Interfacing Flame Sensor with Arduino

Flame Sensor

A Flame Sensor detects the presence of fire or flame in its vicinity. It is widely used in fire detection systems, safety devices, and industrial automation where flame monitoring is crucial.

Working Principle of Flame Sensor

The Flame Sensor works by detecting the infrared (IR) light emitted by a flame. It uses a photodiode or IR receiver that responds to specific wavelengths of light typically produced by fire, allowing it to sense the presence of a flame.

Types of Flame Sensors

IR Flame Sensor

  • Receives IR radiation from a flame.
  • Filters and amplifies the signal.
  • Outputs a signal if flame is detected.

UV Flame Sensor

  • Monitors UV radiation in the environment.
  • Differentiates UV patterns specific to fire.
  • Triggers an alert when flame UV patterns are identified.

Requirements

1. Arduino

2. Flame Sensor

3. 100 ohm resistor

4. Jumper wires

Pin Configuration of Flame Sensor

Flame Sensor Module

  • VCC: Connect to +5V on Arduino.
  • GND: Connect to GND on Arduino.
  • DO: Digital output - goes LOW when flame is detected.
  • AO: Analog output - gives varying values based on flame intensity.

Wiring the Flame Sensor to Arduino

To connect the Flame Sensor to Arduino, connect the VCC and GND to +5V and GND. The DO pin connects to a digital pin for flame detection, while the AO pin can connect to an analog pin to read flame intensity.

Algorithm

  1. Initialize Components

    • Connect the VCC and GND pins of the Flame Sensor to +5V and GND on the Arduino.
    • Connect the DO and AO pins as required.

  2. Write the Code

    • Set the sensor pins as INPUT in the setup() function.
    • Read digital or analog values from the sensor in the loop() function.
    • Use these readings to detect flame presence and intensity.

  3. Display Values or Control Devices

    • Print flame detection values to the serial monitor.
    • Trigger alarms, buzzers, or shut-off mechanisms if flame is detected.

  4. Test the Project

    • Upload the code to the Arduino.
    • Place a flame source (e.g., lighter) at a safe distance and observe sensor readings.
1int flamePin = 2;     // Digital pin where flame sensor is connected
2int ledPin = 13;      // Built-in LED pin to indicate flame detection
3
4void setup() {
5  pinMode(flamePin, INPUT);    // Set flame sensor pin as input
6  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);     // Set LED pin as output
7  Serial.begin(9600);          // Start serial communication
8}
9
10void loop() {
11  int flameState = digitalRead(flamePin);  // Read sensor output
12
13  if (flameState == LOW) {
14    // Flame detected (LOW means detection for most flame sensors)
15    digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);         // Turn ON LED
16    Serial.println(" Flame Detected!");
17  } else {
18    // No flame
19    digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);          // Turn OFF LED
20    Serial.println(" No Flame Detected.");
21  }
22
23  delay(500);  // Wait half a second before the next reading
24}
25

Applications of Flame Sensors

  • Fire detection systems
  • Industrial safety equipment
  • Home automation for fire alerts
  • Gas leak and flame monitoring
  • Smart firefighting robots
  • Alarm and suppression systems

Conclusion

Interfacing a Flame Sensor with Arduino enables accurate fire detection, crucial for safety and automation. With straightforward wiring and coding, you can create responsive systems that react instantly to fire hazards.