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Fire Alarm Systems - Smoke Alarms Product Comparison Guide

Alarm Sensing Technologies

SMOKE ALARMS
There are two types of sensor for detecting smoke, neither one is better than the other, both detect smoke but are sensitive to different types of fire and smoke:

IONISATION TECHNOLOGY
Ionisation technology is generally more sensitive than photoelectric technology at detecting small particles, which tend
to be produced in greater amounts by flaming fires, which consume combustible materials rapidly and spread quickly.
Sources of these fires may include paper burning in a wastebasket, or grease fires.

PHOTOELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY
Photoelectric technology is generally more sensitive than ionisation technology at detecting large particles, which tend to
be produced in greater amounts by smouldering fires, which may smoulder for hours before bursting into flame. Sources
of these fires may include cigarettes burning in bedding or furniture.

HEAT ALARMS
BRK heat alarms should form part of any fire protection installation. They are designed for areas where dust, fumes and
benign smoke may trigger frequent nuisance alarms in conventional ionisation and photoelectric smoke alarms. Ideal for
lofts, garages & kitchens, heat alarms are now required within the latest Building Regulations.
The heat alarms use advanced thermistor sensor technology, the most advanced and reliable method of heat detection.
Using thermistors, the varying electrical resistance of a semi-conductor is used to detect increases in temperature.
The detectors work on a fixed point principle, where the alarm activates when the temperature reaches the preset range of
54ºC to 70ºC.

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
Using the latest Electrochemical sensing technology BRK carbon monoxide alarms are designed for domestic use.
Electrochemical alarms work by converting the carbon monoxide electrochemically to carbon dioxide, which generates an
electrical current that is taken as a measure of the gas concentration. Electrochemical alarms can be both mains and battery
powered and typically have a lifespan of five years. Photoelectric technology has been recommended for many years as the ideal compliment to ionisation technology, Fire Brigade advice is to use both photoelectric and ionisation technology for maximum protection. There are growing restrictions across Europe in alarms using Ionisation sensors. Therefore the demand for Photoelectric sensors is increasing.

Manufacturer Comparison