Defining Intelligence

Early Warning
Early Response

How does SigniFire™ work?

Is it UL listed or FM approved?

A:

SigniFire™ is FM approved for both fire and smoke detection. The IP camera was tested to FM 3260 the optical flame detector approval and ANSI / UL 268 the smoke detector room tests. In addition both standards were modified, smoke was added to the FM 3260 tests so the system would have to detect both fire and smoke at 100 ft. and varying light conditions were incorporated into the ANSI / UL 268 test. The systems were also exposed to environmental testing including:

     Humidity – 95% humidity
Temperature – 0-49°C
Voltage
Vibration
Extraneous Transients
Stability
Durability
Troubles and Alarms
Circuit supervision
Communication supervision
Power supervision

SigniFire™ is not UL listed. UL does not have an applicable standard like FM 3260 that would allow VID systems to be tested at an appropriate range or under conditions that are useful to the end user or fire community. The NFPA research foundation has initiated a VID research project to identify applications and performance variables to assist NFPA72 code officials and to promote the development of a VID standard.    

Q:

What is the Detection range?

A:

SigniFire™ is FM approved for both smoke and fire detection at 100 feet. SigniFire™ has identified 1 foot pan fires at 150 feet and smoke as far away and 350 feet. However we suggest that coverage be designed for 100 foot distances.

Q:

How is it powered?

A:

SigniFire-IP™ can be power by 12 VDC or Power Over Ethernet (POE). Most applications take advantage of POE so a single CAT-5 cable can be run and handle both communication and powering needs. For redundancy, both can be applied and if one fails the camera will switch to the remaining power supply. 

Q:

What are the applications?

A:

Applications can vary dramatically but tend to have common themes: large volume applications, high value assets, and/or no other detection methods are suitable. Large volume applications include warehouses, arenas, hangers, utility plants, industrial and manufacturing plants. High value asset applications include museums, zoos and banks.

Q:

Can I use it outside?

A:

Q:

Can I attach it to my fire alarm panel?

A:

Yes the cameras are designed to be standalone fire detection devices. The cameras have three Form C dry contact relays on the rear of the camera that can be set to close on fire, smoke, motion, or a trouble condition. The three contacts are completely configurable. This is usually done through an addressable module. NFPA 72 has accepted VISD and VIFD as a fire and smoke detection means. Generally, however, these systems are better suited for facilities with monitoring capabilities so the full benefits of the early detection capabilities and video verification can be utilized.

Q:

How much does it cost?

A:

Q:

How many IP Cameras can the NRV handle?

A:

The NVR can handle 32 IP network cameras, continuously recording the video feeds for up to 21 days.

Q:

What do I need to set up the complete SigniFire™ solution?

A:

A complete SigniFire™ solution consists of IP cameras, an NVR, and a remote monitoring workstation.

Q:

How many cameras will I need to cover my spaces?

A:

In a large volume structures with no major overhead obstructions a camera can cover a 5,000 square foot area. In smaller rooms a camera will be needed for each room.

Q:

Would it alarm if my equipment releases steam (or smoke) and can alarms be prevented?

A:

SigniFire™ is very robust in its range of detection capabilities. Sensitivity settings allow the system the capability to ignore light smoke or steam. In addition, steam usually dissipates very quickly therefore not triggering an alarm condition. If the source of the steam or smoke is fixed in a location, zones can be created to ignore the steam or smoke until it breaks out of the zone. These zones can also be attached to schedules to initiate the blocking zone during certain parts of the day, week, month or year. A delay can also be placed on each of the algorithms so the event will have to persist to the allotted time period before an alarm will initiate.

Q:

How much training do I need to use this system efficiently?

A:

Training for monitoring personnel usually takes less than an hour. To properly install and commission a system, 1 to 2 days of training is necessary depending on the level of knowledge in such areas as networking, camera installation, and fire detection systems.

Q:

Does SigniFire™ work in the dark?

A:

SigniFire™ will function in the dark detecting flaming sources and reflected fire light. Smoke sources can go undetected if no light is present however the system is designed to initiate a fault condition if lighting levels fall below the approved level. It is suggested that lighting be installed to maintain even illumination at 4.8 Fc.

Q:

 Can I use it to replace smoke detectors or my sprinkler system?

A:

No, this system is designed to protect your business, the assets and minimize business interruption. It is not approved as a life safety device; it is an early warning detection system.

Q:

How are the alarms communicated?

A:

Alarm information and video are communicated through an RJ-45 jack onto a LAN network for access anywhere in the world, an alarm state is also signaled through dry contacts located on the back of the camera.

Q:

Can I use my current camera system?

A:

axonX created the FSM-8 to process up to 8 analog cameras for the purpose of smoke, fire and motion detection, it is also FM approved as a fire and smoke detection device.

Q:

What are some current installations?

A:

axonX has systems in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, industrial facilities, distribution centers, zoos, utility stations, and processing facilities. axonX customers include Pratt Whitney, Marriott, and Dominion Energy.

Q:

Does it work in dirty environments?

A:

Q:

What are the nuisance alarms?

A:

Nuisance alarms vary from application to application, but anything that looks like smoke or fire is a potential nuisance source. The rate of acceptable nuisance alarms is also based on the design. If the system is tied to a fire alarm panel the sensitivity is lowered and an aggressive approach in taken to implementing zones, schedules and delays. If onsite personnel (usually security guards) are monitoring the system using the live video, the system is setup to be more detection aggressive.

Q:

What are nuisance alarm rates?

A:

Nuisance alarm rates vary from application to application with some facilities having no recorded events to others with two a day. It depends on if the system is attached to a fire alarm control panel or monitored by onsite personnel as well as the application, system design and end user expectations.

Q:

Can I tie it into my existing video management system?

A:

Yes, SigniFire-IP™ cameras can be incorporated into existing video management systems using a supplied API.

Q:

 Is it cost effective?

A:

SigniFire™ is very reasonably priced with a positive return of investment (ROI) in less than 2 years.

Q:

Where can I buy it?

A:

SigniFire™ can be brought through axonX or your local fire and security distributor.

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All Rights Reserved
SigniFire™ and SpyderGuard™ are registered trademarks of axonX LLC