The MOBOTIX M73 thermal imaging solution has added ANSI/FM 3260 certification to its portfolio of international approvals. Already holding EN 54-10 certification for flame detectors in Europe, this new approval strengthens MOBOTIX’s global certification portfolio, which also includes VdS (Germany), CNPP (France), and RIPCI/Applus (Spain)—further expanding coverage across both Europe and the Americas.
With this approval, MOBOTIX joins a select group of manufacturers whose systems meet the standard’s rigorous performance and reliability requirements, confirming the solution’s suitability for professional early fire detection in complex industrial environments.
What means ANSI/FM 3260 certification?
ANSI/FM 3260 is a globally recognized performance standard for flame and thermal fire detection technologies. It confirms that the flame detector has been independently tested and approved to meet stringent performance and reliability requirements for automatic fire detection. It verifies fast and accurate flame detection while ensuring high immunity to false alarms under demanding industrial and environmental conditions.
Testing and Verification Process
The solution was independently tested by FM Approvals in accordance with the requirements of ANSI/FM 3260. The certification was awarded following extensive testing, including live fire scenarios using liquid, gas, and solid fuels.
The assessment covered not only detection speed and accuracy, but also reliability under real-world conditions. Crucially, the testing evaluated the system’s ability to avoid false alarms from sunlight, welding, and other environmental conditions.
The application of technology and the benefits it brings to business
The sooner a fire is detected, the more time there is to assess the situation, take action, and minimise potential damage.
MOBOTIX thermal fire detection technology is designed for large open areas and complex environments where traditional fire detection systems may be limited, including warehouses, industrial facilities, energy sites and data centers. By detecting abnormal heat patterns early and providing visual verification through the same system, MOBOTIX helps organizations move from fire reaction to fire prevention.
“Achieving ANSI/FM 3260 Approval is a major milestone for MOBOTIX,” said Christian Cabirol, CTO of MOBOTIX AG. “It validates the reliability of our thermal technology and reinforces our commitment to helping customers detect potential fire events earlier and protect critical environments.”
Technical Overview: FM Approvals Standard Scope and Testing
- Device Types Covered: Covers radiant energy-sensing fire detectors, including infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), multi-spectrum, and thermal video systems used for automatic fire alarm signaling.
- Performance Criteria: Tests response times, sensitivity to specific test fire fuels, and view angles.
- False Alarm Immunity: Evaluates resistance to non-fire radiation sources like sunlight, artificial lighting, and hot objects.
- Environmental Tests: Checks performance under extreme temperature, humidity, vibration, and corrosive conditions.
- Manufacturing Audits: Requires initial and ongoing surveillance audits of the manufacturing facility by FM Approvals to maintain quality control.
- System Integration: Works alongside guidelines like NFPA 72 for proper placement and signaling in commercial and industrial fire systems.