Fire Detection Systems

The right fire detection system can mitigate risks and provide a fast response in the event of an outbreak, to reduce damage to property and to protect personnel.

Merlin supply and install a range of fire detection systems developed over many years by experts, and our engineers have the experience to help you choose the ideal fire detection solution for your premises.

This can be combined with automated fire suppression systems as well as raising the alarm for a manual response, as part of a joined-up strategy towards emergency situations.

What is a fire detection system?

A fire detection system includes all the parts up to the moment a fire is identified, for example:

• Automatic fire monitoring technologies
• Manual fire call points and alarms
• Control panels and admin access
• Automatic triggering of suppression systems
• Automatic notification of emergency services

In practice, a fire detection system rarely operates in total isolation, as you can gain comprehensive fire protection for all kinds of business premises by adding an automatic suppression system to your installation.

Types of fire detection system

There are many different ways to detect the early signs of a fire, from thermal imaging to visual detection of flickering flames.

Some of the types of fire detection systems we supply include:

Addressable Linear Detection

This solution is ideally suited to small and confined areas, and do not need a lot of space for installation or reliable operation.

Addressable linear detection uses heat detection cables to sense an increase in temperature and trigger a suppression response, preventing the outbreak of fire in locations where even a small blaze could cause substantial damage.

Ember Detection

Ember detectors are highly sensitive and look for any indication of overheated items, for example on production lines or where a battery has overheated.

When an excess of thermal energy is detected which could pose a risk of starting a fire, the alarm can be raised and necessary precautions taken to isolate the heated item.

Flame Detection

Flame detection systems can quickly identify when a flame ignites, and can either raise the alarm, or trigger an automatic suppression response, or both.

This is typically faster than conventional smoke or heat detectors, allowing faster evacuation and minimising any fire damage as much as possible.

Rate of Rise Heat Detection

Rate of rise heat detection systems respond to a fast increase in temperature, rather than a specific trigger temperature.

This can allow a faster reaction and an alarm trigger point at a lower overall temperature, as well as providing good protection in areas where the temperature varies but a rapid rise is a sign of a potential fire hazard.

Spark Detection

Spark detectors are used in applications where flammable and explosive materials are present, not only including gases and vapours, but also fine combustible dust particles.

The system monitors ducts and if a spark is detected, acts quickly to extinguish any potential flames, with the option to completely shut down the affected machine and ducting.

Thermal Imaging

Highly accurate response to subtle temperature changes, with the ability to identify hotspots very early for the best chance to prevent a fire from breaking out in full.

These are some of the best early response systems, as they are very sensitive to rising temperatures, and can be used in settings where high-value materials and machinery must be protected.

Why install a fire detection system?

Installing an effective fire detection system in your business provides numerous safety and financial benefits.

By ensuring you receive an early warning of any fire and can quickly act and evacuate you are, first and foremost, protecting the lives of your staff. A fire starting naturally causes panic to swell throughout the building, something which can result in devastating consequences. Alerting and evacuating staff before the fire has properly taken hold plays a key role in ensuring a safe, efficient evacuation.

In addition to this, early detection also reduces the damage any fire causes to your equipment. Fast, automatic activation of any fire extinguishing systems alongside fire brigade notification keeps the fire contained, limiting the damage caused to your premises.

If you’re unfortunate enough to suffer a fire at your business, effective fire protection solutions help it result in a blip in activity, rather than a catastrophic end to the company.

Often, insurance companies look favourably on businesses with comprehensive fire protection systems installed, meaning you could also benefit from discounts on essential insurance policies following installation of the system.

Contact us

For more information about our fire detection systems, take a look at our Fire Protection Guide which offers in-depth details of our various solutions.

Alternatively, we welcome all enquiries, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our engineers using the information on our Contact Us page.