Introduction to the Texecom Exodus FT90 and its key features
Texecom Exodus FT90 (AGB-0004)is a robust fixed-temperature heat detector designed for environments where traditional optical smoke detectors are unsuitable. With a 90°C fixed activation threshold, microprocessor-based thermal sensing and a built‑in alarm relay, the FT90 is tailored for high-ambient, dusty, steamy or otherwise challenging spaces such as boiler rooms, plant rooms and industrial areas. EN54‑5 certification underlines its suitability for use within regulated fire detection schemes when fixed-temperature detectors are specified.
Key selling points include reliable 90°C activation, 4‑wire connectivity for direct integration with conventional panels, low current draw (~15 mA typical) and a manual test/alarm button to simplify commissioning and maintenance checks. The detector’s microprocessor digital thermal sensing helps reduce nuisance alarms while ensuring prompt response when a genuine over-temperature condition occurs.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the FT90’s technical profile helps explain where it delivers most value. The main technical data and practical benefits are summarized below.
- Model:Texecom Exodus FT90 (AGB-0004).
- Detection type:Fixed temperature heat detector — activates when ambient temperature reaches the set threshold (90°C).
- Activation temperature:90°C — suitable for high-temperature zones where early smoke detection is impractical or would generate false alarms.
- Wiring:4‑wire operation (12 V nominal) with a built-in normally-closed alarm relay for straightforward connection to conventional fire control panels.
- Supply voltage:9–16 V DC — compatible with standard security/fire system supplies within this range.
- Current consumption:≈15 mA (typical) — low standby current helps preserve system capacity and reduces power demands on auxiliary supplies or battery backups.
- Alarm relay:Built-in relay (specifications reference <24 V DC, 50 mA; consult the official datasheet for exact relay ratings and wiring limits).
- Latch input:12 V = latching mode; 0 V = auto-reset — provides flexibility in alarm behaviour to match system requirements or local procedures.
- Manual test:Test/alarm button simplifies commissioning and routine maintenance checks without requiring simulated temperature rises.
- Dimensions & weight:Ø 107 mm × 55 mm height; packed weight ≈200 g — compact form factor suitable for ceiling or wall mounting in zoned systems.
- Operating and storage:Storage temperature −20°C to +80°C; designed to withstand demanding environments typical for industrial detectors.
- Certification:EN54‑5 compliant — meets the European standard for fixed temperature heat detectors (important for regulated installations and insurance requirements).
- Documentation:Official datasheet and installation manual are available from the manufacturer for wiring diagrams, relay ratings and installation best practices.
Benefits at a glance:
- High ambient tolerance: The 90°C activation threshold prevents nuisance alarms in hot, dusty or steamy areas where smoke detectors would otherwise trigger falsely.
- Reliability and conformity: EN54‑5 certification gives confidence for projects requiring standards compliance.
- Flexible integration: 4‑wire wiring and onboard relay make integration with conventional fire panels straightforward.
- Low maintenance: Digital thermal processing and a manual test button aid long-term reliability and simplify service checks.
- Energy efficient: Low current draw helps manage total system power budgets and battery backup sizing.
Use cases and scenarios where the FT90 excels
The FT90 is purpose-built for locations and applications where optical smoke detection is ineffective or prone to nuisance alarms. Typical deployment scenarios include:
- Boiler rooms:High temperatures, steam and occasional soot make smoke detection unreliable — a 90°C fixed-temperature detector accurately identifies dangerous overheating events without spurious alarms.
- Plant and machinery rooms:Areas with heat-generating equipment, motors and HVAC plant benefit from a detector that ignores routine warm-up heat but signals excessive temperature rises.
- Industrial kitchens and food processing:Environments with cooking fumes, steam, dust or grease where smoke detectors often need cleaning or nuisance filtering.
- Warehouses and storage areas:Particularly zones with hot processes, heated storage or poorly ventilated pockets that can reach high ambient temperatures.
