Sensors for fire detection

Purpose - This paper aims to describe the sensors used in fire detection products and systems. Design/methodology/approach - Following an introduction, this paper discusses the sensors used for fire detection according to the variables measured. It considers the sensing of smoke, temperature, flames and combustion products and covers residential and industrial uses, together with a short discussion of wildfire detection methods. Findings - This shows that a multitude of different sensing techniques are used to detect fires and no single method is universally applicable. This reflects both the differing types of fires that can occur and also the many applications and environments in which fire detectors and systems are deployed. Originality/value - This paper provides details of the sensor technologies and techniques used to detect fires in residential, industrial and natural environments.