So how do these devices work? A smoke detector is basically an electrical circuit that gets interrupted by the particles in smoke. When this circuit is interrupted, the detector sends an alarm signal to your alarm panel. A heat detector is designed to detect rapidly rising temperatures, such as those caused by burning flames. These are used most often in garages or kitchens, or any place where smoke has the potential to occur on a daily basis. This helps in reducing false alarms.
There are also dual technology devices available that combine these two features. Ask your installer if these types of units would be appropriate for your situation.
There are also dual technology devices available that combine these two features. Ask your installer if these types of units would be appropriate for your situation.
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Many people are not aware that their alarm system can be monitored for other things than security. Easily the most important non-security devices are heat and smoke detectors (see this page for information about CO2 detectors).
Some guidelines for installing and maintaining smoke detectors:
*Install smoke detectors near bedrooms, preferably on a wall or ceiling.
*Smoke detectors should not be installed near air vents.
*Be sure to test your smoke detectors once a month!
*Replace detectors that are more than 10 years old.
Tip: You should have your alarm company test and inspect your system once a year. If available, you should have your installer test the smoke detectors using so-called "smoke in a can" to ensure the device is working properly.
*Install smoke detectors near bedrooms, preferably on a wall or ceiling.
*Smoke detectors should not be installed near air vents.
*Be sure to test your smoke detectors once a month!
*Replace detectors that are more than 10 years old.
Tip: You should have your alarm company test and inspect your system once a year. If available, you should have your installer test the smoke detectors using so-called "smoke in a can" to ensure the device is working properly.
Above:
A Standard 4 Wire
Smoke Detector.
A Standard 4 Wire
Smoke Detector.
Be Protected While You're Away: Add A Fire Detection Device To Your Alarm System
Regular battery operated smoke detectors are great for alerting sleeping residents about a fire situation, hopefully getting them out of the house without any injuries occurring. A smoke or heat detector that is part of an alarm system, however, does this and more. What about a fire when you're not at home? By the time your neighbors (if they're home, and live close by) see smoke coming out of your windows and call 911, it may be too late to prevent serious fire damage. An alarm system with fire protection will alert your monitoring station (they know whether the device sending the signal is a
security or fire device), and they will send the proper authorities much quicker than any of your neighbors could. Another benefit is that you will never have to replace batteries in smoke detectors again! This is because fire devices on an alarm system get their power from your electrical system, and in the event of power failure, are powered by the alarm's back up battery.
Above:
A Standard Ceiling-Mounted Heat Detector.
A Standard Ceiling-Mounted Heat Detector.
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