Different Types of Fire Alarm Systems and Their Detectors

 

Fire alarm systems are designed to detect and avoid fires actively. There are various types of fire alarm systems available in the market, such as hard-wired, wireless, and battery based. In this article, we will discuss the kinds of fire alarm systems and their respective detectors so you know which suits the best for your building and offices. 

 

Types of Fire Alarm Detectors  

Photoelectric

These detectors use light to detect hot objects; they don't require much power or maintenance, making them ideal for smaller spaces. They're not as sensitive as ionization sensors but are less expensive and easier to install and maintain. Photoelectric sensors are also used in HVAC systems to alert homeowners when their air conditioners have been turned off during a power outage.

 

Heat

Heat detectors do not emit radiation but measure the heat produced by an alarm source, such as smoke or flames. This type of detector is used in conjunction with smoke detectors to determine when a fire is present in an area without actually detecting any smoke itself.

 

  

Combined Ionization and Photoelectric

The combined ionization and photoelectric detector is a smoke detector that emits an audible tone when there is smoke or fire in the room. The alarm is triggered by both ionization and photoelectric detectors.

The ionization detector measures the amount of air in a room, while the photoelectric detector detects heat. When these two detectors work together, they can detect even very small amounts of smoke before it spreads over a vast area.

Combined ionization and photoelectric detectors are best used in homes with little or no ventilation, such as those with poor heating or cooling systems. They work best in rooms where there are no windows or doors that could let in smoke or flames from outside.

  

Types of Fire Alarm Systems

Two-Wire Fire Alarm Systems

A two-wire fire alarm system is the most common type of fire alarm system in use today. These systems are categorized according to the number of wires in the system and whether they are wired with single or two wires. Two-wire systems consist of one wire for signaling and a separate branch circuit for power, enabling them to be installed in any commercial building or residential home. The two-wire signal wire is generally shorted together at one end, while the power circuit provides power to other devices such as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide sensors.

 

Wireless Fire Alarm Systems

Wireless fire alarm systems use radio waves instead of electrical currents to transmit signals between components within the building. The wireless transmission allows for greater flexibility in installation than traditional cable-based systems, as it can be run through walls and floors rather than requiring direct connections between each component.

 

Conventional Fire Alarm Systems

Conventional fire alarms are the most common system installed in residences, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. These systems use a single smoke detector (or group of smoke detectors) to alert the building occupants to a fire by sounding an audible signal. The actuation of one or more fire detectors within a given area triggers the fire alarm system, which in turn sounds an audible alarm. In addition to sounding an audible signal, these systems can also output visual and vibration signals to alert building occupants of potential hazards.

 

 

Analogue-Addressable Fire Alarm Systems

Conventional fire alarm systems are typically located throughout a facility and include interconnected smoke detectors and other building equipment, such as sprinkler heads and remote control devices. These systems operate when there is smoke present in the building or if there is the failure of any of the equipment within the building that would result in damage to either life safety or property. The purpose of conventional systems is to notify people trapped in a fire that there is an emergency and that they should evacuate the building immediately.

 

Hybrid Fire Alarms

Hybrid fire alarm systems are a combination of audible and visual alarms. The system has one or more audible sirens activated by smoke detectors or an automated fire control panel. These systems are generally used in commercial buildings, where there is a potential for both smoke and heat to cause damage to the facility. In addition, the hybrid system contains a manual override switch for those situations where an automatic activation is not desired.

 

Aspirating Smoke Detection Systems

Aspirating smoke detection systems detect smoke through a fan that pulls air into the detector and then releases it back into the room. The system is activated when any amount of smoke enters the room, even if it is only for a short period. This type of system can be very helpful in detecting small fires quickly and efficiently. Still, they have some limitations compared to other types of detectors like ionization or photoelectric sensors.

 

In The End…

 

 

We at General International Group offer fire alarm systems in East Africa. Our fire alarm system is the latest technology, offering you maximum safety and security. We have a team of highly trained and qualified engineers who are well-versed with the latest technology in this field. The team is also equipped with state-of-the-art tools to carry out your project on time and within budget.