Heat & Smoke Detectors

Heat and smoke detectors will detect smoke or heat and emit a loud noise that will give you and all staff enough time and warning to evacuate the premises safely. These devices integrate detection of a fire (smoke and heat detectors) and emission of alerts (fire alarm) as a consequence.

Heat detectors are insensitive to smoke and are triggered by either the temperature rising above a preset level or if the temperature rises rapidly in a short space of time. Smoke detectors, on the other hand, is there to detect when smoke is present in the premises within its detection capabilities.

Currently, there are four types of fire alarms that can be fitted into your business premises: heat, ionisation, optical and combined alarms. Ionisation alarms are very sensitive to small particles of smoke and they tend to detect fast moving fires, which could be the case with wood or paper, for example. They are normally quicker at sensing fire before smoke gets too thick.

Optical fire alarms, also known as photoelectric smoke alarms, are normally used for low burning and smouldering fires. These are particularly effective in areas where there could be a smouldering foam filled furniture & overheated PVC wiring.

Combined fire alarms may either combine optical and heat alarms or smoke detection and carbon monoxide alarms. Combined alarms are usually battery powered and have a built-in siren. They can also be linked together so that one alarm may trigger the rest, which can be done through radio-interlinked smoke alarms.

Depending on the type of business and the activities carried out within the building, smoke and heat detectors may have to be installed in every storey or room of the property. This can only be determined according to the regulations and requirements as well as a thorough fire risk assessment.