VESDA Aspirating Smoke Detector Buying Guide

VESDA stands for Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus.

Unlike standard smoke detectors that wait for smoke to reach them, VESDA systems actively draw air through a network of sampling pipes.
The air passes through a detection chamber that analyses the level of smoke particles, triggering alerts long before visible smoke is present.

This makes aspirating detection ideal for:

• High-ceiling or hard-to-access areas

• Mission-critical environments (data halls, server rooms, cleanrooms)

• Places where smoke dilution is high or detection time is critical

Each VESDA model family is tailored for different site sizes, pipe network complexity and sensitivity requirements.

Comparison Overview

The VEU is the flagship of the VESDA-E range, offering the widest sensitivity range and greatest coverage. It’s designed for environments where early warning and maximum area protection are essential, such as data centres, warehouses and cleanrooms.

Key features:

• Sensitivity range: 0.001% to 20% obscuration per metre

• Up to 800 m (2,624 ft) of total branched pipe length

• Up to approximately 6,500 m² coverage (subject to system design)

• 4 pipe inlets, each supporting multiple sampling holes

• AutoLearn Smoke and Flow calibration functions

• IP40 enclosure rating

• 3.5″ touchscreen (A10) or LED display (A00) options

• 20,000-event onboard memory

Typical applications include large open zones, high-ceiling industrial areas and critical infrastructure requiring maximum sensitivity.

The VES introduces addressable sector detection to the VESDA-E platform. Each of its four sampling pipes can operate as an independent sector, allowing users to identify where smoke originated within a single zone.

It combines high performance with precision, ideal for complex multi-area layouts.

Key features:

• Four addressable sampling sectors (one per pipe)

• Up to 560 m (1,837 ft) total pipe length

• Four programmable alarm levels per sector (Alert, Action, Fire 1, Fire 2)

• Utilises Xtralis Flair detection technology for high accuracy and low false alarms

• 2,000 m² maximum coverage area (typical)

• Compatible with VESDAnet networking

• 3.5″ colour touchscreen or LED display variants

Typical applications include data halls, archives, or warehouses divided into multiple aisles or compartments where pinpoint smoke location is beneficial.

The VEP series delivers reliable early warning detection for a wide range of environments. It is a balanced option between cost, performance, and installation flexibility.

The detector is available in both single-pipe and four-pipe models and maintains compatibility with legacy VESDA VLP installations.

Key features:

• Flair detection chamber with CMOS imager and multiple photodiodes

• Sensitivity range: 0.005% to 20% obscuration per metre

• Up to 560 m (1,837 ft) total branched pipe length (4-pipe model)

• Up to 130 m (427 ft) total pipe length (1-pipe model)

• 1,000–2,000 m² coverage depending on configuration

• Built-in Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity

• IP40 enclosure rating

• Backward compatible with VLP installations (same mounting footprint and pipe positions)

Typical applications include offices, commercial buildings, and general-purpose installations where dependable early detection is required.

The VLF (LaserFocus) range delivers VESDA-grade performance in a compact package.
It’s built for smaller installations such as electrical rooms, ceiling voids, lift shafts or switchgear enclosures where traditional detectors might struggle.

Key features:

• Models: VLF-250 and VLF-500

• VLF-250: 25 / 50 m pipe length, up to 250 m² coverage

• VLF-500: 30 / 60 m pipe length, up to 500 m² coverage

• Up to 30 sampling holes (depending on class)

• AutoLearn Smoke and Flow calibration

• Compact wall-mount enclosure

• Built-in filter monitoring and diagnostics

• IP30 rated

Typical applications include small rooms, ceiling voids, ducts and control cabinets. Perfect for retrofit projects where space is tight but performance still matters.