Bradenton, FL, March 14, 2011 – Edwards is pleased to announce the introduction of the life safety industry’s first modular detectors. These new devices, part of the acclaimed Signature Series line, combine smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide (CO) sensing technologies in a single compact unit. The development eliminates the need for separate detectors to sense fire and CO, and results in significant cost and maintenance savings for contractors and building owners. Edwards is part of UTC Fire & Security, which is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
According to Steve Hein, General Manager of Product Management at Edwards, Signature Series pushes detection capabilities to the limits of modern technology. “With all the recent advances in computing and fabrication technology, relatively few have actually pulled through to the life safety industry,” he says. “Signature Series changes all that.”
Hein explains that for smoke detection, these devices feature proprietary indirect photoelectric sensing technology, which translates into greater optical stability and a higher degree of reliability. Units with heat sensing technology include not one, but three thermistors for symmetrical thermal response. Modular P age |1 carbon monoxide sensors, which generate separate alarm outputs from other on-board sensors, include dedicated daughterboards for ensured code compliance.
The new detectors, which will be marketed under the EST brand, are compatible with all Signature Series detector bases, so existing systems can be easily upgraded to the new line. Once installed, their modular design means CO sensors can be added in the field, or quickly replaced at their end-of-life. Meanwhile, field-replaceable smoke chambers make equally short work of maintenance – cutting disruption and extending the service life of these units exponentially.
Like all Signature Series detectors, the new range can use existing field wiring in most retrofit situations, and they feature such advances as automatic device mapping, self-diagnostics, drift compensation, ground fault detection, twenty pre-alarm levels, day/night sensitivity settings, on-board device memory logging, and many other performance advantages.
“Signature Series is what customers are asking for – reliable, effective protection that’s easily serviceable,” says Steve Hein. He adds that contractors and installers reap the benefits of highly efficient design, while building owners trade up to more comprehensive life safety protection at a lower installed cost. “With Signature Series,” Hein concludes, “everyone’s a winner.”
About Edwards:
Edwards is part of UTC Fire and Security, a company that provides fire safety and security solutions to more than one million customers worldwide. Headquartered in Connecticut, U.S., UTC Fire & Security is a business unit of United Technologies Corp., which provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries worldwide.
Media Contact:
Courtney Santmire: Courtney.Santmire@fs.utc.com