The X3 detects both flame and power line arcing by the ultraviolet light they give off. This type of ultraviolet light is absent in sunlight, so the X3 works just as well by day as it does at night.

It has a hemispherical field of view, so does not need to face the flame or arc. The X3 is on guard 24 hours day, everyday.

Solar-powered X3s can operate for years without maintenance, and are not affected by power outages. When sold with SPDT relay output, they can switch on or off sprayers, pumps, or any other AC or DC load whenever fire or arcing is detected. Standard relays can handle up to 10 amps. The relay output blocks voltage spikes due to power line glitches or lightning, so prevents damage to the X3’s internal circuitry. It also provides the option of NC (normally closed) or NO (normally open) contacts.

X3s can also be provided with wireless phone dialers that call authorities when a fire is detected. Here, the X3 is fitted with a radio transmitter, and attached to the outside of a home in a fire-prone area. When an X3 spots fire, the transmitter instantly relays this message to the phone dialer inside the home. The dialer alerts the homeowner with a piercing audible alarm, while it dials up to four phone numbers programmed into the dialer. A recorded message then provides the name and address of the homeowner, along with the message that a fire has been detected. Up to four X3s can report to a single dialer, so a home can be protected from the approach of fire on all sides.

While this dialer system can be used independently by a homeowner, a network of such systems across an entire fire district or neighborhood is the most cost-effective way to avoid losing homes to catastrophic fires in high winds.