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Detection
Our Main Products
Detection
Flame Detectors
Continuously be protected! Prevent fire catastrophes by detecting and initiating fire prevention measures within seconds of fire ignition with automatic flame detectors.
What are flame detectors?
Flame Detectors are electronic devices that use optics to “see” a fire from a long distance without the smoke or heat needing to get to the detector first. The four primary optical flame-sensing technologies are: ultraviolet (UV), ultraviolet/infrared (dual), Infrared (IR), and visual flame imaging. They are all based on line-of-sight detection of radiation emitted by visible yellow/red flames and heat as shown in the UV, visible light, and IR spectral bands.
Optical flame detectors employ optical sensors, working in a specific spectral range and record incoming radiation at the selected wavelengths.
The Signal recorded by each sensor is analysed according to pre-determined techniques:
- Flickering frequency analysis (Flickering of the flame).
- Threshold energy signal comparison.
- Mathematical ratios and correlations between various signals.
- Comparator techniques (and-gate techniques).
- Correlation to memorized spectral analysis.
When configuring flame detection systems, it is useful to consider the following flame detector performance criteria’s:
- False alarm immunity
- Detection range
- Response time
- Field of view
- Self-diagnostics
Single IR Flame Detector
Principal of Operation:
Detects hydrocarbon-based fuel and gas fires using pyroelectric sensors with a 4.4 micron optical filter, and a low frequency (1-10Hz) electronic band pass filter. These advanced infrared sensor and optical filters provide maximum sensitivity to the CO2 emissions. IR flame Detectors implement various parameter analysis and mathematical techniques to discern flame spectral signatures from other IR source spectral signature – to better identify flames and reduce false alarms.
Applications:
Offshore Oil and Gas installations, Pharmaceutical Industry, Onshore Oil and Gas installations, Chemical plants, Warehouses, Automotive Industry, Petrochemical plants, Storage Tank farms, Waste Disposal facilities, Power Generation facilities.
Main Features:
Detection range for some fuels can be up to 15 meters.
Response time typically 4 seconds.
Field of view 90° horizontal, 90°vertical.
Sensitivity selection.
Automatic and Manual Built-In-Test.
Heated window – for operation in harsh weather.
High reliability – minimum 150 000 operational hours.
Approved for Zone 1 hazardous area location.
Utilizes HART and RS-485 for digital communication.
Operates as a stand-alone unit or connected to an alarm or fire system
Product certification:
Hazardous Area Ex Approvals – FM, CSA, ATEX, IECEx, GOST R, CEPEL, CIMFR
Functional Approvals – FM, EN54-10
Reliability Approvals – TUV (SIL2)
CPD Certificate of Conformity – LPCB
Other Approvals – GOST K, CAL FIRE
Multi IR Flame Detector
Principal of Operation:
Multi IR flame detectors primary operation is based on the spectral analysis technology – which identifies the IR spectral signature of hot CO2 at a spectral emission band of 4.2-4.7 microns and hot water (H2O) at a spectral emission band of 2.7-3.0 microns.
The spectral analysis incorporates several detection algorithms, Flickering, Mathematical ratios and correlations between various signals – Only when all the parameters of the spectral analysis meet the predetermined values, is a fire condition identified and the fire alarm is issued.
Applications:
Offshore Oil and Gas installations, Space Industry hydroxyl propellant, petrochemical plants, static fuel cell systems, Onshore Oil and Gas installations, Chemical plants, Storage Tank farms, Power Generation facilities, Printing Industry, Explosive and Munitions.
Main Features:
Detection range for some fuels can be up to 65 meters.
Response time typically 5 seconds.
Field of view 90° horizontal, 90°vertical.
High false alarm immunity
Approved to safety integrity level 2
High reliability – minimum 150 000 operational hours
Sensitivity selection.
HART Protocol: Communication protocol
Approved for Zone1 hazardous area location
Heated window – for operation in harsh weather conditions.
Automatic and Manual Built-In-Test – to assure continued reliable operation
Product certification:
Hazardous Area Ex Approvals – FM, CSA, ATEX, IECEx, GOST R, CEPEL, CIMFR
Functional Approvals – FM, EN54-10
Reliability Approvals – TUV (SIL2)
Other Approvals – ABS, GOST K, CAL FIRE, AFP
Triple IR (IR3) Flame Detector
Principal of Operation:
Patented IR3 technology recognizes the distinctive spectral signature that hot CO2 has in infrared at wavelengths of 4.2 to 4.7μ.
