Smoke alarms what type

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and analyse site traffic. Read more about how we use cookies in our Privacy Policy. Alarm Sensor Types Which alarm sensor goes where? Layout using Multi-Sensor fire alarms:. Layout using single sensor fire alarms:. Multi-Sensor Alarm Responds to all fire types from fast flaming to slow smouldering providing the best fire response. Optical Sensors Detects smoke from slow, smouldering fires such as electrical fires Alarms containing optical sensors use an infra-red beam to detect smoke and are less prone to false alarms from cooking fumes if fitted in the hallway next to kitchens.

Heat Sensors Detects changes in temperature using a thermistor Alarms containing heat sensors only detect changes in temperature using a thermistor.

Heat Alarms should be installed in the Kitchen and Garage. We are open Monday — Friday am — pm. For additional questions you can call us at or you can find us on Trustpilot. Referral Program Billing Request Service. Get A Quote. What are you protecting? What size is your property?

Over 4, sq. Step 3 of 4. Last Name. Get My Free Quote. Step 4 of 4. Get Free Quote. Sales: Get Free Quote. Sales: Thinking of protecting your home or business? Types of Smoke Detectors and Their Differences. Smoke Detectors - Different Types of Detectors Most homeowners don't know that smoke detectors come in two types: ionization smoke detectors and photoelectric smoke detectors.

Ionization Smoke Detectors This type of smoke detector uses ionized particles to detect the presence of smoke. Photoelectric Smoke Detectors The second most popular type of smoke detectors are photoelectric detectors. Different Power Supply Options Now that we have covered the main types of smoke detectors, we need to touch upon different ways of supplying power to the detectors.

Battery-Powered Detectors Most detectors out there are powered by batteries. Hard-Wired Smoke Detectors The alternative to battery-powered smoke detectors are hard-wired detectors. How to Make the Most of Your Smoke Detectors Smoke detectors, no matter the type, are your first line of defense against fires. Understanding the Importance of Smoke Detectors There is much more to smoke detectors than most homeowners think.

The Ultimate Home Security Guide. A comprehensive list of steps you can take to protect your home and your loved ones. Related Articles. In a typical house fire burning material smoulders and smokes for a long time possibly a few hours before flaring into flames.

It's vital to detect the fire early in the smouldering phase so you can put out the fire or escape. Studies have shown that photoelectric alarms typically respond to smoky fires within about three to five minutes. Ionisation alarms can take much longer — up to 20 minutes or more — by which time escape can be much more difficult. Smoke alarms connected to volt mains power known as mains powered smoke alarms are required in residential homes:. If mains powered smoke alarms are outside your budget, the next best option is long life lithium powered 10 year smoke alarms.

These smoke alarms will give you up to 10 years of smoke detection without needing to replace the batteries. The benefits are huge:. Otherwise install battery operated smoke alarms that have a user-replaceable battery. You will need to change the battery at least once-a-year using a 9-volt battery. In Western Australia, newly installed smoke alarms must comply with the current version of the standard AS which is clearly marked on the smoke alarm.

Some models come with a pre-installed non-removable year battery, typically a lithium battery, which will last for the life of the smoke alarm. This means you don't need to remember to change the battery each year.