A New Generation of Smarter, More Stable Smoke Detection
In busy commercial buildings like hotels, hospitals, or offices, nuisance fire alarms can cause significant operational disruptions and costly expenses. To meet this challenge, Kidde Engineered Systems developed the Optica™ Series, a line of intelligent smoke detectors that sets a new standard for accuracy and reliability.
Optica technology is designed to intelligently distinguish between a real fire threat and non-emergency phenomena, providing the highest level of protection with minimal disruption.
The Intelligence Behind Smoke Detectors Optica: More Than Just Photoelectric
While based on photoelectric technology, the Optica sensor is far more advanced than standard detectors.
- Advanced Particle Analysis: Inside each detector is a microprocessor running sophisticated algorithms. It doesn’t just “see” that a particle is in the air; it analyzes the particle’s size, shape, and behavior.
- Distinguishing Threats: With this intelligence, the Optica detector can effectively differentiate between smoke particles from a real fire and non-threatening particulates that often cause false alarms, such as:
- Steam from bathrooms or kitchens
- Dust from construction or cleaning activities
- Aerosols from cleaning products or air fresheners
Real Benefits: Reducing Disruptions, Increasing Safety
- Superior Nuisance Alarm Immunity: This is the greatest advantage of the Optica series. By reducing the number of false alarms, you avoid unnecessary building evacuations, reduce occupant complacency, and prevent “alarm fatigue” (where people start ignoring alarms due to frequent false triggers).
- Reliable Detection of a Wide Range of Fires: While intelligently rejecting false triggers, the Optica sensor remains highly sensitive to a broad range of real fire conditions, ensuring an early warning is provided when it’s truly needed.
A Family of Smoke Detectors for Various Applications
The Optica Series is a comprehensive family of detectors, including:
- Optica Photoelectric Smoke Detector: The standard model for most applications.
- Multisensor Detector (Smoke & Heat): Combines the Optica smoke sensor with a heat sensor for enhanced confirmation and more robust detection.
- Heat Detector: A heat-only model for areas where smoke detectors are unsuitable, such as commercial kitchens or boiler rooms.
Smart Features for Easy System Management
As part of an addressable system, Optica detectors communicate individually with the control panel.
- “Dirty Detector” Reporting: The detector can self-diagnose and report to the panel when it is becoming dirty and needs to be cleaned. This allows for proactive maintenance before the detector can cause a false alarm or fail to operate.
In conclusion, the Kidde Optica Series of Smoke Detectors is the intelligent choice for any modern commercial building. By combining reliable detection with its industry-leading nuisance alarm rejection technology, Optica delivers a fire safety system that is more stable, more reliable, and more occupant-friendly.