The IR3 flame detector utilizes a combination of three IR sensors to identify flame emission and also distinguish between non-fire radiation. Triple IR flame detection implements resolute algorithms undertaken by a microprocessor analysing radiation intensity, threshold values, ratios, correlations and flickering signals attained from the three sensors. The first flame sensor is responsible for CO2 flame emission, the other two are sensitive to all other non-fire radiation sources. Flame detection alarm will only be activated when input conditions from all three distinct IR wavelengths found in fires are satisfied.
Applications:
Offshore Oil and gas, Waste Disposal facilities, chemical plants, printing industry, pharmaceutical industry, Power Generation facilities, Printing Industry, Warehouses, Storage Tank farms, Petrochemical plants, Aircraft hangars.
Main Features:
Detection range for some fuels can be up to 65 meters.
Response time typically 5 seconds.
Field of view 100° horizontal, 95°vertical.
Multi Spectrum Design – for long distance detection and high false alarm immunity
Sensitivity Selection – to ensure no zone crossover detection
Automatic and Manual Built-In-Test – to assure continued reliable operation
Heated window – for operation in harsh weather conditions.
Multiple Output Options for maximum flexibility and compatibility
High reliability – minimum 150 000 operational hours
Product certification:
Hazardous Area Ex Approvals – FM, FMC, CSA, ATEX, IECEx, GOST R, CEPEL, CIMFR
Functional Approvals – FM, FMC, EN54-10
Reliability Approvals – TUV (SIL2), TUV(SIL2)
Other Approvals – DNV, GOST K
Ultraviolet Flame Detectors
Principal of Operation:
UV detectors respond to radiation in the spectral range of 180-260 nanometres. UV detectors based on this technology detect flames at high speed (3-4 milliseconds) due to the high-energy UV radiation emitted by fires and explosions at the instant of their ignition.
Applications:
Aerospace, Warehouses, Pharmaceutical industry, Power generation facilities, Paint and solvent processes, Static fuel Cell systems, Space Industry hydroxyl propellant, Battery Charging areas, Refinery Hydrogenation, Hydrogen Vehicle Parking and Refuelling, Hydrogen fuel cell Industry, Explosive and Munitions.
Main Features:
Detection range for some fuels can be up to 15 meters.
Response time typically 3 seconds.
Field of view 100° horizontal, 95°vertical.
Automatic and Manual Built-In-Test.
Heated window – for operation in harsh weather.
Multiple output options for maximum flexibility.
User programmable via HART or RS-485.
Level 2 approved safety integrity.
UV spectrum design.
High reliability – minimum 150 000 operational hours.
Product certification:
Hazardous Area Ex Approvals – FM, CSA, ATEX, IECEx, GOST R, CEPEL, CIMFR
Functional Approvals – FM, EN54-10
Reliability Approvals – TUV (SIL2)
Other Approvals – GOST K, CAL FIRE, AFP
Dual Ultraviolet and Infrared Flame Detector
Principal of Operation:
Dual band Flame detection – Sensitive to both UV and IR radiation emitted by flames, offers increased immunity to false alarms, operates at moderate speeds of response, and is suited for both indoor and outdoor use.
Applications:
Power Generation facilities, Aircraft hangars, Storage Tank farms, Petrochemical plants, Chemical plants, Onshore Oil and Gas installations, Offshore Oil and Gas installations, Pharmaceutical Industry, Printing Industry, Warehouses, Automotive Industry, Explosives and Munitions, Waste Disposal facilities, Aerospace Industry.
Main Features:
Detection range for some fuels can be up to 15 meters.
Response time typically 5 seconds.
Field of view 100° horizontal, 95°vertical.
UV/IR Dual-Sensor
Fast Response – 200 milliseconds to flash fire.
Automatic/Manual Built-In-Test – to assure continued reliable operation.
Heated window – for operation in harsh weather.
User programmable via HART or RS-485.
High reliability – minimum 150 000 operational hours.
