When it comes to homeowners discussing security, it’s easy to hear the words smoke detector and fire alarm being used interchangeably. But when it comes to how they actually go about protecting your home, there’s a little more to the story than that. Fires are caused every day for any number of reasons, whether someone’s in the home or not. Here’s what you need to know about the difference between a smoke detector and a fire alarm.
What is a Smoke Detector?
A smoke detector can easily be defined by its name. It is a device that is used to detect smoke. It is nothing more than a sensor and is able to detect when there is an inappropriately high amount of smoke being produced in your house. Hence, it’s a sensor and does not do much more than recognizing the fact there could be an irregularly high amount of smoke in your house.
What is a Fire Alarm System?
On the other hand, a fire alarm system is a complete package. It involves detection and action. The fire alarm system detects the high amount of smoke and acts on it. Hence, it is more than just a sensor. The sensor is connected to an alarm system that is going to blare when the detection system is activated. Some fire alarm systems also come with an attached sprinkler system that is going to spray water down from your roof to put out the fire. However, even if you do not have that, the fire alarm is going to alert you and the fire brigade to put out the fire.
What Is the Difference Between a Fire Alarm and a Smoke Detector?
Now let’s clear a doubt – what is the difference between a fire detector vs smoke detector.
A smoke detector is a system that senses when there is any smoke around. On the other hand, the fire alarm is activated when there is a potential fire.
These small alarm devices are part of the fire prevention unit inside buildings and homes. They both are designed with a sensor or we can say a siren that is triggered when it detects the presence of flames or smoke. In this way, it allows to warn of the fire in its initial phase, and even, if possible, to stop it using an extinguisher.
However, we know that it is called a “smoke detector: but technically it is incorrect. We can also call it a gas detector or carbon monoxide detector, etc.
The detectors can be analog or digital. And they also present a lesser or greater degree of sophistication:
1. Traditional:
They can detect smoke, fire, and heat. They activate a signal if there is any sign of fire in their coverage areas.
2. Adjustable:
They also detect the presence of heat, fire, and smoke, although they are more accurate. Each installed device indicates more precisely in which specific area it is detecting smoke or fire.
3. Smart:
Smart detectors can quantify the amount of smoke, temperature level, and fire. This allows for a greater margin of reaction, and to follow the action protocol that has been programmed in advance.
When installing any fire system, it is important to know that it must be maintained adapted to its type and location. These are easy to maintain, depending on whether the remaining battery is checked and whether the detection area is free and clean.
If you have the services of an approved fire-fighting company, you will be obliged to periodically carry out tests and reviews of this equipment as in the rest of the equipment.
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