Let’s compare the differences between fire alarms and smoke alarms.
Your property has a lot to gain from using smoke alarms and fire alarms. They notify you of potential emergency situations so that you can either address them, or flee the area to ensure people’s safety. A question you may be asking yourself is: aren’t fire and smoke alarms one and the same? The answer is actually no, as there are a few distinctions that can separate one from the other. Let’s compare the differences between fire alarms and smoke alarms.
Reviewing Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are designed so that they alert people of smoke within the building. These detectors come with built-in sensors, capable of recognizing the fumes of smoke, carbon monoxide in particular. This helps make smoke alarms more accurate, and lower the likelihood of a false alarm. Usually, you’ll find smoke detectors in residential properties.
There are two main brands of smoke alarm: photoelectric and ionization ones. The former type will make use of a sensor and light beam to locate smoke inside of a building. They have greater sensitivity to particles that are lighter-colored and big, which can affect light sensors more quickly. Usually, photoelectric smoke alarms respond better to smoldering types of fires.
Ionization detectors, on the other hand, have an easier time recognizing black soot. They’re activated whenever an electric current inside of them gets disrupted as a result of smoke being in the vicinity. Flaming fires are the ones most likely to activate these kinds of smoke alarms.
Reviewing Fire Alarms
Fire alarms will respond to various stimuli, including rises in temperature, water movement, and smoke presence. Unlike smoke alarms, fire alarms are more often found in commercial settings because they can alert everyone inside of larger buildings, notifying people all around the building instead of solely where a fire arises.
A handy feature that a fire alarm has is the ability to contact emergency services via a control panel. This means you can respond to fires more quickly. All the while, sprinkler systems will activate and keep fires at bay until professional help can arrive. While a fire persists in the building, a fire alarm will use flashing lights and loud alert signals to get people’s attention and get them to evacuate the premises.
KEEP YOURSELF SAFE WITH ANDERSON FIRE PROTECTION, INC.
Anderson Fire Protection, Inc. has the expertise and skill to help your home or commercial property for all your fire protection needs. We have been working in the Maryland, Northern Virginia, Southern Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. areas for over 25 years. We are known for our top-notch customer service and high-quality results. If you are ready for fantastic fire prevention and protection services, from fire sprinkler installation to fire alarm design and to consult, give us a call at (410) 796-4915 or visit us online.