Product certification:
Hazardous Area Ex Approvals – FM, CSA, ATEX, IECEx, GOST R, CEPEL, CIMFR
Functional Approvals – FM, EN54-10
Reliability Approvals – TUV (SIL2)
Other Approvals – DNV, DNV-MED-D, DNV-MED-B, ABS, GOST K, CAL FIRE, AFP
CCTV Flame Detectors
Principal of Operation:
CCTV flame detector utilize IR3 sensor technology designed to respond only to flickering radiation signal (1 to 10 Hz) in the spectral bands ranging from 4.0 to 5.0 microns – ensuring the greatest degree of spectral matching to the radiant energy emissions of fire and the lowest degree of matching to non-fire stimuli. The CCTV Flame Detector is extremely sensitive; it can detect a 1ft.2 (0.1m2) gasoline pan fire at 200 ft. (60m) in less than 10 seconds. The colour video camera enables the operator to investigate the monitored area, identify the fire source and location, and help select the best response to the situation.
Applications:
Offshore Oil and Gas, Onshore Oil and Gas, Chemical plants, Petrochemicals plants, Storage tank farms, Aircraft hangars, Power generation facilities, Pharmaceutical Industry, Printing Industry, Warehouses, Automotive Industry, Explosives and Munitions and Waste Disposal facilities.
Main Features:
Detection range for some fuels can be up to 65 meters.
Response time typically 5 seconds.
IR3 Field of view 90° horizontal, 90°vertical.
CCTV Field of view 65° horizontal, 48° vertical.
Live color video image.
Triple spectrum design
User programmable via RS-485 or HART
Automatic/Manual Built-In test.
Sensitivity selection.
High reliability – minimum 43 000 operational hours.
Product certification:
Hazardous Area Ex Approvals – UL, ATEX [de], ATEX, GOST R
Functional Approvals – FM
Other Approvals – GOST K
Smoke Detectors
If waking up to a smoke alarm is your first line of defence against a potential fire hazard then you shouldn’t hesitate to install one. Smoke detectors save thousands of lives each year and it’s recommended that every home or building have one detector in each room on every floor.
What is Optical smoke detection?
An optical smoke detector also known as a photoelectric alarm is a light sensor. The optical smoke detector uses a photodiode (sensor) and an infrared LED to detect smoke inside an optical chamber. The sensor is placed across the infrared LED to an angle so that the LED beam does not point directly at the photodiode. When smoke enters the chamber the LED beam reflects off small particles of smoke and directs it to the sensor thus triggering the alarm.
Benefits:
Photoelectric smoke detection is generally more responsive to fires that begin with a long period of smouldering (the beginning stage of fires) but may respond a bit slower to rapidly growing fires yet they are well balanced to spot both the smouldering and flaming stages of fires.
Installation:
Make sure the detector is functioning properly before installing it. The detector should be placed as close as possible to the centre of the ceiling. If ceiling mounting is not possible then the detector can be wall mounted 30 cm from the ceiling.
Series 65 Optical Smoke Detector
Main Features
Wide operating voltage
Can be integrated into security systems
Flashing LED option
Range of bases available
Where can it be used?
The Series 65 optical smoke detectors are mainly used in environments such as offices, medium sized buildings, large homes or restaurants where an electric power cable or fire security system is present or capable of being installed. Consider using a photoelectric alarm (not ionization) near areas that are prone to steam or cooking.
Orbis Optical Smoke Detector
Main Features
Flashing red LED confirms correct wiring polarity
Continuity Link for voltage testing
Wide Angle Optics for wide range of fires
Prevents dusts build up and maintains airflow
Drift compensation for maintained sensitivity
Flashing yellow LED for drift compensation limit
Flashing yellow LED for incorrect detector operation
Takes four seconds to test correct functionality
Base sliding action for positioning
360 degree LED visibility
Range of bases available
Discovery Optical Smoke Detector
Main Features
Sensitivity modes for suited environments
Five response modes
Remote test feature
Unaffected by wind or atmospheric pressure
XPERT card addressing method for identifying detector locations for quicker installations and commissioning
Where can it be used?
Discovery optical smoke detectors are can be used in environments such as bedrooms, offices, medium sized buildings, large homes or restaurants where an electric power cable or fire security system is present or capable of being installed. Consider using a photoelectric alarm (not ionization) near areas that are prone to steam or cooking.
