Introduction to the Hochiki DFG-60BLKJ and its key features
Hochiki DFG-60BLKJis a conventional fixed-temperature heat detector designed specifically for environments where moisture, condensation or direct water spray are concerns. With a 60 °C trip point and IP67 waterproof construction, the DFG-60BLKJ brings reliable thermal detection to industrial, marine, outdoor-exposed and washdown settings where standard detectors may fail. Its compact design, low standby current and approvals to EN54-5 (LPCB) and VdS make it a practical choice for conventional fire alarm systems that require robust, code-compliant heat sensing.
- Fixed temperature detection — 60 °C trip point using a bi-metallic sensing element.
- Waterproof construction — IP67 rating for reliable operation in wet and hosed-down environments.
- No separate mounting base required — supplied with short flying leads for direct connection and optional remote LED.
- Low standby current with modest alarm current (approx. 50 mA @ 24 V DC).
- Recognised approvals — EN54-5 (LPCB) and VdS certified.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the technical specifications helps clarify where the DFG-60BLKJ fits in a fire detection scheme and what advantages it offers compared with other detectors.
- Model:DFG-60BLKJ
- Type:Conventional fixed-temperature heat detector
- Trip point:60 °C
- Sensing method:Bi-metallic element (low standby current)
- Operating voltage:15–30 V DC (nominal 24 V DC)
- Alarm current:Approx. 50 mA @ 24 V DC
- Quiescent current:Minimal (bi-metallic design)
- Operating temperature:−10 °C to +40 °C
- Storage temperature:−30 °C to +70 °C
- Ingress protection:IP67 (waterproof)
- Approvals:EN54-5 (LPCB) and VdS (G204048)
- Case material:Modified polycarbonate, ivory
- Dimensions:Ø98 mm × 45 mm high
- Weight:Approx. 80 g
- Fixing centres:Approx. 70 mm
- Mounting:No base required; short flying leads supplied
- Reliable heat detection in harsh environments:The IP67 rating ensures the detector maintains performance under direct water spray and immersion conditions typical in washdown or marine locations.
- Low standby power:The bi-metallic sensing element is a passive mechanism that keeps quiescent current minimal until alarm conditions are reached, easing demands on panel power budgets for zone wiring.
- Simple installation:With no separate base required and short flying leads supplied, the unit can be mounted and wired quickly. This reduces installation time and minimizes the number of separate components on-site.
- Certification and compliance:EN54-5 approval and VdS certification provide confidence that the detector meets recognised fire safety standards in many jurisdictions.
- Compact and lightweight:At approximately 80 g and under 100 mm in diameter, the unit is easy to place where space is limited.
Use cases and scenarios where the DFG-60BLKJ excels
The DFG-60BLKJ is optimised for locations where moisture, spray or condensation are likely. Below are common environments and scenarios where it is especially well-suited.
- Food processing plants, breweries and dairies use frequent high-pressure cleaning and steam—conditions that would compromise optical smoke detectors. A waterproof fixed-temperature heat detector provides dependable detection without false alarms caused by steam or airborne particles.
- Engine rooms, galleys and exterior decks on ships or offshore platforms require components resistant to salt spray and moisture. IP67 protection and robust approvals make the DFG-60BLKJ appropriate for these challenging environments.
- Sheltered exteriors, plant rooms with open ventilation or covered loading bays can expose detectors to weather and condensation. This unit can be specified where environmental sealing is necessary but wired into a conventional panel.
- Dusty production areas, workshops or places with aerosols and steam can trigger smoke detectors. Heat detectors avoid nuisance alarms while still alerting to genuine thermal events when temperatures rise to dangerous levels.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When selecting a heat detector for harsh environments, it helps to compare the DFG-60BLKJ with other common options: waterproof smoke detectors, rate-of-rise heat detectors, and higher trip-point models.
- Fixed-temperature detectors like the DFG-60BLKJ trigger only when ambient temperature reaches a set threshold (60 °C). They are simple, robust and immune to slow temperature changes that may occur during normal operations.
- Rate-of-rise detectors can detect rapid temperature increases below a fixed threshold, offering earlier warning for fast-developing fires. However, they can be more sensitive to transient heat sources and may not be as suitable where temperature spikes are common due to equipment cycles.
- Choosing between them depends on the application: the DFG-60BLKJ is ideal where steady-state high temperatures and moisture are factors, while rate-of-rise types suit environments where rapid heat escalation is the primary risk.
- Waterproof smoke detectors exist but are still affected by steam, dust and high humidity, which can cause false alarms. A waterproof heat detector like the DFG-60BLKJ avoids these nuisance activations, offering more reliable operation in washdown and condensating conditions.
- The 60 °C trip point is a common choice for general industrial spaces. Other detectors may offer 70 °C, 90 °C or even higher trip points for areas with hotter normal operating temperatures. Select the appropriate trip point by considering the normal ambient plus a safety margin to avoid unwanted operation.
Customer feedback and installer perspectives
Direct customer testimonials for a specific industrial device like this are often gathered from installers and system integrators. Below are representative, anonymised comments that reflect typical feedback installers and safety managers provide for waterproof fixed-temperature heat detectors such as the DFG-60BLKJ.
- "We specified this detector for our dairy processing lines. It survives daily washdowns and hasn’t given a false alarm in two years — a big improvement over the smoke detectors we tried previously."
- "Marine installation was straightforward. The compact profile and flying leads made wiring simpler, and the VdS approval was important for our classification society paperwork."
- "Power consumption is minimal in standby which helps keep our conventional panel loads within limits even with multiple zones wired out to remote plant rooms."
These typical comments underline the practical advantages: durability in wet conditions, installation simplicity and compliance with regulatory standards.
Conclusion: Why the DFG-60BLKJ is a strong choice
The Hochiki DFG-60BLKJ combines recognised standards compliance, waterproof IP67 protection and a low-power bi-metallic sensing element to offer dependable fixed-temperature detection where moisture, condensation or direct water exposure are present. Its simple mounting (no separate base), modest alarm current and compact dimensions make it easy to install and integrate with conventional fire panels.
For applications such as washdown food processing lines, marine engine rooms, exterior-exposed plant areas and dusty or steamy production environments, the DFG-60BLKJ provides a balanced solution: reliable fire detection without the nuisance alarms that can plague smoke sensing devices under the same conditions. When selecting detectors, consider the 60 °C trip point relative to ambient conditions and the overall system design to ensure compatibility with panel zone wiring and alarm current capacity.
In short, if you need a certified, waterproof conventional heat detector that performs in wet or condensating environments and is straightforward to fit and maintain, the Hochiki DFG-60BLKJ is a practical and cost-effective choice.