- Workshops and manufacturing cells:Spaces with dust, aerosols or heat sources where smoke-based systems are impractical.
In each of these scenarios, the FT90 is not intended as a universal replacement for smoke detection but as a complementary or dedicated solution where heat triggering is the most appropriate and reliable alarm criterion. Installation must follow the manufacturer manual and local codes; placement and spacing must account for ceiling height, ventilation and heat stratification to ensure correct coverage.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When specifying a heat detector, buyers typically compare fixed-temperature models (like the FT90) with rate-of-rise detectors and optical smoke detectors. Key considerations include sensitivity, false-alarm resistance and suitability for the environment.
- FT90 vs. optical smoke detectors:Optical smoke detectors are more sensitive to early smouldering fires but are prone to nuisance alarms in dusty, steamy or smoky environments. The FT90 sacrifices some early detection sensitivity in favour of robust operation in hostile ambient conditions — making it the preferred option in plant rooms, boiler rooms and dusty industrial spaces.
- FT90 vs. rate-of-rise heat detectors:Rate-of-rise detectors respond to rapid temperature changes and can detect fast-developing fires quicker than fixed-temperature models in some cases. However, in areas with steady high temperatures or equipment that warms quickly, rate-of-rise can generate unwanted alarms. The FT90’s fixed 90°C threshold is a better fit in consistently hot environments where only sustained over-temperature events should trigger alarms.
- FT90 vs. other fixed-temperature detectors:Many manufacturers offer fixed-temperature detectors at various thresholds (e.g., 57°C, 68°C, 78°C, 90°C). The 90°C setting places the FT90 towards the high end, making it specifically suitable where ambient temperatures are elevated. The FT90’s microprocessor digital thermal sensing and EN54‑5 certification are competitive advantages against non-digital fixed detectors, offering improved nuisance immunity and verified compliance.
Price and integration are also practical differentiators. With a suggested retail price of approximately 36.99, the FT90 represents an economical choice for projects requiring EN54‑5 certified high-temperature detection without complex interfacing requirements.
Customer feedback and reviews
No official customer testimonials were supplied with the product brief. However, installers and end-users who select fixed-temperature detectors for industrial and utility spaces commonly report the following themes in independent reviews and trade discussions:
- Reliability in harsh conditions: Installers note that robust heat detectors like the FT90 reduce false alarms and the subsequent service calls that plague smoke-based systems in dirty or steamy environments.
- Ease of installation: The 4‑wire design with an onboard relay and manual test button makes commissioning straightforward for competent installers, lowering labour time during setup.
- Clear application fit: Users appreciate having a purpose-built device for boilers, plant rooms and workshops where other detector types are impractical.
- Documentation and support: Positive feedback often references clear datasheets and installation manuals that make wiring and relay rating decisions simpler; always consult the manufacturer documentation for final installation details.
For project-specific feedback or case studies, request references from your supplier or installer and check manufacturer case studies where available.
Conclusion: why the Texecom Exodus FT90 is a strong choice
The Texecom Exodus FT90 (AGB-0004) is an effective, standards-compliant fixed-temperature heat detector engineered for high-ambient and industrial environments. Its 90°C activation threshold, microprocessor-based thermal sensing and EN54‑5 certification make it an ideal solution where optical smoke detection is impractical. Low current consumption, a built-in normally-closed alarm relay and test/alarm button simplify integration and maintenance while offering installers the flexibility required for conventional fire control panels.
While no single detector suits every location, the FT90 fills a specific and important niche: dependable heat detection in harsh conditions with a low incidence of nuisance alarms. If your project involves boiler rooms, plant areas, industrial kitchens or dusty/steamy spaces, the FT90 is a practical, cost-effective and certified option to consider. Always ensure installation is carried out by a competent installer in accordance with local regulations and the manufacturer’s installation manual.
Further information and downloads:Consult the official datasheet and installation manual provided by Texecom for wiring diagrams, exact relay ratings and detailed installation guidance before specifying or installing this detector.
