The FIREYE 85UVF1-1QD is an integrated, microprocessor-based ultraviolet (UV) flame scanner designed for reliable flame supervision in industrial combustion systems. In burner management, “flame proven” is a safety-critical decision: if the control system mistakenly assumes a flame is present when it is not, unburned fuel can accumulate and create dangerous conditions. The 85UVF1-1QD is built to reduce that risk by combining UV sensing, self-checking functions, and internal switching outputs in a single rugged scanner module.
What makes the 85UVF1-1QD different from basic flame detectors
Many legacy systems use a separate flame scanner plus a remote flame amplifier or flame switch. The Phoenix 85UVF/IRF family (including the 85UVF1-1QD) incorporates an internal flame relay with automatically set ON/OFF thresholds, which can simplify design and wiring by eliminating the need for a remote amplifier/switch in many architectures.
Instead of simply “looking for light,” the scanner detects flame flicker by monitoring the modulation amplitude that naturally occurs in a flame over a wide frequency spectrum. During setup, the scanner can store target-flame characteristics and automatically select appropriate sensor gain and switching criteria, helping the device distinguish real flame conditions from unstable signals.
How UV flame detection works in real burner environments
UV flame scanners are commonly selected for many gas-fired applications because flames emit ultraviolet energy that can be measured within a defined band. The 85UVF UV models are specified to detect 295 to 340 nanometers ultraviolet emissions.
That wavelength sensitivity matters because combustion environments can be visually noisy: glowing refractory, hot metal surfaces, or background radiation can confuse less selective sensing approaches. UV detection, when properly applied and sighted, can offer clear flame discrimination.
A practical note from the manufacturer documentation: the Phoenix scanner is not recommended for small pilot flames or obstructed sighting, because weak or partially blocked UV signals can undermine reliable flame recognition.
Typical Applications
The 85UVF1-1QD is commonly used in industrial combustion scenarios such as duct burners, industrial gas burners, refinery applications, Low NOx burners, waste gas units, and incinerators.
Final suitability depends on burner design, sighting geometry, flame characteristics, and system safety requirements.
Technical Summary Table (Key Parameters)
| Item | Specification / Description |
|---|---|
| Product type | Integrated flame scanner with internal flame relay |
| Sensor type | Solid-state UV flame detection |
| Optical range (UV) | 295 to 340 nm |
| Power requirement | 24 Vdc nominal (+20%, -15%), supply current 200 mA |
| Electrical connection | 8-pin quick-disconnect (QD) |
| Outputs | Flame relay (SPST N.O.), Fault relay (SPST N.C.) |
| Contact rating | Min 10 mA @ 5 Vdc; Max 2 A @ 30 Vdc or 2 A @ 230 Vac (resistive) |
| Analog output | Optically isolated 4–20 mA flame strength output; max load 750 Ω |
| Diagnostics | Full self diagnostics and electronic self-checking |
Quick Disconnect (QD) Version: Practical Benefits for Maintenance
The QD models were introduced to replace earlier versions that used a captive cable. With the 85UVF1-1QD, the scanner uses 59-546-x quick-disconnect cables, which improves serviceability in the field (faster replacement, easier cable routing, simpler spares strategy).
The documentation also notes that QD models are suitable for Class I Division 2 hazardous areas, reducing the need to select special “EX” models for some hazardous-location use cases (while separate “CEX” models remain for certain Ex-rated environments).
Cable characteristics (useful for engineering and site standards)
| Cable item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recommended cable part | Fireye P/N 59-546 (8-conductor) |
| Construction | 8 conductor color-coded, foil wrap plus overall braided shield |
| Temperature rating | -40°C to +105°C |
Integration with Burner Management Systems (BMS)
In many burner management designs, the flame scanner must provide both “discrete” safety signals and a way to trend flame quality. The 85UVF1-1QD supports this by providing:
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Discrete relay outputs for flame and fault status
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A 4–20 mA analog output proportional to flame strength (useful for commissioning, tuning, and condition monitoring)
This combination can be especially helpful during startup and troubleshooting, because technicians can confirm not only “flame on/off,” but also whether the flame signal has adequate margin under different loads, air settings, or fuel conditions.
Installation and Commissioning Notes That Actually Matter
Correct sighting and correct power supply are the two biggest “make-or-break” items for UV flame scanners.
Sighting guidance (in plain language)
The scanner should be mounted so that the primary combustion zone is within line of sight, and the aiming process should be validated using the scanner’s feedback (status indicators and 4–20 mA output) during setup.
Avoid obstructions such as register blades or hardware intruding into the scanner view path, which can cause unreliable readings.
Power warning (do not ignore)
The Phoenix flame scanner requires 24 Vdc. The documentation warns that connecting it to 24 Vac or 120 Vac will damage the scanner.
In real projects, this is a common failure mode during retrofit work, especially when technicians assume “24 is 24.” It isn’t.
Approvals and Compliance (Selection Confidence)
The product documentation includes a model/approval matrix indicating broad certification coverage for the 85UVF1-1QD (including agency approvals such as FM, UL/c, CE and various hazardous area classifications and enclosure ratings listed in the table).
Because compliance requirements vary by country, site, and insurance framework, always verify the exact approval set needed for your installation against current project documentation.
Why Buyers Choose the FIREYE 85UVF1-1QD
The 85UVF1-1QD is a strong fit when you need an industrial-grade UV flame scanner that supports:
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Simplified system architecture via internal flame relay and automatic threshold behavior
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Better commissioning visibility through 4–20 mA flame strength output
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Faster maintenance and cleaner wiring practice using the 8-pin quick-disconnect approach and recommended shielded cable
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Reliable operation grounded in flicker-based flame recognition plus self-checking diagnostics
For industrial burners where uptime matters but safety is non-negotiable, this scanner is often selected as a dependable, field-friendly solution for flame supervision.
