detectors in high humidity weather 2

[crb7]

hi guys;
Which kind of smoke/heat detectors is suggested in high humidity weather? I'm working in an Island which humidity have destructive effects on detectors, and after a period of time make false alarms.

 

[cdafd]

Just a general question?

Or specific occupancy ?


Inside or out or both?

Any building code you have to meet??

 

[stookeyfpe]

The question you should be asking is the selected detector compliant with NFPA 72 Section 10.3.5:

10.3.5 Equipment shall be designed so that it is capable of performing its intended functions under the following conditions:

(1)*At 85 percent and at 110 percent of the nameplate primary (main) and secondary (standby) input voltage(s)
(2) At ambient temperatures of 0°C (32°F) and 49°C (120°F
(3) At a relative humidity of 85 percent and an ambient temperature of 30°C (86°F)

The detector you select is required to meet these requirements so it will serve the intended function for your operating conditions.

 

[crb7]

tnx guys.

 

[DavidCR]

Most of the detector´s electronics are not for condensing wet environments.
I have used aspirating type Vesda with a condensate trap (piece of transparent pipe with a manual drain before the device) and works fine so far (tropical forrest área power plant). It collects some cm of water on wet months. Vesda coud be more expensive or not depending on the layout and amount of detectors.
Also observed the use of explosión proof smoke detectors but are pricy.

On seeveral casese I´ve seen the average humidity may be on the safe side but at dusk it may go condensing. So I´ve thought that if there is not an stringent code requirement, you may risk on normal detectors and observe if the electronics is affected to much to consider the use of a relatively robust (good design or brand) normal price detectors and asume that the frecuent replacement cost could be more convenient than using expensive especial wet proof detectors. Not the best practice but may solve for some applications.