Due to the aesthetic design of some buildings, such as ornate ceilings or ceiling art-work, a discreet, unobtrusive smoke detection system is often desirable. Large, open atria or voids feature stratified, thermal layers that can prevent cooled smoke from reaching ceiling level. As such, conventional systems will normally only respond when a fully-fledged fire condition is reached, by which time significant damage has already occurred.

VESDA provides the discreet detection required in heritage buildings by routing the sampling pipes in areas that are not visible from normal occupancy. Small-bore capillary pipes are used to provide detection at the required location. The room fabric often dictates the location of these capillary tubes. Hiding the capillary tubes behind light fittings, blending in with ceiling paintings or forming part of the ceiling sculptures can all be used to provide ‘invisible’ smoke detection. In high volume, atria applications such as cathedrals, capillary sample points can be routed into the area at intermediate vertical levels to good effect to overcome stratification. The higher potential sensitivity of the VESDA system means that less smoke is required at the sample points to provide an alarm condition.

With over 250,000 aspirating smoke detectors installed worldwide the VESDA name has become synonymous with high quality and outstanding performance. An aspirating smoke detection system, however, only performs at its best with a well designed and installed quality pipework system. Xtralis, manufacturer of VESDA detectors, recognised this requirement and in 1997 launched its VESDA Pipe and Fittings range.