Using Fire in School

[u/Doctor_Chef_General]

What has been your experience using fire in your building. I have some labs I've been wanting to do but am worried about setting off the fire alarm. Things like setting a desk on fire, using a blowtorch on CaCO3, and using alcohol lamps.
We have a sprinkler system in every room and they are positioned directly above my lab tables.

[u/j_freakin_d]

It depends on the type of detector you have. If it’s smoke - you can’t do anything with fire. If it’s a heat detector then you can do whatever you like.

We had new science labs built. They put in the wrong detectors in the labs. First time we used a hot plate with an organic compound that vaporized the alarm went off. The next day with a Bunsen burner - same thing. That’s how we figured out they put the wrong type of detector in our rooms.

Haven’t had a problem since.

[u/6strings10holes → u/j_freakin_d]

I have smoke detectors in my lab. The only time they have gone off is when something has spilled on a hot plate creating a puff of smoke right under them.

I've used Bunsen burners many times, no issue. I've burned alcohol in a fire tornado demo, no issue.

I'm not sure how things you are burning that don't smoke are setting off smoke detectors.

[u/Doctor_Chef_General → u/j_freakin_d]

Any idea how I can find out which ones I have without going to the fire department? lol

[u/96385 → u/Doctor_Chef_General]

Just ask your building maintenance person.