Vesda
Vesda fire systems
As pioneers in the realm of life safety, Vesda fire suppression systems (Owned By Honeywell) leads the
global stage with its specialty in Very Early Warning Aspirating Smoke
Detection (VESDA) systems.
With the ever-looming threats of fire hazards, VESDA systems
offer a shield of security like no other—reliably detecting even the faintest
whispers of smoke in the air.
What Is a VESDA Fire System and How Does It Work?
VESDA stands for Very Early Smoke Detection
Apparatus. Utilising aspirating smoke detection technology, VESDA systems actively
sample air through a network of pipes, detecting smoke particles at the
earliest conceivable stage – often before visible smoke or a traditional
fire alarm trigger.
A typical VESDA system includes:
1) A central detection unit (e.g., VLF, VEP, VLI models)
2) A network of sampling pipes strategically placed across the protected area
3)A fan module drawing air continuously through the pipes
4)A high-sensitivity laser detection chamber
This proactive approach provides time-critical alerts,
giving building managers a head start in incident response and reducing
the risk of unnecessary business disruption or evacuation.
Learn more about our VESDA systems.
What is the difference between a VESDA Panel and a smoke
detector?
VESDA fire detection systems are globally recognised
for their unparalleled sensitivity and reliability. Here's why professionals
choose VESDA:
Multiple alarm thresholds: Alert, Action, Fire 1, and Fire 2 for graduated responses
High sensitivity: Detect smoke at concentrations invisible to the
human eye
False alarm reduction: Advanced filtration and sampling
intelligence
Flexible deployment: Perfect for clean rooms, museums, warehouses,
and historic sites
Reliable in harsh conditions: Units like the VLI are designed for
dusty, dirty, and industrial environments
Remote diagnostics: Many VESDA models feature real-time status
updates, air quality tracking, and self-cleaning options
View
our VESDA detectors for tailored solutions across industries.
Where Are VESDA Systems Used?
VESDA fire protection systems are essential in
environments where early detection can mean the difference between safety and
disaster:
Data centres & server rooms – prevent downtime, protect digital
assets
Industrial manufacturing facilities – where smoke detection must
overcome dust and airflow challenges
Hospitals and medical labs – with strict requirements for
cleanliness and false alarm avoidance
Cold storage & logistics hubs – where low temperatures or high
humidity can disrupt traditional detectors
Museums, galleries, and historic archives – safeguarding priceless
assets from smoke damage
Additionally, VESDA systems are being increasingly deployed
in transport hubs, luxury residential projects, and power
stations where downtime or damage poses critical risk.
Protect your critical infrastructure with VESDA fire
systems from Fire Trade Supplies.
Certifications & Compliance for VESDA Aspirating
Smoke Detection:
VESDA (by Honeywell/Xtralis) aspirating smoke detectors
(ASDs) are independently tested and certified to the key life-safety standards
used in the UK and worldwide. The specific approvals vary by model, but
typically include:
- EN
54-20 (Classes A, B, C) — European product standard for ASDs.
ClassA: very high sensitivity (early warning in critical spaces such as data
centres/clean rooms).
Class B: enhanced sensitivity (atriums, high-value areas).
Class C: normal sensitivity (general spaces/warehousing).
Class selection should be based on a formal design and risk assessment
(e.g., in line with BS 5839-1 design guidance).
- Third-party
approvals (model dependent): LPCB, VdS, UL/ULC, FM, ActivFire and others
recognised by insurers and authorities. - CE
(CPR) and/or UKCA marking — as applicable for the product family and
market. - Associated
equipment may also comply with related standards, for example: - EN
54-4 (power supplies) - EN
54-17 (short-circuit isolators) - EN
54-13 (system compatibility/integration), where stated by the
manufacturer
Documentation: Declaration of Performance (DoP),
certificates and test reports are available per model. Check the product
datasheet on each item page or contact our team and we’ll supply the exact
certificates required by your AHJ/insurer.
Note: Always verify the exact model’s approvals and
classification before specification or installation. Sensitivity class, pipe
network design and sampling hole spacing must be engineered to suit the risk
and environment.
here at Fire Trade Supplies all our Vesda panels come with documented all relevant accreditations and meet all said standards