VESDA VLF (LaserFOCUS) Aspirating Smoke Detector
Summary
The VESDA VLF series represents a breakthrough in very early warning smoke detection, specifically designed to protect small, business-critical environments. Available in two models – the VLF-250 for areas up to 250 m² (2,690 sq. ft.) and the VLF-500 for spaces up to 500 m² (5,380 sq. ft.) – these detectors bring VESDA’s renowned detection performance to previously overlooked smaller critical areas.
The detectors work by continually drawing air into sampling holes in a pipe network. The air is filtered and passed into a detection chamber where light scattering technology detects the presence of very small amounts of smoke. Detector status information is communicated through the innovative Smoke Dial™ display and via relays or optional interface cards.
Designed for out-of-the-box operation, the VLF series can be installed and commissioned without the need for special interface or software programming tools. The unique Smoke Dial™ display provides users with instant understanding of smoke events, even from a distance, while the Instant Fault Finder feature enables rapid diagnosis of any fault conditions.
Features
- Out-of-the-box installation and commissioning
- Ultrasonic airflow sensing
- Laser-based absolute smoke detection
- Pre-engineered pipe network designs
- Programmable alarm thresholds
- Clean air barrier optics protection
- Instant recognition display with Smoke Dial™
- Instant Fault Finder™ for rapid diagnostics
- AutoLearn™ smoke and flow functionality
- Field service access door
- Multiple event logging in separate logs
- Event log capacity up to 18,000 events
- Offline/online configuration capability
- Dual stage dust filtration
- Wide sensitivity range 0.025 – 20% obs/m
- Multiple alarm threshold settings
- Individual alarm delays 0-60 seconds
- Three changeover relays (Fire 1, Action, Fault)
- IP30 rated enclosure
- Flexible mounting options (upright, inverted or horizontal)
FAQ
What is the difference between VLF-250 and VLF-500?
The main difference is coverage area and pipe network capacity. The VLF-250 covers up to 250 m² (2,690 sq. ft.) with maximum pipe lengths of 1 x 25m or 2 x 15m branches, while the VLF-500 covers up to 500 m² (5,380 sq. ft.) with maximum pipe lengths of 1 x 50m or 2 x 30m branches. The VLF-500 also has higher current consumption (410mA vs 220mA nominal).
Do I need special software or tools to install and commission the VLF?
No, the VESDA VLF is designed for out-of-the-box operation and can be installed and commissioned without the need for special interface or software programming tools. However, for advanced configuration, the VLF is supported by VSC (VESDA System Configurator) and ASPIRE software.
What is the Instant Fault Finder feature?
The Instant Fault Finder is a smart diagnostic feature that converts the Smoke Dial™ into a fault indicator when activated through the field service access door. It provides instant and meaningful information about the detector’s status with numbered dial segments corresponding to specific fault conditions, eliminating the need for additional programming and evaluation tools.
What approvals and certifications does the VLF have?
The VESDA VLF series holds multiple international approvals including CCC, FM Class I Div II, ActiveFire (ISO/AS 7240-20), CE, UKCA, LPCB, VdS, NF, and EN 54-20 with Class A, B, and C classifications. Specific approvals may vary between models and regions.
How does the ultrasonic flow sensing work?
The patented ultrasonic flow sensing uses two transducers that continually send signals to each other through the air flow. One signal travels with the flow, the other against it. The time difference between the two signals is used to calculate the rate of airflow within the pipe. This technology is immune to air temperature and pressure changes and unaffected by contamination.
What is AutoLearn and how does it work?
AutoLearn is an intelligent feature that automatically sets acceptable alarm thresholds for both smoke and flow levels by assessing environmental conditions. It operates for a minimum of 15 minutes up to a maximum of 15 days (default 14 days). During AutoLearn, thresholds are not changed from pre-set values, ensuring continuous protection.
Specifications
- Input Power Voltage : 24V DC Nominal (18-30 V DC)
- Current VLF-250 : 220 mA nominal, 295 mA in alarm
- Current VLF-500 : 410 mA nominal, 490 mA in alarm
- Dimensions (W X H X D) : 256 mm x 183 mm x 92 mm (10¹⁄₁₆ in x 7¹⁄₅ in x 3²⁄₃ in)
- Weight : Approx. 2 kg (4.4 lbs)
- IP Rating : IP30
- Mounting : Upright, inverted or horizontal
- Operating Temperature Ambient : 0°C to 38°C (32°F to 100°F)
- Operating Temperature Sampled Air : -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
- Humidity : 5% to 95% RH, non-condensing
- Maximum Pipe Lengths VLF-250 : 1 x 25 m (80 ft) or 2 x 15 m (50 ft) per branch
- Maximum Pipe Lengths VLF-500 : 1 x 50 m (150 ft) or 2 x 30 m (90 ft) per branch
- Maximum Sampling Holes VLF-250 : 12 holes total, 6 holes per branch
- Maximum Sampling Holes VLF-500 : 24 holes total, 12 holes per branch
- Air Inlet Pipe : Metric 25 mm (1.05 in.) / American IPS 21 mm (¾ in.)
- Area Coverage VLF-250 : Up to 250 m² (2,690 sq. ft.)
- Area Coverage VLF-500 : Up to 500 m² (5,380 sq. ft.)
- Relay Outputs : 3 changeover relays (Fire 1, Action, Fault), 2A @ 30 VDC max
- Cable Access : 3 x 25 mm (1.05 in.) cable entries
- Cable Termination : Screw Terminals 0.2-2.5 mm² (30-12 AWG)
- Alarm Threshold Range Alert/Action : 0.025 – 2.00% obs/m (0.008 – 0.614% obs/ft)
- Alarm Threshold Range Fire 1/Fire 2 : 0.025 – 20.00% obs/m (0.008 – 6.575% obs/ft)
- Individual Alarm Delays : 0 – 60 seconds
- Event Log Capacity : Up to 18,000 events
- AutoLearn Duration : Minimum 15 minutes, maximum 15 days (default 14 days)
