Light technology patented

The technology works by actively monitoring ambient light levels on the detector and 'subtracting' them away from the 'real' signal. This allows the detector to work under difficult light conditions, including sunlight, sodium lamps and fluorescent lighting. This is said to mean fewer false alarms and false readings.

By using infrared beams, Fireray beam detectors are designed to identify smoke over much larger areas than traditional fire detection devices, making them suitable for large indoor spaces such as warehouses, sports arenas and aircraft hangars.

Usually wall-mounted at near-ceiling level, they work by transmitting a beam of invisible infrared light across the building space to be protected. A receiver detects and measures the light and can recognise smoke interference anywhere along the beam path, triggering the alarm signal when the pre-determined threshold is reached.