family is a heat detector. In this article, we will discuss how heat detectors work and how to check heat detectors. This way, you will know how heat detectors operate and how you can make the most of it. You will also know why you need a heat detector.
What Is a Heat Detector?
Heat detectors are fire alarm devices designed to respond every time there is a fire in the environment in which they are installed.
You usually see them in different establishments, and yes, they are the ones who get triggered so that the sprinklers in those establishments go on. Knowing what exactly is a heat detector will lead to knowing how to check heat detectors.
The Types of Heat Detectors
Heat detectors come in two types. Knowing what these types are is essential for you to understand how does heat detectors work and how to check heat detectors.
Fixed Temperature
Let us start with the most common heat detector, a fixed temperature, a heat detector that works when the heat exceeds a pre-determined limit.
Fixed temperature heat detectors can respond to the set temperature limit, the quick change rate of the temperature on that specific area, and the combination of both types of detections.
Rate of Rising
The second type of heat detector is the rate of rising. This heat detector works on the quick increase when it comes to the element temperature of twelve to fifteen degrees Fahrenheit.
This type of detector will not be able to respond in slow rising kinds of fires.
How to Check Heat Detector
There are different methods for you to learn how to check heat detectors. You need to know every one of those methods before you could make the most out of your heat detector.
Hair Dryer and Heat Gun
You can make use of a hairdryer or a heat gun when testing your heat detector. You have to point the heat gun or the hairdryer towards the heat detector to see if it works or functions well.
It would help if you kept in mind that these methods are only significant at low heights since you need to maintain proximity to the heat detector to make sure that it is working. Also, it does not give any implication of where the actual trip point is.
When testing or checking the heat detector using a hairdryer or a heat gun, you will have to make sure that they are powered by electricity for them to work, which means that you should be close to an outlet when testing.
Another point, using a hairdryer or a heat gun may damage the surface of your heat detector.
Test Block
Another method that you can use is the aluminum test blocks, which enable you to have an accurate measurement of up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. It will also allow you to verify the trip point of your heat detector or alarm.
The only downside of using this type of method for testing your heat detector is that it needs to be removed for it to be tested, a technician should be the one who administers it, and it is expensive.
Soldering Iron
You can also use a soldering iron when learning how to check heat detectors. When I say a soldering iron, you need to reconsider and buy the industrial one, which does not tip.
Using a soldering iron when testing your heat detectors is very convenient because it works for high places and can be heated up and used for several minutes before needing to be plugged in again.
The only disadvantage when using this method is that it does not help you locate the exact trip point of the heat detector, and if you are not careful enough, you might dent the surface of your heat detectors.
Boiling Water
The last and the most practical way to test your heat detector is to use boiling water. It is effortless and efficient. However, this method can only be done in lower heights. And it can damage the shell of your detector.
Furthermore, it does not provide the exact area of the trip point and poses a risk of you or the one who does the test, getting hurt.
Conclusion
Heat detectors are the best safety tools that can save you, your family, and even your business from fire. This is why you need to know what a heat detector is, how it works, the types, and how to check the heat detector. All you have to do now is check which method works best for you to check your heat detector. Know more about Heat Detectors.