Myth or Fact? ASD Great Debate at NFPA Conference Aims to Set the Record Straight

It’s funny how a technology that has been around for so many years remains nebulous to so many involved in protecting people and facilities from the threat of fire. This was quite clear at the NFPA 2009 Conference when it came to air-sampling smoke detection (ASD), with a bevy of misinformed or misguided seeking enlightenment at the aptly titled ASD Mythconceptions Great Debate.

ASD is for data centers only. It can’t be used for suppression actuation. It’s expensive and complex. Have you heard this before? Is it a belief you hold? Well, these were among the topics up for discussion during the Great Debate held on June 10 at the show. In a refreshing break from the typical death by PowerPoint sessions notorious at tradeshows, the Great Debate featured a panel of industry experts – with combined experience approaching 100 years – engaging in honest, unscripted conversation on myths surrounding ASD and the realities of fire detection technologies.

In a packed, albeit small, intimate room on the expo floor, the Great Debate wasted no time in setting out to accomplish its primary goal – dispelling ASD myths. After a brief introduction of the session and panelists, the conversation quickly turned to, in order, how ASD provides absolute detection in virtually any environment, how it is the optimal complement to suppression systems and for actuation, how its high sensitivity and multiple alarms can actually reduce the cost of nuisance alarms, and how the latest ASD detectors offer “out-of-the-box” setup and coverage over large areas with “low cost” pipe.

Overall, the session was enlightening in many regards, but most notably in how it ultimately debunked the myths discussed – with real-world examples from real-world people specifying, designing, selling and installing ASD solutions. Un-coached, the panel members were free to add their perspectives, and the experience they lent the discussion made for a great learning experience for all in attendance.

Do you have any preconceived notions or perceptions about ASD and want the facts? Like the Great Debate, the Innovations blog is a great forum for answers, with access to a wealth of resources with decades of experience in ASD and in the fire detection arena. We’d encourage you to post a comment and get the truth about ASD.