The Intelligent Guardian for Your Building’s Airways
A building’s HVAC system is its respiratory system, circulating air for the comfort of its occupants. However, during a fire, this same system can become a superhighway for spreading deadly smoke to every corner of the building. To mitigate this critical risk, Kidde presents the Optica™ Duct Smoke Detector.
This is a smart guardian that continuously monitors the air inside HVAC ductwork and takes swift action to stop the spread of smoke.
The Critical Mission: Preventing Smoke Circulation
The primary function of a duct smoke detector is not to protect a room, but to protect the entire building from smoke contamination.
- How It Works: The detector is mounted on the exterior of an HVAC duct, with two sampling tubes that extend inside to draw in samples of the circulating air.
- Automatic Action: When smoke is detected in the airflow, the detector instantly sends a signal to the fire alarm control panel and, most importantly, to the HVAC controller to immediately shut down the fans and blowers and close the dampers.
- The Benefit: By shutting down the HVAC system, the spread of smoke and toxic gases to other areas of the building is prevented. This provides more precious time for occupants to evacuate safely and limits smoke damage.
Smoke Detector – Optica Intelligence: Reliable Detection, Minimal False Alarms
The environment inside an air duct is filled with dust and other particulates that can trigger false alarms in ordinary detectors. This is where the Optica™ sensor excels.
- Advanced Photoelectric Sensor: The Optica technology uses sophisticated algorithms to distinguish between real smoke particles and common contaminants like dust, dirt, or humidity.
- Reduces Disruptions: This capability drastically reduces the incidence of false alarms, which can cause unnecessary building evacuations and costly operational shutdowns.
Smoke Detector – Designed for Easy Installation and Maintenance
Kidde designed this detector with technicians in mind:
- Tool-Free Maintenance: The sensor and cover can be removed and cleaned without the need for special tools.
- Simple Testing: Features an external test point that allows technicians to quickly verify its functionality.
- Clear LED Indicators: LEDs on the cover provide a clear visual status for power, alarm, and trouble conditions.
Smoke Detector – Full Integration with Building Systems
As an addressable device, the Optica Duct Detector fully integrates with Kidde fire alarm control panels (like the FX and VM Series), reporting its precise status and location. Its onboard relays ensure a reliable connection to control the HVAC unit shutdown.In conclusion, the Kidde Optica Duct Smoke Detector is an essential life-safety component for any modern building. With its reliable detection and superior immunity to false alarms, it ensures that your building’s respiratory system does not become a threat during an emergency.
