Subscriber Discussion

Seeking Advice For "Smoke Detector Camera"

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Corbin Hambrick
•Mar 01, 2019

We have a customer who would like to have a couple of covert cameras that look like smoke detectors.

I'm not interested in philosophical reasons about that however.  I'm interested in product selection.

We are using Milestone with Axis cameras around the perimeter and I'd prefer to use an Axis camera solution for this too.  However, the only camera that has a smoke detector cover still has a quarter-size visible dome that the customer is not interested in.

I know Axis makes some other small cameras that could possible hide in a fake smoke detector and I'd be willing to do that if it wasn't "kludgy" to get installed.

So certainly requirement number one is a good clean interaction with Milestone and requirement number two is good 1080p image @ 25fps for coverage of door about 10 feet away and looks like smoke detector.

 

Any help is appreciated.

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Dwayne Cooney
•Mar 01, 2019

I've used the Axis M3007. It will give you a great 360 view. Just cover the logo with a label to make look like a smoke detector device label. The lens is about the size of a dime but most won't notice. It' works as intended.

 

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SD
Sinisa Dumanic
•Mar 01, 2019

This one looks promising, but I don't have experience.

Araani

 

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Dwayne Cooney
•Mar 01, 2019
In reply to Sinisa Dumanic

The original post asked the group for recommendations on a covert smoke detector camera. The link to the Araani camera is for smoke detection analytics.

 

 

CH
Corbin Hambrick
•Mar 01, 2019
In reply to Dwayne Cooney

That 2nd post wasn't from me.

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Dwayne Cooney
•Mar 01, 2019
In reply to Corbin Hambrick

Fixed

JS
John Shea
•Mar 01, 2019

Take a look at the Axis P12 series. 

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CH
Corbin Hambrick
•Mar 01, 2019
In reply to John Shea

John, yes I was thinking of the P12 series if we have to install one in a separate fake smoke detector.

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Dwayne Cooney
•Mar 01, 2019
In reply to Corbin Hambrick

.

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Chris Anderson
•Mar 01, 2019

My company specializes in design and build of this type of product.  We can provide you a turnkey solution based on a standard style smoke detector and axis cameras.  If interested please let me know the best way to contact you.

 

Thanks

Chris

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Rob Kilpatrick
•Mar 01, 2019
IPVM • IPVMU Certified
In reply to Chris Anderson

Chris, we don't allow promotional posts. Can you please edit the post to include details on the product/how it will help the OP and provide a link to the website or I will delete your response.

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Chris Anderson
•Mar 01, 2019
In reply to Rob Kilpatrick

Rob - this isn't promotional it is a specific response to a specific request.  Explanation of how it will help the OP is fairly clear as I am replying to provide the exact solution he requested.   

I cannot supply public information beyond what I stated on this product due to the sensitive nature of these solutions.  For instance all of these types of products are not publicly visible on my website and you must have special authorization to access.  This is to protect the users and avoid public knowledge of my specific products and designs from 'the bad guys' so to speak.

If you feel as though you need to delete the response, I disagree with your reasoning but do what you must if you feel I somehow challenged the integrity of this forum.

MM
Michael Miller
•Mar 01, 2019

We have installed may custom covert setups for our customers. We used to use smoke detectors but depending on your customers this can become an issue when the fire alarm company comes around and inspects the smokes.  When they find a smoke with a camera in it someone has some explaining to do, plus your cover is blown.   We now use other devices like WIFI APs instead of the smokes. 

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Corbin Hambrick
•Mar 01, 2019
In reply to Michael Miller

Michael, good points.  Hadn't thought about those.  Thanks.

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Undisclosed #1
•Mar 02, 2019
IPVMU Certified
In reply to Michael Miller

When they find a smoke with a camera in it...your cover is blown.

Sure, but after word gets around, any room with a smoke detector has a built-in crime deterrent, whether it’s actually a camera or not ;)

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #2
•Mar 02, 2019

I recall cameras being installed in desktop PC’s....

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Undisclosed #3
•Mar 03, 2019

you should at least find out if there are any local/state/federal laws against installing something that looks like a life safety device, but isn't actually one.

specifically, I would investigate (google search) "901.4.4" AND "Fire Code" AND <your city or state> (the federal code is section 901.4.5 - but lots of local AHJs use 901.4.4 - Appearance Of Equipment)

New York State Fire Code Chapter 9 (901.4.4) reads: Fire and Safety Requirements Appearance of Equipment: “Any device that has the physical appearance of life safety or fire protection equipment but that does not perform that life safety or fire protection function, shall be prohibited.”

California revised their fire code to address this concern. Fire Code section 901.4.4 Appearance of equipment:  “Any device that has the physical appearance of life safety or fire protection equipment but that does not perform that life safety or fire protection functions shall be prohibited.”

Most state codes use international fire and life safety codes from the International Code Council (ICC)as well as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

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Undisclosed #1
•Mar 03, 2019
IPVMU Certified
In reply to Undisclosed #3

Any device that has the physical appearance of life safety or fire protection equipment but that does not perform that life safety or fire protection function, shall be prohibited.

i wonder if you could convince a prospect that dummy cameras were prohibited by that statute.

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Undisclosed #3
•Mar 03, 2019
In reply to Undisclosed #1

is a surveillance camera a 'life safety device'?

I would argue that it is not, based primarily on the lack of any kind of standards governing the deployment of same.

UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #4
•Nov 02, 2022

Check Araani, it's a perfect match:

They are specialized in Video Fire Detection, are Axis partner and Milestone partner.

They have Video Fire Recognition analytics that run on-the-edge of an Axis camera, and the events can be natively integrated into Milestone.

Seems what you're looking for.

more on: www.araani.com

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