Series 65 Ionisation Smoke Detector
Main Features
Wide operating voltage
Can be integrated into security systems
Flashing LED and magnet operated test switch option
Range of bases available
Ionization is the condition of an element being disconnected into ions. An ionisation smoke detector consists of an ionization chamber which is connected to a negative terminal and a reference chamber which is connected to the positive terminal. The smoke detector uses a radioactive isotope such as americium-241 in the ionisation chamber to produce ionization known as alpha particles into the air. These alpha particles collide with air molecules and cause them to split into two halves – a positive ion and a negative ion. The positive ions get attracted to the negative chamber and the negative ions to the positive chamber thus creating an electric current in the air between the two chambers. If smoke particles pass between the chambers the ions will attach to the particles causing the current to flow difficultly. When the electric circuit detects the drop in current the alarm will be triggered.
XP95 Ionisation Smoke Detector
Main Features
Wide angle optics
Minimal effects from the temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure
Well protected against electromagnetic interference over a wide frequency range
Transient Rejection uses algorithms to filter out temporary abnormal readings, helping to reduce false alarms.
Drift Compensation maintains calibrated sensitivity levels even if the detector is contaminated
Flashing yellow LED to show that the drift compensation limit has been reached
Flashing yellow LED indicates in the unlikely event of incorrect detector operation
Slots allow base to be fixed in position without removing mounting screws
360° Visibility of LEDs.
XPERT card addressing method for identifying detector locations for quicker installations and commissioning
Ionization is the condition of an element being disconnected into ions. An ionisation smoke detector consists of an ionization chamber which is connected to a negative terminal and a reference chamber which is connected to the positive terminal. The smoke detector uses a radioactive isotope such as americium-241 in the ionisation chamber to produce ionization known as alpha particles into the air. These alpha particles collide with air molecules and cause them to split into two halves – a positive ion and a negative ion. The positive ions get attracted to the negative chamber and the negative ions to the positive chamber thus creating an electric current in the air between the two chambers. If smoke particles pass between the chambers the ions will attach to the particles causing the current to flow difficultly. When the electric circuit detects the drop in current the alarm will be triggered.
Discovery Ionisation Smoke Detector
Main Features
Drift Compensation maintains calibrated sensitivity levels even if the detector is contaminated
One of five sensitivity modes selected at the control panel for detecting threats
XPERT card addressing method for identifying detector locations for quicker installations and commissioning
Ionization is the condition of an element being disconnected into ions. An ionisation smoke detector consists of an ionization chamber which is connected to a negative terminal and a reference chamber which is connected to the positive terminal. The smoke detector uses a radioactive isotope such as americium-241 in the ionisation chamber to produce ionization known as alpha particles into the air. These alpha particles collide with air molecules and cause them to split into two halves – a positive ion and a negative ion. The positive ions get attracted to the negative chamber and the negative ions to the positive chamber thus creating an electric current in the air between the two chambers. If smoke particles pass between the chambers the ions will attach to the particles causing the current to flow difficultly. When the electric circuit detects the drop in current the alarm will be triggered.
Heat Detectors
Heat comes in all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately we cannot always see it. To feel a potential hazard is another story, and could be fatally worse than hearing of one. So, keep calm and stay warned with our range of reliable heat detectors.
How do heat detectors work?
There are two types of heat detection methods:
Fixed Temperature – temperature increases to a predetermined point causing the detector to be triggered.
Rate-Of-Rise – rate at which temperature rises is compared to the detectors manufactured rate of temperature rise operation and the difference is calculated to determine detector status.
Fixed temperature detectors rely on the mixture of two or more metals combined known as eutectic alloy. This alloy because of its mixture has a low melting point. When ambient temperature reaches the eutectic temperature the alloy changes from a solid to a liquid. Fixed temperature detectors can also operate using a single thermistor a type of resistor whose resistance is dramatically affected by temperature to effectively detect changes in ambient temperatures.
Rate-of-rise temperature detectors most commonly make use of thermistors known as thermocouples to distinguish change in ambient temperatures. A thermistor is a type of resistor whose resistance is dramatically affected by temperature. A rate-of-rise detector can have one or two thermistors – one for monitoring heat radiation and the other for monitoring ambient temperature. When a rise in heat is identified the rate of the risen temperature is calculated by the thermistor responsible for the ambient temperature and compared to the thermistor responsible for the heat radiation. If a rate of 1.6°C per minute is picked up the detector is triggered.
