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New ISO standard on video fire detectors will help identify fires more quickly

Codes and Standards

New ISO standard on video fire detectors will help identify fires more quickly

The standard marks the first comprehensive international specification for this equipment.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | July 26, 2017
Firefighters on the roof of a burning building in Alaska

Pixabay Public Domain

Newly released standard ISO/TS 7240-29 provides the first platform for international acceptance of a uniform specification for video fire detectors.

Video detection technology detects, identifies, and analyzes smoke at the first sign of fire or flame. The equipment’s understanding of the behavior and movement of smoke enables users located on site or from a remote location to raise the alert and take appropriate action early.

“In large open compartments, it can remove the delay in smoke travelling to the detector and result in a quicker response by emergency services,” says Keith Shinn, Chair of ISO subcommittee ISO/TC 21/SC 3. “It can also permit smoke detection in harsh environments where it may otherwise be impractical.”

“Considering that many of the facilities where VFDs are to be installed are owned by international conglomerates, an internationally accepted specification is ideal,”

says Isaac Papier, Convenor of ISO subcommittee ISO/TC 21/SC 3. “The new ISO/TS 7240-29 provides owners and insurance carriers with the international consensus metrics for performance of VFDs.”

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