Q: What do insurers say?
A: Insurers throughout the UK now recommend and specify Smoke Screen. A number are also offering financial inducements to install. These include cash-back or premium reductionstions.
The new ACPO guidelines make provision for the use of a security smoke generating system. Fire Brigade personnel appreciate the need for such systems and have stated that, as long
as systems are installed as per the code of practice, then they have no objection.
provide for the ‘concept’: The Occupiers Liability Act, 1984 and The Offences Against The Person Act, 1861. Two installation factors are, however, extremely important. The system should
not be installed in such a way as to constitute a 'mantrap', and the presence of the system should be clearly advertised with warning signs. A Smoke Screen installed to our specifications
complies with both requirements.
Q: Is the Smoke Harmful?
A: No! The ‘smoke’ is actually a 'thermal fog'. This is produced when a glycerine solution is passed through a heated steel block. The liquid vaporises and then condenses as it re-enters the atmosphere. Billions of microscopic liquid particles are produced and these form the 'smoke' effect. This type of smoke has been in common use since the 1970's and has been examined
at various times by the NOHS, Professional Light and Sound Association, Fire Brigade Union and a number of independent laboratories. The 'smoke' produced by Smoke Screen systems
has also been particle sized by the Atomic Energy Authority (Aerosol Division) and the 'Settling Velocity' established (see Residue).
‘Does the Smoke affect Computers?’
The short answer to this question is No! However, a fuller explanation may be of interest. The smoke produced by Smoke Screen consists of billions of liquid particles. The average particle size (mass median diameter) has been established (by the AEA Aerosol Division) as being 0.2 microns. The ‘Settling Velocity’ has been calculated at approximately 0.5 cm/hour.
This means that ‘smoke’ in concentration will move earthwards at a rate of ½ cm each hour. Under normal conditions (ambient temperature and normal air movement) the glycerine will evaporate before it can settle.
‘Does the Smoke affect Clothing or Foodstuffs?’
Again the answer is no. A number of top flight menswear shops use Smoke Screen and we have not had a single instance where clothing has been affected at all by the operation of Smoke Screen.
The glyccerine used to create the smoke effect is also used in the food preparation industry as well as other sensitive products such as cough mixture.
Smoke Screen Guaranteed?’
All users of Smoke Screen are provided with the following warranties, guarantees and insurance:
Standard 12-month parts and labour and extended 36-month parts warranty.
Absolute guarantee that no contamination would occur provided the Smoke Screen has been installed and operated to specification.
£10 million product and public liability cover with provision for efficacy.
To date no claim has ever been made against Smoke Screen, or any company fitting it, with respect to any adverse consequence of installing or operating the system.
‘Does Smoke Screen affect my Insurance Cover?’
No UK insurer will apply penalties, reduce cover or increase premiums following the installation of Smoke Screen.
However, a growing number of insurers will offer incentives to businesses who have or are intending to have, Smoke Screen installed.
‘Does the Smoke interfere with Fire-fighters?’
The ‘simulant’ used by Smoke Screen was chosen carefully. Among it’s characteristics is the fact that at ambient temperature above 45ºC the ‘smoke’ will disappear. Therefore, if there was a real fire associated with the activation of Smoke Screen then the ‘cosmetic smoke’ would not pose a real threat or hindrance to fire-fighters.
It may be of interest to learn that our factory supplies approximately 80% of the UK county fire brigades, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force with smoke generators that are used in the training of fire-fighters.
Smoke Screen has also been integrated into buildings fitted with monitored fire detection systems. An output is supplied from the alarm control panel that informs the fire panel that the Smoke Screen has activated. This does not detract from the operation of the fire detection system but does inform the monitoring station that the system has fired. In some instances additional detectors (usually rate of rise detectors) are used to provide verification.
‘Is Smoke Screen Compatible with existing Intruder Alarms?’
Yes. Smoke Screen has been designed specifically to interface with conventional intruder alarm systems.
Each Smoke Screen has a number of inputs (from the alarm control panel) and outputs (to monitor the state of the machine). These use conventional switches or changes of state and can be terminated either in the main alarm panel (the preferred choice for systems using a modern type of panel) or via a dedicated interface (useful for installations using older panels).
‘Does Smoke Screen require any Special Equipment?’
