Which detection method is best for early detection of slow-burning fires?

The best method for early detection of slow-burning fires is through the use of photoelectric detectors. These devices work by using a light source and a sensor to detect changes in light levels caused by smoke particles. Slow-burning fires typically produce a significant amount of smoke before generating substantial heat. Due to their sensitivity to smoke, photoelectric detectors are highly effective in detecting such types of fires early on, allowing for timely intervention and increasing the chances of minimizing damage.

On the other hand, thermal detectors primarily respond to changes in temperature, which may not detect slow-burning fires until they have progressed significantly. Ionization detectors, while effective for fast-burning, flaming fires that produce a lot of heat, are less responsive to the dense smoke often generated by slow-burning fires. Manual pull stations rely on human action to initiate alerts, which can delay detection and response in comparison to automated systems like photoelectric detectors.