BRADENTON, Fla., July 21, 2020 — Fire detection is reaching new and advanced levels with Kidde’s new Intelligent Optica smoke detector, its next-generation detector engineered for modern materials and building environments. With early compliance to UL 268, 7th edition requirements for fire alarm systems, the Intelligent Optica smoke detector raises the bar for intelligent response to today’s fire risks, well ahead of the UL standard June 30, 2021 effective date. Kidde is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE:CARR), a leading global provider of innovative heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies.
The UL standard incorporates three new tests, including a cooking nuisance alarm test and two polyurethane foam tests for smoldering and flaming fires. These new tests better represent the smoke profiles and behavior of modern building fires and are designed to give building occupants enough time to evacuate safely.
“Intelligent Optica's patented sensor technology differentiates between truly threatening fast-flaming or smoldering fires and nuisances – such as burning food or steam – which enhances the protection of people and property while reducing business interruptions and unnecessary fire department responses,” said Jon Hughes, vice president, marketing and product strategy, Kidde. “Intelligent Optica uses only one photo-optic sensing element to comply with the new fire tests. This is in contrast to technologies that may require multiple sensing elements, such as those found in combination optical, heat and carbon monoxide detectors.”
The new detectors may also improve overall occupant safety in commercial buildings typically containing furnishings comprised of synthetic materials, such as polyurethane foam, that are known to ignite and burn faster than traditional materials.
The Intelligent Optica technology is a major advancement for commercial building operators, especially in hospitality, healthcare and other facilities that can be prone to nuisance alarms. In 2014 alone, according to the NFPA Journal, U.S. fire departments responded to 2.5 million false alarms.
The backwards-compatible Kidde Intelligent Optica detector line can replace legacy Kidde Intelligent, GSA Series and V-Series detectors without programming updates to Kidde VS and VM fire panels.
For more information, visit kidde-esfire.com/home/optica.
About Kidde
Founded by Walter Kidde, a pioneer in early smoke detection and fire suppression, Kidde is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of fire safety products. Each day, we work to expand upon our legacy of innovation, providing advanced solutions to protect people and property from fire and related hazards. Kidde is part of Carrier Global Corporation, a leading global provider of innovative HVAC, refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies. For more information, visit kidde-esfire.com.