Installation:
Heat detectors are most commonly installed in residential areas such as Kitchens, bedrooms and, hallways. It is recommended to install a heat detector anywhere a smoke detector cannot be installed. It is recommended not to replace smoke detectors with heat detectors. Areas where heat detectors should not be installed include: Laundry rooms, garages, and sheds. Due to the type of technology used by the detector rate-of-rise detectors should not be installed too close to stoves, ovens or any area that is exposed to rapid rising heat. For areas like those, fixed temperature heat detectors should be used.
Series 65 Heat Detector
Main Features
Wide operating voltage
LED flashing option
Magnetic operated test switch option
Suitable for use on security systems
Range of bases available
Where can it be used?
Kitchen
Bedrooms
Hallways
Environments where smoke detectors are not suitable for being used
Dirty or smoky environments
See installation above
Orbis Heat Detector
Main Features
Red flashing LED confirming correct operation
Yellow flashing LED indicating faults
Takes only a few seconds to test proper functionality thanks to FastTest
360° LED visibility
Easy installation thanks to E-Z Fit slots
Where can it be used?
Kitchen
Bedrooms
Hallways
Dirty and/or smoky environments
Environments where smoke detectors are not suitable for being used
See installation above
Discovery Heat Detector
Main Features
Can withstand dirt contamination
Unaffected by wind or atmospheric pressure
5 sensitivity modes
Remote test feature
Where can it be used?
Warehouses
Loading bays
Car parks
Environments that are dirty and possibly exposed to smoke under normal conditions
Fire Control Panels
Fest Fire Security builds, supplies, and services a wide range of control panels suited for any fire suppression system.
An automatic fire suppression system is rendered inoperative without some sort of control panel to activate an alarm or initiate a fire fighting sequence. The fire control panel acts as the brains of the fire suppression facility and can distinguish where a threat is located with the help of environmental sensors. The control panel is but one of the components of a complete fire suppression system.
Our listed control panels are our most popularly used today, should you not see what you are looking for feel free to give us a call and we will supply you.
3 zone fire control panels
Main Features
Fire brigade contact
Change over alarm contact per zone
Fault change over contact
Fire change over contact
Gas area output for connection to TEC047 extinguishing release control panel
Weight
4.5 kg
Dimensions
332mm x 345mm x 80mm
Operating Input Voltage
230 VAC (+- 10%) or 24 VDC
Quiescent current at 24 VDC
Tec202 75mA
Tec204 99,A
Auxiliary Output
24 VCD 1 Amp
Sounder Output
2 x 24 VDC, Maximum of 700mA
Detector Output
22 VDC
Repeater Output
RS 485 Modbus
2 and 4 zone fire control panels
Main Features
Fire brigade contact
Change over alarm contact per zone
Fire change over contact
Two gas area outputs for connection to Tec047 extinguishing release control panel
Weight
5kg
Dimensions
455mm x 340mm x 80mm
Operating Input Voltage
230 VAC (+- 10%) or 24 VDC
8 and 12 zone fire control panels
Main Features
Fire brigade contact
Change over alarm contact per zone
Fault change over contact
Fire change over contact
Repeat contacts for discharge initiated + activated
Weight
4.5kg
Dimensions
332mm x 345mm x 75mm
Operating Input Voltage
230 VAC (+- 10%) or 24 VDC
Smoke Detectors
If waking up to a smoke alarm is your first line of defence against a potential fire hazard then you shouldn’t hesitate to install one. Smoke detectors save thousands of lives each year and it’s recommended that every home or building have one detector in each room on every floor.
What is Optical smoke detection?
An optical smoke detector also known as a photoelectric alarm is a light sensor. The optical smoke detector uses a photodiode (sensor) and an infrared LED to detect smoke inside an optical chamber. The sensor is placed across the infrared LED to an angle so that the LED beam does not point directly at the photodiode. When smoke enters the chamber the LED beam reflects off small particles of smoke and directs it to the sensor thus triggering the alarm.
Benefits:
Photoelectric smoke detection is generally more responsive to fires that begin with a long period of smouldering (the beginning stage of fires) but may respond a bit slower to rapidly growing fires yet they are well balanced to spot both the smouldering and flaming stages of fires.
Installation:
Make sure the detector is functioning properly before installing it. The detector should be placed as close as possible to the centre of the ceiling. If ceiling mounting is not possible then the detector can be wall mounted 30 cm from the ceiling.
Series 65 Optical Smoke Detector
Main Features
Wide operating voltage
Can be integrated into security systems
Flashing LED option
Range of bases available
Where can it be used?
