Smoke stratification
Smoke stratifies into a mushroom cloud in a large open space such an atrium or stadium. It may never reach a smoke detector installed on the ceiling. VESDA Air sampling smoke detection can be installed where the smoke will go, providing very early warning of a fire. It will actively pull air samples to the detector, unlike point detectors that passively wait for the smoke to reach them.

Reducing maintenance costs
The cost of maintaining a fire detection system can be significant. Reaching smoke detectors installed on the ceiling may require access equipment such as scissor lifts or scaffolding. Maintenance work may mean temporarily closing a venue or paying maintenance staff overtime. This can be avoided if a system is designed for ease of maintenance. Installing the detector unit of an air sampling smoke detection system at ground level makes testing and maintaining the unit easy. The sampling pipe network installed at higher levels is virtually maintenance-free.