FB-CD Heat Detector

Part No. 7254-FBD-5139, 5140, 5142, 5143, 5145, 5146

This family of heat detectors have a molded self-extinguishing white polycarbonate case. Nickel plated stainless steel wiper contacts connect the detector to the base. Inside the case a printed circuit board holds the signal processing electronics.

A pair of matched negative temperature co-efficient thermistors are mounted onthe PCB in such a way that one thermistor is exposed to give good thermal contact with the surrounding air while the other thermistor isthermally insulated.

Under stable conditions both thermistors are in thermal equilibrium and have the same value of resistance. If air temperature increases rapidly the resistance of the exposed thermistor becomes less than that of the insulated thermistor. The ratio of the resistance of the thermistors is monitored electronically and an alarm is initiated ifthe ratio exceeds a factory preset level. This feature determines the ‘rate of rise’ response of the detector.

If air temperature increases slowly, no significant resistance difference develops between the thermistors, but at high temperatures a fixed value resistance connected in series with the insulated thermistor becomes significant.

When the sum of the resistance of the insulated thermistor and the fixed resistor compared to the resistance of the exposed thermistor reaches a preset value, an alarm is initiated. The value of the fixed resistor is selected to set the detector into alarm state at as pecified fixed temperature.

The detector signals an alarm state by switching an alarm latch on, increasing the current drawn from the supply from about 50μA to a maximum of about 75mA. This fall in the impedance of the detector is recognized by the control panel as an alarm signal.

The alarm current also illuminates the detector integral LED. A remote indicator connected between the L1 IN terminal and the –R terminal will have a voltage equal to the supply voltage less 1 volt across it and so will illuminate.

To ensure correct operation of the detector the control panel must be arranged to supply a maximum of 33volts DC and a minimum of 9 volts DC in normal operation. The supply may fall to 6 volts DC in alarm conditions if a supply current of at least 10mA is available at this voltage. To ensure effective illumination of the integral LED and any remote indicator, the supply to the detector should exceed 12volts.

To restore the detector to quiescent condition, it is necessary to restore a normal temperature level and interrupt the electrical supply to the detector for a minimum of one second.


Detector Choices

FireBus heat detectors are available in three temperature set points, with or without flashing LED's.