Smart-GUARD Trace Heating Controller
The SOLCO PYROELEC Smart-GUARD is an electronic temperature controller designed for trace heating applications where continuous monitoring and system redundancy are required.
It is designed primarily for freeze protection applications in the fire sprinkler market, where duplicated trace heating cables can be separately switched and monitored.
Smart-GUARD continuously monitors two independent heating circuits operating on a duty/standby basis. If a fault is detected on the duty heater, the controller generates an alarm and automatically switches to the standby heater.
When to Choose Smart-GUARD
Smart-GUARD is designed for trace heating systems where maintaining operation following a heating-circuit fault is important, particularly duplicated fire sprinkler frost-protection systems.
Fire Sprinkler Frost Protection
SOLCO PYROELEC identifies fire sprinkler freeze protection as the primary application for Smart-GUARD.
Redundant Trace Heating Systems
Suitable where two independently monitored heating circuits are required on a duty/standby basis for redundancy protection.
Single-Circuit Applications
The manufacturer also states that Smart-GUARD can be used as a single-circuit controller and in higher-temperature applications.
Smart-GUARD Key Features
Continuously monitors two independent trace heating circuits.
Designed to operate duplicated heating circuits on a duty/standby basis.
If a fault occurs on the duty heater, Smart-GUARD alarms and automatically switches to the standby heater.
The manufacturer specifies active circuit monitoring 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Built-in soft-start is designed to eliminate inrush currents, allowing increased circuit lengths compared with a standard controller.
Maximum specified load current is 20A.
Uses an NTC thermistor sensor for temperature measurement and control.
Supplied with four plastic mounting clips for direct wall mounting or use with a SOLCO PYROELEC pipe mounting bracket.
How Smart-GUARD Works
Monitor Both Circuits
Smart-GUARD continuously monitors two independent trace heating circuits.
Operate Duty Heater
One circuit operates as the duty heater while the second circuit remains available as the standby heater.
Detect a Fault
If a fault is detected in the duty heater, Smart-GUARD generates an alarm condition.
Auto-Switch to Standby
The controller automatically switches operation to the standby heater following a detected duty-heater fault.
Designed for Redundant Sprinkler Frost Protection
SOLCO PYROELEC specifically identifies Smart-GUARD as a controller for freeze-protection applications predominantly within the fire sprinkler market.
BS EN 12845, LPC & FPA RC38
According to SOLCO PYROELEC, Smart-GUARD is designed specifically to meet the requirements of BS EN 12845 as described in the LPC regulations and RC38 recommendations published by the FPA.
The manufacturer explains that these requirements call for duplicated trace heating cables, with each cable separately switched and monitored.
Duty / Standby Circuit Monitoring
One of the principal differences between Smart-GUARD and a standard trace heating thermostat is its ability to manage two independent circuits as a monitored duty/standby system.
The primary heating circuit provides the active trace heating duty.
A second independent circuit remains available to provide redundancy.
If a duty-heater fault is detected, Smart-GUARD alarms and automatically switches to the standby circuit.
Smart-GUARD Technical Specification
The following values are taken from the current SOLCO PYROELEC Smart-GUARD manufacturer specification.
| Product Type | Electronic temperature controller |
|---|---|
| Primary Application | Freeze protection, predominantly for fire sprinkler systems |
| Control Method | ON/OFF with automatic switchover |
| Heating Circuits | 2 independent circuits, duty / standby |
| Rated Voltage | 100Vac minimum – 270Vac maximum, 50/60Hz |
| Maximum Load Current | 20A |
| Temperature Setting Range | 0°C to +150°C |
| Ambient Temperature | -20°C to +60°C |
| Temperature Sensor Type | 3m NTC thermistor |
| Maximum Sensor Exposure Temperature | 200°C |
| Enclosure Base | ABS |
| Enclosure Lid | Polycarbonate transparent lid |
| Enclosure Dimensions | 170mm × 228mm × 110mm |
| Terminals | 8 × 2.5mm² and 9 × 4mm² |
| Mounting | Direct wall mounting or pipe mounting using a SOLCO PYROELEC bracket |
| Soft-Start | Yes |
Complete Your Trace Heating Installation
Smart-GUARD provides the control and monitoring function within the system. The complete installation will also require correctly selected heating cable, termination components, fixing accessories and appropriate insulation.
Heating Cable
Select the appropriate trace heating cable for the application and system design.
Shop Trace Heating Cables →Termination Components
Smart-GUARD is designed to work with SOLCO PYROELEC heating cable termination kits.
Shop Accessories →Fixing Accessories
Browse fixing tape, aluminium foil tape and related installation components.
View Fixings →Pipe Insulation
Complete the pipework installation with insulation appropriate to the system design.
Shop Pipe Insulation →Related Products & Ranges
Compare Smart-GUARD with other controller options or continue building the complete trace heating system.
Not Sure if Smart-GUARD Is the Right Controller?
Controller selection depends on the heating cable, circuit design, temperature range, required redundancy and monitoring requirements.
For fire sprinkler applications in particular, provide details of the pipework, cable arrangement and project requirements so that the complete system can be checked against the relevant design requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Smart-GUARD is an electronic temperature controller designed primarily for freeze-protection applications in the fire sprinkler market and for trace heating systems where redundancy protection is required.
Smart-GUARD actively monitors two independent heating circuits operating on a duty/standby basis.
SOLCO PYROELEC states that if a fault is detected in the duty heater, Smart-GUARD generates an alarm and automatically switches to the standby heater.
Yes. The manufacturer specifies continuous active monitoring 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The current SOLCO PYROELEC specification gives a setting range of 0°C to +150°C.
Smart-GUARD has a manufacturer-specified maximum load current of 20A.
Smart-GUARD uses a 3 metre NTC thermistor temperature sensor. The manufacturer specifies a maximum sensor exposure temperature of 200°C.
SOLCO PYROELEC states that the soft-start feature eliminates inrush currents, allowing increased circuit lengths compared with a standard controller.
Yes. Although Smart-GUARD is designed around two-circuit duty/standby operation, SOLCO PYROELEC also states that it can be used as a single-circuit controller.
Yes. The manufacturer states that the unit is supplied with four plastic bracket clips for direct wall mounting, or it can be mounted on a pipe using a bracket supplied by SOLCO PYROELEC.
Yes. SOLCO PYROELEC specifically identifies freeze protection in the fire sprinkler market as the principal Smart-GUARD application and states that the controller is designed to meet the requirements of BS EN 12845 as described in LPC regulations and the FPA's RC38 recommendations.