HVLS fan maker, alarm company team up on smoke detection

Big Ass Fans, Xtralis enter into joint partnership to integrate early detection

By Plant Engineering Staff September 19, 2008

Big Ass Fan Company has announced a strategic partnership with Xtralis, a leading provider of intelligent fire detection and security solutions, to provide advanced smoke detection solutions for Big Ass Fans, a leading provider of huge ceiling fans for industrial, institutional, agricultural, and commercial facilities worldwide. The partnership will integrate the Xtralis early warning smoke detection system with the Big Ass Fans technology

The Xtralis VESDA (Very Early Warning Smoke Detection System) provides for the earliest possible warning of an imminent fire hazard, particularly in high-volume spaces. Within the incipient stage of a fire, VESDA detects minute levels of smoke present in the air and offers up to three levels of alarm, all with adjustable thresholds, before there is visible smoke, flaming fire, or intense heat and often long before disruption, damage or injury can take place.

The VESDA system works with the Big Ass Fan by detecting smoke at the earliest stages, and then sends a signal to automatically shut the fan down. This automatic shutdown feature is designed specifically as a safety precaution that will eliminate any potential effect with a facility’s ESFR (early suppression fast response) fire sprinkler system.

“It was extremely important for us to not only select the most trusted name in the smoke detection industry, but to select a technology that was proven,” said Carey Smith, president of Big Ass Fans. “Additionally, by detecting the earliest possible sign of smoke, customers now have the potential of early warning, providing the opportunity to address an event earlier in its cycle.”

“We are excited about this new partnership with Big Ass Fans,” ssaid Ian Ehrenberg, generaliest stages, effectively avoiding any losses in productivity.” 
For more information go to www.bigassfans.com www.xtralis.com .