Difference Between Rate of Rise and Fixed Heat Detector – Fire detection is one of the critical aspects of a building security system.
Two types of detectors that are commonly used to detect fires are ROR (Rate of Rise) and Fixed Heat Detectors.
What are the differences between rate of rise and fixed heat detector? Let’s dive along in this article, as we will explain both types of detectors in detail!
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Table of Contents
Difference Between Rate of Rise and Fixed Temp of Heat
Rate of Rise (ROR) Heat Detector is a type of heat detector that reacts to rapid temperature changes.
It relies on sensors that can detect temperature increases that occur over a short period of time.
If the temperature in an area increases rapidly within a set time interval, the detector triggers an alarm.
This is particularly useful in situations where a fire develops very quickly, requiring immediate action.
The working principle of ROR detectors usually involves bimetal strips or thermal sensors that expand rapidly when exposed to heat.
The physical change in the bimetal or sensor will activate a switch connected to the fire alarm system.
Fixed Heat Detectors on the other hand are a type of detector designed to react when the temperature reaches a certain programmed level.
This detector does not measure temperature changes, but rather the
temperature reached. These detectors use a heat-sensitive element, such as a fusible alloy or thermistor.
These elements change their characteristics permanently or temporarily when exposed to high temperatures, resulting in a closed circuit that will trigger the fire alarm.
Aside from that, here’s some of the other differences between ROR and fixed heat detectors!
Also Read: “Smoke Detector vs Heat Detector: Here’s the Difference“
1. Working Principle
ROR Detectors work based on detecting the rate of temperature rise. Sensors in ROR Detectors measure how fast the temperature rises within a certain period of time.
If the temperature rises beyond a set threshold (usually 6.7-8.3°C per minute), an alarm will be triggered.
Meanwhile, Fixed Heat Detector is a fire alarm that is activated based on reaching a specific temperature.
This sensor is designed to respond when the ambient temperature reaches a fixed programmed value, generally ranging from 57-77°C.
2. Response
ROR detectors are quick to respond to fires that cause a rapid rise in temperature, making them ideal for situations that require early detection.
Meanwhile, Fixed Heat Detectors may not immediately respond to slow-developing fires.
3. Potential False Alarm
ROR detectors tend to be more sensitive to sudden temperature changes caused by things other than fire.
Such as operation of the HVAC system, opening a door to a hot room, or other heating devices present. This makes ROR detectors more prone to false alarm.
Fixed Heat Detectors on the other hand are more resistant to false alarms as the system will only activate when the temperature has reached a certain level.
This reduces the possibility of false alarms in environments that have regular temperature change.
Also Read: “Safe Fire Sprinkler and Smoke Detector Distance According to SNI & NFPA“
4. Usage
ROR Detectors are commonly used in areas where fires need to be detected as quickly as possible, such as in chemical storage areas.
They are also beneficial in environments where no major temperature fluctuations are expected.
On the other hand, Fixed Heat Detectors are more suitable for places like commercial kitchens or industrial areas that are used to working at high temperatures, where ROR Detectors may be too sensitive and often give false alarms.
The difference between rate of rise and fixed heat detector is indeed a precious knowledge to know, especially if you need to buy one.
But, other than that, knowing the standard and quality of your fire or heat detectors is also as important.
Choose the heat detector regarding its type that has been certified by the SNI certification, as those smoke detectors are the one that has already been tested for its quality and safety aspects.
The SNI certification itself stands for Standard Nasional Indonesia (Indonesian National Standard), which is a type of product approval that regulates most if not all of the products and services sold or provided in Indonesia.
Not only that this will give you a peace of mind as a customer, this certification can also have a huge beneficial impact on business owners alike.
The presence of the SNI logo on your products or having an SNI certification for your service will give you a boost of trust among the Indonesian market and customers.
Not only that, the SNI certification can also be a marketing tool for your business to further improve the reach into the Indonesian market.
And on top of that, the SNI certification is also (sometimes) mandatory, if you want to distribute your products or provide your services in Indonesia.
With that being said, having an SNI certification is also a testament of your business’ compliance with the Indonesian regulation.
Back to the heat detectors, the SNI certification of this product is clearly stated in SNI ISO 7240-5:2018, and SNI 03-3985-2000.
