Aspirating smoke detector

In most cases aspirating smoke detectors require a fan unit to draw in a sample of air from the protected area through its network of pipes.

[4] In 1979, Xtralis, then IEI Pty Ltd., produced and sold an air sampling device they called VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus).

The air samples are captured and filtered, removing any contaminants or dust to avoid false alarms and then processed by a centralized, highly sensitive laser detection unit.

This allows an ASD system to provide very early warning of an event, prompting investigation at the earliest smouldering stage of a fire when it is easily addressed.

Often, normal point detectors will recognise the danger too late, as smoke often does not reach the ceiling quickly enough for a fire to be detected in a timely fashion.

[11] As they can be easily hidden, pipe networks are suitable in environments where point detectors can be considered aesthetically displeasing, such as offices, apartments and hotel rooms.