Fire Detection

Question 1

What kind of detectors and how to test them? How often?

Answer 1

Smoke, heat, flame. Use a specific IR LED tester for the flame detectors. Heat can be a hair dryer. Smoke can be a spray can

Question 2

How are the fire detection systems electrically supplied?

Answer 2

Batteries, through the emergency switchboard so power isn’t lost in the event of a blackout.

Question 3

Explain ER fire boundaries?

Answer 3

A60, 200+ page document published by IMO relating to the regulations of construction, insulation and testing requirements for fire rated bulkheads and ship structure.

Question 4

Working knowledge of A60 bulkheads?

Answer 4

Constructed as to be capable of preventing the passage of smoke and flame to the end
of the 60 minute standard fire test

Question 5

Explain thermistor and scattered light detectors?

Answer 5

A thermistor is a type of resistor whose electrical resistance changes significantly with temperature, this then triggers an audible alarm.

Scattered light fire detectors consist of a light source, typically an infrared. The light source emits a beam of light that is directed across a detection chamber or space within the detector. In the absence of smoke, the light beam travels in a straight path from the emitter to the receiver. When smoke particles enter the detection chamber, they scatter and absorb light from the beam.

A thermistor is used for heat detectors while a light scatter is used for smoke