The Series 65 optical smoke detectors are mainly used in environments such as offices, medium sized buildings, large homes or restaurants where an electric power cable or fire security system is present or capable of being installed. Consider using a photoelectric alarm (not ionization) near areas that are prone to steam or cooking.
Orbis Optical Smoke Detector
Main Features
Flashing red LED confirms correct wiring polarity
Continuity Link for voltage testing
Wide Angle Optics for wide range of fires
Prevents dusts build up and maintains airflow
Drift compensation for maintained sensitivity
Flashing yellow LED for drift compensation limit
Flashing yellow LED for incorrect detector operation
Takes four seconds to test correct functionality
Base sliding action for positioning
360 degree LED visibility
Range of bases available
Discovery Optical Smoke Detector
Main Features
Sensitivity modes for suited environments
Five response modes
Remote test feature
Unaffected by wind or atmospheric pressure
XPERT card addressing method for identifying detector locations for quicker installations and commissioning
Where can it be used?
Discovery optical smoke detectors are can be used in environments such as bedrooms, offices, medium sized buildings, large homes or restaurants where an electric power cable or fire security system is present or capable of being installed. Consider using a photoelectric alarm (not ionization) near areas that are prone to steam or cooking.
Series 65 Ionisation Smoke Detector
Main Features
Wide operating voltage
Can be integrated into security systems
Flashing LED and magnet operated test switch option
Range of bases available
Ionization is the condition of an element being disconnected into ions. An ionisation smoke detector consists of an ionization chamber which is connected to a negative terminal and a reference chamber which is connected to the positive terminal. The smoke detector uses a radioactive isotope such as americium-241 in the ionisation chamber to produce ionization known as alpha particles into the air. These alpha particles collide with air molecules and cause them to split into two halves – a positive ion and a negative ion. The positive ions get attracted to the negative chamber and the negative ions to the positive chamber thus creating an electric current in the air between the two chambers. If smoke particles pass between the chambers the ions will attach to the particles causing the current to flow difficultly. When the electric circuit detects the drop in current the alarm will be triggered.
XP95 Ionisation Smoke Detector
Main Features
Wide angle optics
Minimal effects from the temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure
Well protected against electromagnetic interference over a wide frequency range
Transient Rejection uses algorithms to filter out temporary abnormal readings, helping to reduce false alarms.
Drift Compensation maintains calibrated sensitivity levels even if the detector is contaminated
Flashing yellow LED to show that the drift compensation limit has been reached
Flashing yellow LED indicates in the unlikely event of incorrect detector operation
Slots allow base to be fixed in position without removing mounting screws
360° Visibility of LEDs.
XPERT card addressing method for identifying detector locations for quicker installations and commissioning
Ionization is the condition of an element being disconnected into ions. An ionisation smoke detector consists of an ionization chamber which is connected to a negative terminal and a reference chamber which is connected to the positive terminal. The smoke detector uses a radioactive isotope such as americium-241 in the ionisation chamber to produce ionization known as alpha particles into the air. These alpha particles collide with air molecules and cause them to split into two halves – a positive ion and a negative ion. The positive ions get attracted to the negative chamber and the negative ions to the positive chamber thus creating an electric current in the air between the two chambers. If smoke particles pass between the chambers the ions will attach to the particles causing the current to flow difficultly. When the electric circuit detects the drop in current the alarm will be triggered.
Discovery Ionisation Smoke Detector
Main Features
Drift Compensation maintains calibrated sensitivity levels even if the detector is contaminated
One of five sensitivity modes selected at the control panel for detecting threats
XPERT card addressing method for identifying detector locations for quicker installations and commissioning
Ionization is the condition of an element being disconnected into ions. An ionisation smoke detector consists of an ionization chamber which is connected to a negative terminal and a reference chamber which is connected to the positive terminal. The smoke detector uses a radioactive isotope such as americium-241 in the ionisation chamber to produce ionization known as alpha particles into the air. These alpha particles collide with air molecules and cause them to split into two halves – a positive ion and a negative ion. The positive ions get attracted to the negative chamber and the negative ions to the positive chamber thus creating an electric current in the air between the two chambers. If smoke particles pass between the chambers the ions will attach to the particles causing the current to flow difficultly. When the electric circuit detects the drop in current the alarm will be triggered.