What is a beam detector primarily used for?

A beam detector is primarily used for providing early fire detection in large open spaces due to its design and functionality. Unlike point detectors that sense smoke or heat within a specific area, beam detectors utilize a light beam that is projected across a space, typically between a transmitter and a receiver. When smoke enters the area and obscures the light beam, the detector is activated.

This capability makes beam detectors particularly effective in large, open environments such as warehouses, auditoriums, or factories where conventional smoke detectors may not respond adequately due to the vastness of the space or airflow patterns that might delay detection. By detecting smoke at its earliest stages across a wide area, they help in ensuring rapid response to potential fire events, thereby enhancing safety in these expansive settings.