Description text goes Smoke alarms are more traditionally used in residential properties, they provide an invaluable resource for detecting the first sign of combustion.

How do they work?

Smoke alarms use ionisation and photoelectric technologies to activate an alarm when smoke is detected. Ionisation smoke alarms have radioactive material between two charged plates, ionising the air and allowing current flow. Smoke disrupts the current in the chamber, triggering the alarm.

Where would you use it?

It is best to avoid placing these alarms in areas with high levels of fumes, dust, or near where food is prepared. These alarms are very sensitive, and if installed in these areas, they may frequently go off without an actual fire.

These types of alarm systems are lesser known than smoke detectors. They detect signs of excessive heat in the vicinity, instead of smoke or fumes.

How do they work?

Heat detectors use thermocouples and electro-pneumatic technologies to alert when room temperature exceeds a set level. Electro-pneumatic detectors feature a diaphragm that moves with pressure changes, completing a circuit to activate the alarm. Thermocouple detectors contain two thermocouples; the alarm sounds when the temperature of the first exceeds the second, indicating a fire.

Where would you use it?

Heat detectors are suitable for areas such as garages, basements, and cellars, where there is excessive dust or fumes that could easily trigger a smoke detector.