These detectors respond to the various gases produced during the combustion process.
- Carbon monoxide
- Carbon dioxide
- Steam
- Other elements
The Fire-Gas detectors employ two types of technologies to predict a fire. One method uses a semiconductor material that changes the metal’s conducting potential in a fire situation. The other method uses a catalytic element encased in an aluminum bead.
Advantages of Fire-Gas Detection:
- Detects products of combustion
- Sensitive enough to detect levels of gases produced between the occurrences of detectable particulate levels and detectable heat levels
- Detects gases prior to reaching lethal levels
Disadvantages of Fire-Gas Detection:
- Prone to false alarms
- Must be mounted at a low level, leaving it susceptible to damage
- Can be poisoned
- Unsuitable for areas where CO and CO2 are produced as part of the routine functions within the areas
- Is not considered as a universal replacement for smoke or thermal detectors
- High cost