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Flame Detector Selection Guide — How to Choose UV, UV/IR, IR & Multispectrum IR3 Flame Detectors | PE Energy

PE Energy supplies optical flame detectors that protect oil & gas and industrial sites from hydrocarbon fires — UV, UV/IR, single-frequency IR, and multispectrum IR3 technologies from Det-Tronics and Spectrex (UV models also respond to hydrogen flames). Use the table below to choose a detector by sensing technology and application; every model links to its specification page where you can request a quote.

Browse by brand: Det-Tronics flame & gas detectors · Spectrex SharpEye detectors · shop all flame detectors.

Select a flame detector by sensing technology

Technology Best for Models PE Energy supplies
UV (ultraviolet) Fast indoor response, no solar exposure X2200, C7050B
UV/IR (combined) Reduced false alarms, mixed fuels 40/40C-LB, 40/40C-L4B, 40/40D-LB, 40/40D-L4B, X5200, 20/20ML
Single-frequency IR Cost-effective hydrocarbon fire detection X9800
Multispectrum IR (IR3) Long-range hydrocarbon (and hydrogen, e.g. X3302) fires, solar-rejecting X3301, X3302, 40/40C-I, 40/40C-M, 40/40D-I, 40/40D-M, 20/20MPI, 20/20MI
Dual-spectrum flame detector Specialty flame detection with visual data PM-5MPX
Explosion-proof video (not a detector) Visual verification alongside detectors X7050
Heat & smoke Non-optical area protection U5015, HD
Controllers & releasing Alarm, display, deluge GP16XX, EQ3780HSDM, UD10-DCU

What is the difference between UV, UV/IR, and multispectrum IR flame detectors?

UV detectors respond very fast to the ultraviolet light of a flame but can be blinded by sunlight, so they suit enclosed areas. UV/IR detectors add an infrared channel to reject false alarms. Multispectrum IR (IR3) detectors use several infrared bands to confirm a real hydrocarbon fire while ignoring sunlight, hot surfaces, and welding, giving the longest range outdoors.

What is a multispectrum IR (IR3) flame detector?

An IR3 detector samples three infrared wavelength bands and correlates their flicker signature so it triggers only on a genuine flame. This makes it highly immune to false alarms from sunlight and hot equipment, which is why models like the Det-Tronics X3301 and Spectrex SharpEye 40/40 are common on outdoor oil & gas installations.

What is the Det-Tronics X9800?

The Det-Tronics X9800 is a single-frequency infrared flame detector for hydrocarbon fires. It is a cost-effective choice where a fast, reliable IR response is needed without the longer range or solar immunity of a multispectrum IR3 unit. PE Energy supplies the X9800 along with Det-Tronics flame-detector mounting hardware.

What is the Spectrex SharpEye 40/40?

The Spectrex SharpEye 40/40 is a family of fast optical flame detectors spanning UV/IR (40/40C-LB, 40/40D-LB) and multispectrum IR (40/40C-I, 40/40D-M, and related variants). The 40/40D models add ultra-fast response for high-risk applications. PE Energy supplies a range of SharpEye 40/40 and 20/20 models.

How far can a flame detector see?

Detection range depends on the fuel, fire size, and detector technology. Multispectrum IR3 detectors generally offer the longest range to a standard test fire, while UV and single-frequency IR units cover shorter distances. PE Energy can match a detector’s field of view and range to your fire scenario and spacing.

Request a flame detection quote

Share your fuel type, indoor or outdoor location, and coverage area, and PE Energy will recommend the right flame detectors and controllers. Request a quote. See also our gas detection systems.