Mobotix: VdS-approved Thermal Imaging Systems For Early Fire Detection
The Mobotix M16 VdS Thermal TR solution consisting of a thermal imaging camera, special firmware, and additional components has been approved by VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH, Europe's largest institute for corporate security, since March 2022.
Mobotix customers can therefore be sure that they will be warned of fire damage as early and as effectively as possible and know that, despite the optimum protection, any damage that occurs will be settled quickly and comprehensively by the insurance company.
In addition, a VdS-approved system can, if necessary, provide discounts on insurance premiums or even enable insurance in the first place.
The VdS-approved fire protection solution opens up new sales potential for Mobotix AG and its partners, especially around certified fire alarm systems. While Mobotix thermal technology already provided the best early fire detection before, the video systems with their recognition can now also be integrated into existing VdS-certified fire protection systems.
Detecting fires reliably and as early as possible is the goal of early fire detection that Mobotix has been pursuing for a long time with its camera technology - to intervene quickly, prevent damage and protect people.
It works like this: Thermal Radiometry (TR) cameras from Mobotix with calibrated thermal image sensor measure thermal radiation in the entire image area and trigger a so-called event when limit values are exceeded. This can be an alarm or a network message, or even the direct triggering of a fire extinguishing system.
The camera-based solution is impressive because it is quick and inexpensive to install, which is usually much easier and less expensive than, for example, linear heat detectors in the ceiling of a room. In addition, the thermal camera system, which can be installed at a distance of up to 60 meters from the heat source, can also react more quickly. Heat at the start of the fire is detected even before the heat has risen to the ceiling. Unlike aspirating smoke detectors, the Mobotix M16 TR is not dependent on smoke development.
The solution, which has already proven itself in practice, has now been confirmed with VdS recognition as providing optimum protection for people, systems and goods against fire damage through early fire detection.
"On the one hand, the VdS recognition confirms our excellent and reliable solution for early fire detection, but above all, it means for customers optimal investment security in a fire alarm system that guarantees the criteria of the most renowned German institution for corporate security," explains Thomas Lausten, CEO of Mobotix AG.
VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the German Insurance Association (GDV). It is one of the world's most renowned institutions for corporate security with a focus on fire protection, security, natural hazard prevention, and cyber security. Its services include risk assessments, testing of facilities, certification of products, companies and specialists, and a wide range of training courses. The VdS seal of approval enjoys an excellent reputation among experts and decision-makers, is awarded to products and service providers, and has been named an essential purchasing criterion in the security market by the WIK survey.
The VdS-approved Mobotix solution mandatorily prescribes the system architecture with the M16 Thermal TR camera and three interface boxes and is already factory-equipped with special, certified software. It is also possible to upgrade a Mobotix M16 Thermal TR camera to the VdS level with a corresponding software update and the integration of the interface boxes mentioned above.
Applications Far Beyond Fire Protection
Mobotix outdoor video systems are robust and weatherproof, withstanding ambient temperatures ranging from minus 30 to plus 60 degrees Celsius. The maintenance-free housing protects against humidity and corrosion. Reduced power consumption, bandwidth-optimized applications and fail-safety are the hallmarks of these flexible systems. Mobotix thus achieves measurable return on investment, for example, through reduced insurance premiums or system downtime and insurance benefits in the event of damage.
"With the VdS recognition, we offer our customers another convincing argument for choosing a Mobotix solution that has already proven itself in practice when it comes to fire protection," emphasizes Christian Heller, Vice President Sales North and Central Europe at Mobotix AG.
In addition to the reliable monitoring of even large and complex outdoor areas and warehouses, as well as the comprehensive monitoring of the indoor regions or even current-sensitive areas, the Mobotix M16 VdS thermal solution offers additional applications beyond fire protection:
For example, thermal cameras are also ideally suited for monitoring sensitive areas (perimeter protection) day and night, even while maintaining privacy (data protection), since intruders can be detected and an alarm can be triggered without the faces of the persons having to be recognizable.
