Continuing for Fall 2025: Electronic PDHs will be available to Chapter members at no cost for virtual presentations.  If you are not a current member you may still enjoy the presentation at no charge, or pay $10 at registration to be granted a PDH.

This is an online event.  You must join from a computer, no dial-in only information is available. The meeting details will be made available when you register.

Topic 1: Beam Smoke Detection

Beam smoke detectors are used across a wide range of building occupancy classifications worldwide. Common applications include atriums, warehouses, gymnasiums, theaters, and places with limited access to ceilings. In many large buildings, full area smoke coverage is required in addition to sprinklers. In this talk we will review the current NFPA 72 code guidance as well as new detector spacing guidelines that are expected to be adopted in the next edition of 72. We will discuss how to properly design your smoke coverage in high ceiling areas where smoke stratification is a possibility. Various real-world examples and equipment best practices are reviewed.

Topic 2: Optical Flame Detection

Flame detectors are line-of-sight devices that can detect fire within a few seconds of ignition. They are typically used in areas with flammable hazards such as jet fuel, paper, hydrogen, solvents, plastics, and textiles. They can be used as initiating devices in fire alarm systems or as part of a process control system. This talk will give an overview of basic device operation, common application examples, and best practices.

Topic 3: Linear Heat Detection – Fixed and Programmable Temperature

Linear heat detectors (LHD) are used in a wide range of applications and provide some unique advantages over other detection types. They are easy to install and provide an easy way to conduct testing and maintenance. This makes it a great choice for applications like elevator shafts, warehouse racking, industrial machinery, cold storage, solar panels, and more. In this presentation, we will be reviewing NFPA guidance for designing LHD systems and discuss Inspection/Testing/Maintenance for the system. The audience will learn about standard fixed temperature LHD as well as programmable temperature LHD. Attendees will gain insights into different operating mechanisms of LHD, including fixed temperature and programmable- temperature based detection. The programmable temperature type detection is unique in the market and the attendees will learn about its benefits. Case studies in this presentation will illustrate successful deployment of LHD in several different applications.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES and OUTCOMES:

• List three examples of building types where beam smoke detection provides practical or economic advantages over spot detectors.

• Describe the phenomenon of smoke stratification and how beam smoke detectors can be positioned to prevent delayed detection times.

• Identify two wavelength bands on the electromagnetic spectrum that optical flame detectors use to detect fire.

• Identify two main differences between fixed temperature and programmable type linear heat detection systems.
• Understand which linear heat detection types are best for different applications based on ambient temperature and other factors.
• Understand some of the unique requirements for linear heat detection in elevator shaft and road tunnel applications.

Presenter: Dean Rushin – Applications Engineer at FFE Specialty Fire Detection

Dean provides detection related support to fire and life safety professionals across the Americas. With a mechanical engineering degree from Northern Illinois University, he applies over a decade of experience from the optics industry and 3 years at FFE to the field of specialty fire detection.