What is the primary function of a rate of rise heat detector?

The primary function of a rate of rise heat detector is to activate upon a rapid temperature increase. This type of detector is designed to respond to significant increases in temperature within a short period, indicating the potential presence of a fire. Unlike fixed temperature detectors, which trigger an alarm when a specific temperature threshold is reached, rate of rise detectors are sensitive to how quickly the temperature is rising, allowing them to detect fires more promptly in the early stages when temperatures can escalate rapidly. This characteristic makes them particularly effective in environments where fire development can occur quickly.

In this context, having a detector that responds to rapid changes in temperature is crucial for providing timely alerts to prevent fire-related hazards, ensuring safety in occupied spaces.