An introduction to stove guard technology
Here you’ll find information on what a stove guard is, how it works, and why Airis Sense stove guard is the best there is.
Disclaimer: this website is owned and operated by Unicook Ltd. We are the UK distributors for Airis stove guard. While it is in our interest to state the benefits of our product over what may be perceived as competition, we have created this website to provide a factual explanation of why we believe Airis Sense is the best stove guard to buy.
What is a stove guard?
Sometimes called a “cooker cut-off device”, a stove guard cuts the power to the cooker to prevent a fire. Depending on the brand, it may sense heat, or a combination of heat, cooking fumes (smoke & steam) and human presence.
With 50% of fires starting in the kitchen, stove guards can play a significant role in a fire design for all types of accommodation. They ensure that residents can cook normally but also remain safe. They’re especially valuable for keeping elderly and vulnerable people safe from cooking fires.
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Airis Sense uses several sensors to monitor heat, rising temperature, steam, smoke and human presence. Most other devices rely on just one sensor.
How do stove guards work?
Stove guards comprise two parts: a sensor and a power controller. The sensor is mounted above the hob on the wall, on the cooker hood, or on the ceiling. The power controller is typically installed behind the cooker or behind the oven underneath a hob.
The stove guard sensor monitors the hob and sends a radio command to instruct the power controller to turn off the electricity if a dangerous situation is detected. All stove guards reduce smoke alarm activations and unnecessary calls to the fire service.
Why is Airis the best choice?
Airis features a powerful processor that monitors several sensing devices, taking into account steam, smoke, surface temperatures and human presence. It was developed with artificial intelligence to ensure it cuts out when needed but doesn’t interrupt normal, safe cooking.
Tamper-proof
Airis Sense is designed to prevent tampering. This is important for situations such as student accommodation and for people with dementia. Users can’t remove the batteries or change the settings and, the power controller has no controls.
Two-way radio comms
With two-way radio communications, if the sensor isn’t working for any reason, Airis is able to prevent cooking immediately. This cannot be bypassed by turning the power on and off and the wall switch. The Airis Sense PCU sends information about the electrical power being used via the radio signal to the sensor which is fed into the algorithms assessing risk.
Multiple sensing devices
Airis has several sensing devices to better understand the cooking situation. It uses all the data combined to determine signs of risk.
Cooking fume monitoring
The Airis Sense monitors cooking fumes (smoke and steam) with algorithms built with artificial intelligence to detect the presence of smoke and steam with infrared analysis. This helps Airis Sense cut the power before a lot of smoke is produced.
35A single relay
Airis Sense uses a single 35A relay to switch the power on and off to the hob.
Advanced analysis
Airis features complex multi-wavelength analysis. This patented technique provides an accurate reading regardless of the surface material and finish of cooking pans. Without this, reading of pans with, for example, shiny surfaces, is significantly less accurate.
Fail-safe
Airis has extensive built-in error detection. Press the OK button on the front of the sensor and Airis Sense will tell you if it’s detected a problem (and what that problem is).
Smart technology
If you need to change settings or you want to set-up access to Safera Cloud, the Safera app is there to make it easy.
Electrical Wiring
See image below showing 6m T&E wiring to the Airis controller model.
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Additional features available
Stove guards can be connected to telecare systems. See the table below for further details.
Airis can also connect to building management systems to record certain conditions (see below) or report when one of the four optional leak sensors has detected water.
Airis also has optional management/carer functions with central recording and real-time notifications via SMS or email. These are some examples of situations Airis can assist with:
Building management:
- Water leak detected
- High or low kitchen temperature (energy monitoring)
- Excessive humidity alert
- Component failure alert
- Battery failure alert
Vulnerable person montoring:
- The resident has not cooked for themselves
- The resident has cooked at an unusual time
- The resident has left their cooking unattended and Airis has cut the power
- Airis has intervened more than a specified number of times
Are stove guards a viable alternative to suppression systems?
Unlike suppression hoods and sprinkler systems, stove guards prevent fires. Given that cooking fires account for approximately 50% of domestic fires, stove guards can potentially prevent 50% of sprinkler system activations, and 100% of suppression hood activations.
Stove guards are lower in cost and easier and quicker to install in existing and new kitchens. There are no maintenance or re-filling requirements, and no clean-up is required if they activate.
Stove guards have been specified in studio apartments where a cooker/hob fire would impede access to the fire exit.
Further reading and information
If you need more information, or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.