Sense-WARE marks 25 years of innovating cost-effective flame detection, delivering certified Zone 2 and Safe Area solutions engineered for reliability, global deployment and long-term performance
Stand: 7-C09
Website: sense-ware.com
For nearly twenty-five years, Sense-WARE has built its reputation on designing accessible, reliable flame detection technologies for Zone 2 and Safe Area applications.
In a market long dominated by large multinational manufacturers and Zone 1 devices, the company has carved out a distinctive role: delivering high-quality detection without the cost burden associated with explosion-proof equipment.
Sense-WARE was founded in 2001 by flame detection specialist Jan Nijkamp, whose experience working with major detector brands exposed a clear market gap. At the time, no manufacturer offered an affordable, versatile test lamp suitable for use across a broad range of UV, IR, and UV/IR detectors. In response, Nijkamp developed the company’s first product, the T-229/4P Universal Test Lamp.
Engineered for Safe Area use and quickly adopted by the marine sector, the lamp remains a core part of Sense-WARE’s product line and continues to be widely relied upon today.
As the company grew, Nijkamp was joined by engineer Alfred Draijer, forming the technical partnership that would shape Sense-WARE’s product philosophy for the next two decades. Their combined expertise led the company to address a broader challenge within the industry: the lack of practical, cost-effective flame detection for onshore facilities that do not require Zone 1 protection.
In 2012, Sense-WARE introduced the 210 Series Flame Detectors, beginning with UV and UV/IR models, followed in 2015 by an IR3 detector. The range was designed specifically to meet the needs of Zone 2 and Safe Area installations, markets in which operators were previously forced to purchase higher-cost Zone 1 units simply because alternatives did not exist. All detectors underwent rigorous testing by international approval bodies including FM and ATEX, alongside multiple regional regulatory agencies. Today, the 210 Series forms the backbone of the company’s global offering and is installed across diverse sectors ranging from industrial manufacturing to logistics, energy, and warehousing.
A defining characteristic of Sense-WARE’s journey has been its commitment to independence. While many legacy flame detection brands have been absorbed into large multinational groups, Sense-WARE maintained its autonomy for over twenty years. Central to this stability was its long-standing partnership with Cimar Electronics, which has manufactured and tested all Sense-WARE flame detectors and test lamps since the company’s earliest days. This close collaboration allowed for tight control over quality while keeping production costs competitive; standards reinforced by ISO 9001 certification.
Such confidence in design and manufacturing enabled the company, in 2019, to take a significant step unique within this segment: extending its product warranty from three years to five. At the time, no comparable manufacturer offered anything similar, signalling a strong commitment to long-term reliability.
In recent years, Sense-WARE has expanded rapidly. The Asia Pacific region opened in 2019, followed by the Americas in 2021 and the Middle East in 2024. Following the retirement of Nijkamp and Draijer in 2023, Cimar Electronics acquired the company, bringing operations and engineering under one roof. This strengthened alignment has further supported product development, customer responsiveness, and Sense-WARE’s global presence.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, Sense-WARE continues to position itself as a leading provider of Zone 2 and Safe Area flame detection technology.
Visit Sense-WARE at Intersec 2026, Booth 7-C09.
