A beam smoke detector projects an infrared beam across a space to a receiver or reflector. When smoke crosses the beam and weakens the signal, the detector raises the alarm. A single beam detector can monitor a long line across a large space, so far fewer devices are needed than with point detectors.
Beam detection suits atria, shopping malls, warehouses, sports halls, churches and other high or wide spaces with open ceilings. In Europe, optical beam smoke detectors are certified to EN 54-12. Correct alignment and a stable mounting surface matter, and our team can advise on design.
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Coverage depends on the model. Many beam detectors protect distances of tens of metres, and some cover up to around 100 metres, so one detector can replace many point detectors.
Modern beam detectors tolerate slow building movement and compensate automatically. Correct alignment and a stable mounting surface still matter.
A transmitter sends an infrared beam across the space to a receiver or reflector. Smoke in the path weakens the beam, and when the weakening passes the set level the detector raises an alarm.
The design engineer sets them for the room and the model, following EN 54-14 or the local code and the manufacturer's data. High ceilings are exactly where beam detectors are used.