Are you thinking about getting the right fire alarm? These days, given the extreme need, and affordability, homeowners are looking for security devices. There is an incredible number of options that cause confusion in the buyer’s minds as to which one would be most suitable for them. If you search for a wireless fire alarm Manchester, you will get series of options within them. Let’s mention each type of fire alarms and its specialities, making it easy for you to choose one.
Ionization Fire Alarm
What Is It:
Ionization fire alarms are the kind of alarms that are susceptible to small particles of smoke. They are best to detect flaming fires. By flaming fires, it means the fire produced from flammable material like oil, wood, and paper. These material produce more flame and little smoke. So, there are many smoke alarms that cannot detect a flaming fire, but an ionization fire alarm is the best in detecting them. Also, make sure that you do not install it near the kitchen because it will keep ringing while cooking, as it can detect small particles of smoke.
How Does It Work?
Ionization alarms have an ionization chamber that consists of radioactive material. Inside the ionization chamber, there is an electrical current flowing between two electrical plates. When the particles of smoke enter the system, it disrupts the flow of current which triggers the alarm.
Advantages:
Its incredible sensitive detectors enable it to detect a flammable fire. Therefore, these fire alarms ensure robust security against fire.
Photoelectric Fire Alarm
What Is It:
Photoelectric fire alarms are super sensitive and efficient in sensing a smouldering fire. A smouldering fire is such a fire that begins slowly and burns without flames. It is evident that people die by inhaling smoke than getting burnt by fire. Therefore, these fire alarms are very necessary.
How Does It Work?
Photoelectric fire alarms work same as the ionization but these have a light beam instead of electricity. It consists of a light-emitting diode and a light-sensitive sensor in a sensitive chamber. As the smoke enters the chamber, it scatters the light beam triggering the fire alarm.
Advantages:
Since it can detect smouldering smoke, it can inform the residents before it is too late, which can be a lifesaver. But photoelectric alarm systems have become outdated as ionization fire alarms are super sensitive.
Combination Fire Alarm:
What Is It:
A combination fire alarm is a combination of ionization and photoelectric alarm. It means that such alarms can detect both flaming and smouldering fires. These are the most efficient, therefore, preferred by professionals.
How Does It Work?
These alarms use both ionization detectors and photoelectric detectors to work as a single unit. It means that it has a light-sensitive and ionization chamber.
Advantages:
The advantage of the combination fire alarm is that provides robust security by performing the functions of both ionization and photoelectric fire alarms.
What Should You Look Into While Picking A Fire Alarm?
When choosing the fire alarm, you must keep following things in your mind:
- Consider the place where you need to fit the fire alarm: Assess the kind of fire risk you expect in the particular region.
- Environmental factors:Is the area very dry, humid, or moderate.
- The size of the area to be covered.
- Speed of fire detection you require.
Bottom Line
When buying a fire alarm, you keep the dimensions and parameters of the area you want to secure. Also, thoroughly look into each type of fire alarm about its specifics and how it can cater to your requirements.
Also Read: 5 Home Security Alarms - Anyone Can Afford