Standard for Video and Thermal Image Detectors for Fire Alarm Systems

This Standard sets forth requirements for video and thermal image fire detectors and accessories for non-dwelling units, including mechanical guards to be employed in indoor locations (for video and thermal) and outdoor (for thermal) in accordance with the following:

a) In the United States:

1) National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, NFPA 72;

2) National Electrical Code, NFPA 70.

b) In Canada:

1) Standard for the Installation of Fire Alarm Systems, ULCS-S524;

2) National Building Code of Canada; and

3) National Fire Code of Canada.

1.2  A detector as covered by this standard consists of an assembly of electrical and mechanical components to sense:

a) Smoke in the visible and/or infrared wavelengths; and/or

b) Flame in the visible and/or infrared wavelengths; and/or

c) Heat in the infrared wavelengths.

The heat, smoke, and flame are sensed using a focal plane array (imager). The detector includes provision for the connection to a source of power, signaling, and optional remote-control circuits. Additional functionality is permitted to be incorporated as part of the detector assembly.

1.3  This standard covers detectors intended for open area protection and for connection to a compatible power supply or control unit for operation as part of a fire alarm system.

1.4  This standard does not cover the following:

a) In the United States (1) – (7):

1) Single pixel/integrating (non-imaging) flame detectors;

2) Wildfire detectors;

3) Control units to which the detectors are intended to be connected that are covered by the Standard for Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems, UL 864;

4) Self-contained single and multiple station smoke alarms, not intended for connection to a system control unit, that are covered by the Standard for Smoke Alarms, UL 217;

5) A gas and vapor detector or sensor incorporated as a part of a smoke detector assembly, and covered by the Standard for Gas and Vapor Detectors and Sensors, UL 2075;

6) Commercial-residential detectors not intended for connection to a system control unit that are covered by the Standard for Smoke Detector Monitors and Accessories for Individual Living Units of Multifamily Residences and Hotel/Motel Rooms, UL 1730;

7) Detectors for monitoring the smoke density within flues or stacks.

b) In Canada (1 – 6):

1) Single pixel/integrating (non-imaging) flame detectors;

2) Wildfire detectors;

3) Control units that are covered by the Standard for Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems, ULC 527;

4) Self-contained single and multiple station smoke alarms that are covered by the Standard For Smoke Alarms, ULC-S531;

5) A heat detector incorporated as a part of a smoke detector assembly, and covered by the Standard For Heat Actuated Fire Detectors for Fire Alarm Systems, ULC-S530 and/or when part of a multi-criteria smoke detector;

6) Detectors for monitoring the smoke density within flues or stacks.

1.5  These requirements also cover all remote accessories that are intended to be connected to a detector.