FAQ
Q. What makes PyrOptic so reliable?
A. PyrOnodes are small thermal hydraulic actuators which capture the expansion of an inert material to cut an optical fibre. Design features and functionality have been carefully considered to optimise the solution including the use of an unbroken optic loop and commercially available relays that can be sourced from multiple vendors . This simplicity is how PyrOptic can guarantee long term reliability.
Q. How is this an efficient solution if the loop needs repair after activation?
A. Connection failure is typically a low frequency event. The effort to splice or replace a plastic optical fibre is inconsequential to the connection repair that will be needed should an activation occur.
Q. How is a loop repaired after activation?
A. Plastic optical fibre does not require special tools and can be re-joined in under a minute using our fast and economical field repair kits. The reality is electricians side cutters and some tape can effect a repair, this is certainly not recommended however illustrates the robust nature of the system. For short loops such as inside a circuit breaker it may be faster to simply replace with a new length. PyrOnodes can be either replaced or reset.
Q. How is the point of failure identified?
A. The most obvious sign is the detachment of the optical core at the activated PyrOnode.
Q. Can I put 500 sensors on one loop?
A. Yes, but consider this is generally not the best idea as finding an activated PyrOnode may be time consuming. Generally a loop and monitoring relay would be provided for each sub circuit or equipment section in the same way as electrical protection is provided. Should an activation ever occur knowing exactly where in the loop prior to access is of limited practical value. This is because isolation of the entire section will be required to gain access for any repair work, at which time the exact point of failure is quickly and easily identified.
Q. What is the correct temperature limit to select?
A. It’s best to understand the maximum operating temperatures of the equipment and then use a PyrOnode with a maximum operating temperature above this. If not already known, non-reversible thermal indication stickers/labels can be an effective, low cost and safe way to determine this (Tempil, Brady and Omega, to name a few)
Q. Can I select a temperature rating thats too high?
A. Generally speaking, for preventing catastrophic failures due to thermal run away, not really. When connection deterioration starts to occur it tends to go from hot to hotter. Even if a PYR-105 (105°C) was installed on a 75°C connection it would still provide useful alarming, its just that the chance of permanent damage to the insulation is increased.
Q. Can PyrOptic be used for applications other than electrical connections?
A. Absolutley! PyrOptic is a temperature alarm suited to infrequent events with application ranges up to 105°C. The insulative optical path just happens to make this technology very suitable for electrical connections.
Contact us (sales@pyroptic.com) to discuss your application!
A. PyrOnodes are small thermal hydraulic actuators which capture the expansion of an inert material to cut an optical fibre. Design features and functionality have been carefully considered to optimise the solution including the use of an unbroken optic loop and commercially available relays that can be sourced from multiple vendors . This simplicity is how PyrOptic can guarantee long term reliability.
Q. How is this an efficient solution if the loop needs repair after activation?
A. Connection failure is typically a low frequency event. The effort to splice or replace a plastic optical fibre is inconsequential to the connection repair that will be needed should an activation occur.
Q. How is a loop repaired after activation?
A. Plastic optical fibre does not require special tools and can be re-joined in under a minute using our fast and economical field repair kits. The reality is electricians side cutters and some tape can effect a repair, this is certainly not recommended however illustrates the robust nature of the system. For short loops such as inside a circuit breaker it may be faster to simply replace with a new length. PyrOnodes can be either replaced or reset.
Q. How is the point of failure identified?
A. The most obvious sign is the detachment of the optical core at the activated PyrOnode.
Q. Can I put 500 sensors on one loop?
A. Yes, but consider this is generally not the best idea as finding an activated PyrOnode may be time consuming. Generally a loop and monitoring relay would be provided for each sub circuit or equipment section in the same way as electrical protection is provided. Should an activation ever occur knowing exactly where in the loop prior to access is of limited practical value. This is because isolation of the entire section will be required to gain access for any repair work, at which time the exact point of failure is quickly and easily identified.
Q. What is the correct temperature limit to select?
A. It’s best to understand the maximum operating temperatures of the equipment and then use a PyrOnode with a maximum operating temperature above this. If not already known, non-reversible thermal indication stickers/labels can be an effective, low cost and safe way to determine this (Tempil, Brady and Omega, to name a few)
Q. Can I select a temperature rating thats too high?
A. Generally speaking, for preventing catastrophic failures due to thermal run away, not really. When connection deterioration starts to occur it tends to go from hot to hotter. Even if a PYR-105 (105°C) was installed on a 75°C connection it would still provide useful alarming, its just that the chance of permanent damage to the insulation is increased.
Q. Can PyrOptic be used for applications other than electrical connections?
A. Absolutley! PyrOptic is a temperature alarm suited to infrequent events with application ranges up to 105°C. The insulative optical path just happens to make this technology very suitable for electrical connections.
Contact us (sales@pyroptic.com) to discuss your application!