The only item required by Smoke Screen that does not form a normal part of an alarm installers toolbox is a 13 Amp fuse. Standard 6-core cable is suitable to link the Smoke Screen with the panel. All fixings and mounting brackets can be supplied by us.
‘How is the Smoke controlled?’
A simple timer (15 seconds – 6 minutes) is fitted to the Smoke Screen. This is set to provide sufficient smoke to inundate the protected area for a minimum of thirty minutes. A simple formula is used to calculate the timing interval. If in doubt the installer can contact technical support at Smoke Screen and they will advise.
‘False Activations?’
Smoke Screen systems are totally reliant on the intruder alarm to provide the activation signal. It cannot fire by itself.
‘Is the Smoke Harmful?’
No! The ‘smoke’ is actually a ‘thermal fog’. This is produced when a glycerine solution is passed through a heated steel block. The liquid vaporises and then condenses as it re-enters the atmosphere. Billions of microscopic liquid particles are produced and these form the ‘smoke’ effect.
This type of smoke has been in common use since the 1970’s and has been examined at various times by the NOHS, Professional Light and Sound Association, Fire Brigade Union and a number of independent laboratories.
The ‘smoke’ produced by Smoke Screen systems has also been particle sized by the Atomic Energy Authority (Aerosol Division) and the ‘Settling Velocity’ established (see Residue).
‘Does the Smoke affect Computers?’
The short answer to this question is No! However, a fuller explanation may be of interest. The smoke produced by Smoke Screen consists of billions of liquid particles. The average particle size (mass median diameter) has been established (by the AEA Aerosol Division) as being 0.2 microns. The ‘Settling Velocity’ has been calculated at approximately 0.5 cm/hour.
This means that ‘smoke’ in concentration will move earthwards at a rate of ½ cm each hour. Under normal conditions (ambient temperature and normal air movement) the glycerine will evaporate before it can settle.
‘Does the Smoke affect Clothing or Foodstuffs?’
Again the answer is no. A number of top flight menswear shops use Smoke Screen and we have not had a single instance where clothing has been affected at all by the operation of Smoke Screen.
The glyccerine used to create the smoke effect is also used in the food preparation industry as well as other sensitive products such as cough mixture.
The Smoke Screen has additional connections that allow it to support its own movement sensor (PIR). These can be used to ‘hold-off’ the machine following an activation signal from the main alarm panel until it receives verification from its own sensor. A simple and effective ‘double-knock’.
The system can be further enhanced using the same ‘alarm’ contacts that support the PIR by using a microswitch in the main entry/exit door lock. Here the simple act of locking and unlocking the door will bring the Smoke Screen on and off line.
‘Can a Voice Module be fitted?’
Yes. The Smoke Screen has a switched 230-volt outpout that can be used to ‘drive’ a number of additional accessories including a voice module
‘How do I turn the system on and off?’
The system is controlled by your intruder alarm. Setting and unsetting your main alarm panel will switch the Smoke Screen on and off line.
‘How long does the smoke last?’
If the premises is not vented then the smoke will remain in concentration for hours. However, we recommend that it be vented as soon as the key-holder can gain access (60 – 90 minutes).
‘How do I vent the smoke?’
Simply by opening doors and windows and waiting. The basic concept behind the smoke is to delay thieves making it impossible for a speedy entry and exit
‘Do I have to inform the Authorities?’
No. We will, as part of the service, send installation notifications to the Fire Safety Officer and Alarms Administration Officer in your area. We will also liaise with Crime Prevention Officers, Insurers and Monitoring Stations as and when necessary.
‘Can a thief sabotage the Smoke Screen?’
The Smoke Screen has an integral tamper circuit that will inform the alarm panel if an attempt is made to remove the casing. Similarly a ‘Ready State’ indicator will report if any of the operation aspects of the machine are interfered with.
A thief may try and block the passage of the smoke. However, in order to do so he has first to locate the machine. The majority of Smoke Screen systems are installed ‘covertly’ hidden above suspended ceilings or in suitable concealed locations. Assuming he knows where the machine is, he has to actually reach it. The 800 produces smoke at the rate of 10 cubic metres per second. It takes a brave man to enter the smoke and an extremely lucky one to locate the vent that is a mere 50mm in diameter and often located on the ceiling.
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