VESDA® stands for Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus, and as the name suggests, they are able to detect smoke far earlier than standard point detection devices.
VESDA® systems are also known as aspirating smoke detectors or air sampling smoke detectors. While VESDA® is specifically a brand of aspirating smoke detection technology, the name has become widely used as a generic term for this type of fire detection – much like Hoover or Tupperware!
What is VESDA®?
VESDA® (Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus) is a type of aspirating smoke detector.
Aspirating smoke detectors are laser-based smoke detectors. For over 20 years, they have been the chosen solution for specialist fire safety applications where standard point detection isn’t suitable.
A complete VESDA® system consists of a central detector (receiver) connected to a network of air sampling pipes and fittings. These pipes can be installed throughout rooms, ceiling voids and other spaces requiring fire detection coverage.
The VESDA® range is regarded as one of the leading aspirating smoke detection solutions in the fire industry, holding more certifications than any other aspirating smoke detectors in the world.
How does VESDA® work?
VESDA® use aspiration (process of sucking in air) to draw air samples through a network of specialist pipes and fittings.
Once the air is transported back to the receiver, the detector’s laser-based technology is able to analyse the air samples for early signs of combustion – often detecting emerging fires before visible smoke and flames even appear!
If smoke particles are detected in the air sample, the alarm will be triggered and/or a suppression system activated.
Air sampling pipes and fittings can be carefully designed and positioned throughout a building to provide comprehensive coverage of the protected area – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Where do we use VESDA® smoke detectors?
Due to their high sensitivity and superior detection rate, VESDA® systems are used in some of the most challenging environments, including data centres, large warehouses, dust prone industrial facilities and other areas with tall ceilings or high airflow.
Originally developed for specialist applications where very early warning was essential, VESDA® systems have now been adopted across a much wider range of applications, supporting retail, residential and commercial environments.
Why do we use VESDA®?
VESDA® detection for warehouses
As warehouses are typically large open spaces, they require higher sensitivity smoke detection.
Standard point smoke detectors only activate once smoke physically reaches the sensor. As these detectors are usually ceiling-mounted, smoke can dilute or be redirected by ventilation systems before it reaches the device.
This means warehouse fires could be undetected for a critical period of time – allowing the fire to grow and cause greater damage.
With a VESDA® system, air is continuously drawn through a network of strategically-positioned sampling pipes throughout the warehouse, enabling smoke to be detected at the earliest possible stage – regardless of ceiling height or airflow conditions.
VESDA detection for cold rooms
With cold room temperatures going down to around -20° C, traditional smoke detectors often face challenges when operating in such cold temperatures. This can include the detector’s optical chambers icing up and becoming ineffective.
VESDA® detectors can be configured to navigate this challenge.
Given that VESDA® systems are a made up of a pipe network, the main sensor equipment can be situated outside the cold room, with pipes located inside to transport air samples back to the receiver.
Furthermore, any condensation generated as cold air is drawn through the pipe network can be collected using a condensation water trap, helping avoid issues associated with moisture and icing within the detection chamber.
In extreme cases, air dryers may be needed, but in most instances, they are not required for the VESDA® system.
VESDA® detection for server rooms
Server rooms and data centres rely on high levels of airflow and cooling to maintain the operating temperatures of critical IT equipment.
Due to the high airflow, conventional smoke detectors struggle to activate as smoke is not able to reach the sensor.
Thanks to their superior detection and pipe flexibility, VESDA® detectors are able to perform in high-airflow environments, providing early detection and ensuring expensive computer or server equipment is kept safe from fire.
VESDA® detection for industrial facilities
Factories and facilities working in industrial environments can be very hazardous.
This is especially true in ATEX (Atmosphères Explosibles) zones – areas classified under the European directive as potentially explosive.
Fire detection can be challenging in these conditions as high levels of dust and airborne particulates can contaminate standard point detectors, reduce their sensitivity and increase the risk of false alarms.
To meet the strict fire safety demands of the industrial sector, VESDA® has been adopted as the chosen fire detection solution to ensure the safety of personnel and compliance to any relevant standards.
Additionally, VESDA®’s advanced filtration and ‘air-purge’ features allow the system to function in dusty areas – ensuring continuous and reliable smoke detection across demanding industrial environments.
VESDA® smoke detection for ceiling voids
Recommendations under the British Standard code of practice for fire detection, BS 5839, state that any ceiling void over 800mm should generally be considered when designing fire detection coverage.
With today’s modern architecture, many ceilings are solid with little access, making it difficult to install and maintain conventional point smoke detectors within void spaces.
VESDA® smoke detection is ideal for these environments as air sampling pipes can be installed within ceiling voids and other hard to reach or dangerous to access areas.
VESDA® detection working with fire suppression systems
For early detection and triggering a rapid response, VESDA® detection with fire suppression is a powerful combination.
Fire suppression systems are designed to control or extinguish fires using agents such as water, gas or other specialist agents. These systems can often be triggered automatically when a fire is detected in a protected area.
With there being a greater chance for false alarms from traditional smoke detector devices, wrongly activating these fire suppression systems can be costly and wasteful!
This is where VESDA®’s accuracy and reliable detection can provide an advantage. By continuously sampling the air and identifying concentrations of smoke particles at an early stage, VESDA® can provide a more controlled approach to initiating fire suppression systems.
Fire Suppression Ltd – leading supplier of VESDA® systems
At Fire Suppression, we have over 25 years of experience delivering fire suppression and detection systems – including VESDA® – to the fire safety trade, also offering expert consultation, on-site support and comprehensive training.
Find more details on the VESDA systems we have available, or get in touch to discuss your requirements with a member of our team.
