KY-026 Flame Sensor Module, IR Detection, 760-1100nm

The KY-026 detects flame and fire sources by sensing infrared radiation in the 760 to 1100nm wavelength range, the specific band that flames and other extremely hot sources emit strongly compared to normal ambient light, letting the sensor distinguish genuine fire from regular room lighting. At the core is a YG1006 NPN silicon phototransistor, chosen specifically for its fast response and high sensitivity to infrared light in exactly this range.

Detection range covers up to roughly 100cm for a typical lighter-sized flame, with a detection angle of about 60 degrees, giving reasonable coverage for monitoring a specific area like a stovetop, fireplace, or electrical panel without needing precise aiming. An onboard LM393 comparator chip processes the raw phototransistor signal, with a blue potentiometer letting the sensitivity threshold be tuned to the specific environment and false-alarm tolerance a project needs.

Both digital (D0) and analog outputs are provided, giving flexibility in how a project uses the sensor: digital output gives a simple threshold-crossed signal for straightforward alarm-trigger logic, while analog output lets a microcontroller read a continuous signal strength and apply its own custom threshold or trend logic in software. Operating voltage spans 3.3 to 5VDC, and the module is rated for -25 to 85C operation, giving headroom for mounting near genuinely warm equipment without the sensor itself failing from heat exposure.

Builders working on a fire/flame detection alarm, a safety cutoff for electrical or combustion equipment, or any project needing to specifically distinguish flame from ordinary ambient light will find the KY-026 a well-proven, inexpensive sensor for that specific detection task.