Timely alerts save property and lives.
Early fire detection makes the difference between putting fires out and fighting their spread. When you have early warnings, you have proactive protection you that allows swift response.
Learn more about different fire suppression system options and how East Rand Fire can protect your premises with fire detection and suppression solutions.
What is a fire detection system?
A fire detection system is a series of electronic sensors and alarms that can detect signs of fire (smoke and/or heat) and set off alarms automatically. The four main types of smoke detectors are heat-based or thermal detectors, optical detectors, photoelectric and ionisation/photoelectric.
Heat detectors are most commonly used in storage facilities and warehousing (rooms that aren’t frequently occupied and tend to be kept at lower temperatures). If there is a significant rise in ambient temperatures, these fire detection systems are triggered.
Smoke detectors using ionization are typically used in commercial kitchens and restaurants. These activate when smoke enters a chamber that has constant electric current that flows back and forth inside the device, triggering the alarm.
Photoelectric detectors are similar to ionization-based fire suppression systems in that they activate when smoke is detected inside the device’s chamber. Yet instead of electric current they use a beam of light. When smoke interferes with said light the alarm triggers.
The fourth kind of fire detection system uses a combination of ionization and photoelectric (electric current and light beams) in a single unit. This type of system is two-in-one since it uses dual means of detection.
East Rand Fire also supplies and services flame detection systems including ultraviolet, infrared, dual spectrum and triple infrared flame detectors.
ERF Advanced Technologies is our division specialising in designing fire control systems to specifications.
With over fifty years of experience in fire safety and prevention, we can supply, install and maintain a fire solution to spec that covers your premises needs and helps you keep to stringent building safety standards. As a fire detection supplier and fire suppressions installer, we will ensure your system is up and running fast. Each service of your fire detection or suppression system includes a detailed site report and any recommendations necessary to bring fire safety in line with the latest regulations and recommendations.
Our system designers are registered professionals who have the necessary knowledge and accreditation to design a system that is configured to fit your exact needs.
What fire detection and suppression systems do we service?
At East Rand Fire we supply, install and service a broad range of fire solutions, including:
We supply, install and maintain automatic high-speed and conventional speed fire detection systems, water and water/foam suppression systems, as well as automatic gas fire and explosion suppression systems.
These fire suppression systems deliver fire inhibiting foam using compressed air.
We also supply, install and maintain use-specific fire suppression systems for industries such as the restaurant/catering industry and vehicle manufacturing and dealerships including kitchen suppression systems, vehicle suppression systems, and others.
Why is a fire detection system important?
Because fire spreads so fast, especially in dry conditions or commercial environments housing flammable goods, every minute counts. An early detection system gives you a stronger chance of suppressing fires before they get out of control and damage is more extensive.
Relying on human detection means that a fire may already have caught a strong hold by the time it is found. This is especially problematic in facilities where people sleep (such as hospitals) as this is an extra hazard for late detection.
After the catastrophic fire at Charlotte Maxeke hospital, the South African Bureau of Standards updated its guidelines and recommendations for fire detection and alarm systems to ensure that there is a national set of guidelines and rules. Automatic fire detection is required in commercial buildings where people sleep such as hospitals, making South Africa’s fire safety regulations comparable to the UK and Europe.
A reliable, well-maintained fire suppression system is thus important for ensuring your facilities have world-class fire safety.
A fire detection system is also important for keeping up to date with building safety and fire safety regulations.
