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Various types of smoke alarms

Various types of smoke alarms

Various types of smoke alarms

There are two main types of smoke alarm Ionisation and Optical:

Ionisation Smoke Alarms

Ionisation smoke alarms work by monitoring the air by checking for particles of combustion that cannot be seen. Ionisation smoke alarms are best for rapid fires such as a fire caused by a chip pan. However the only issue with these types of alarms is that there tends to be false alarms as it can pick up dust particles, insect and steam.

Optical Smoke Alarms

Optical smoke alarms work by using an emitter to direct infrared lighting onto a photocell. Once smoke enters in the path of the infrared beam it causes the circuit to break and therefore activates the alarm. Optical smoke alarms are more suited to slow burning fires such as overheated wires or appliance fires. These smoke alarms are less prone to false alarms but can be activated if it detects smoke from an oven or toaster.

Heat Alarms

A heat alarm requires less maintenance as they are less sensitive to dust therefore best suited to a room such as the kitchen. There are two types of heat alarm these are fixed temperature which activates at a temperature of 58°C and a rate rise alarm which measures the change in temperature. These are not advised to be used for domestic purposes as steam from kettles and heat from cooking can activate them.

Which Alarm Should I Use?

It is recommended that a mixture of both ionisation and optical alarms are used in a linked system. The reason this is recommended is that if one unit detects a fire it will send a frequency signal to the other linked alarms and they will sound. This system is not very common in smaller domestic properties but more common in large dwellings such as guest houses etc.

Battery powered alarms that are fitted with long life batteries provide basic protection as you won’t have to constantly remember to change the battery; however the best smoke alarm you can install is a mains powered alarm with a battery backup. The reason this is suggested is that if the electricity supply fails the battery kicks into action.

Maintaining your Fire Alarm

·         Follow manufacturer instructions

·         Alarms powered to the mains should be installed by an electrician

·         Make sure to test your smoke alarm on a weekly basis

·         Clean your smoke alarm often by removing dust and debris with a cloth