Fire Alarm System and Smoke Detector: Distinguish Between

Fire can be caused by many different reasons and factors. Protecting your home or your business from the dangers of possible fire outbreak is possible by arming your home and buildings with the appropriate fire protection equipment.

Being prepared in this kind of untoward incident can save you, your family or employees life. You can suffer anywhere from mild to serious injuries in case a fire outrage happens and it is not controlled. Being prepared not only means installing the right equipment and knowing safety measures you can apply to protect yourself but also knowing your safety equipment parts and how to operate it properly. To begin with, here is a brief guide on the difference between a fire alarm system and a smoke detector:

1. Smoke Detector

Smoke is the primary indicator of a fire. When smoke is present in an area where there is an installed smoke detector, this device detects the presence of the smoke and then triggers the alarm to warn the building or home occupants. Smoke can be detected in three (3) ways, optically which is the photoelectric, physical process which is the ionization or may be a combination of both sensing methods.

In domestic residence, a smoke detector must be installed in every bedroom and on every level of the house. Additional smoke detectors are even required for huge houses to ensure safety. In commercial buildings, several smoke detectors are linked together and are centralized to a fire alarm system and sound the alarm automatically when a fire indicator is detected. These smoke detectors are essential to commercial buildings as it is a responsibility of the building owner to protect the employees, customers and/or occupants of the building from any possible harm.

So we all know that a smoke detector is our first line of defense against possible fire outbreaks and prevent them from happening. What can be the things or activities that cause fire?

• Cooking equipment left unattended is one of the most common causes of fire. Pots and pans easily heats up and can cause fire easily when you get distracted or forgets that you are cooking or heating something.

• Faulty wirings when not checked and fixed immediately can easily cause fire. Faulty electrical wirings when it comes in contact with rugs, curtains or other cloth starts fire. It is safe to have your wirings often checked by a licenced electrician.

• Overloaded electrical circuits that supply power to several outlets can be a serious problem. Plugging too much appliance or equipment in a circuit causes the wire to heat up. The heat can cause wear and tear on the internal wiring that can then ignite the fire.

• Children playing with combustible materials. Children are normally curious with the things around them that they always try to see how things will react when they play with them. As they are not yet fully aware of the dangers it brings to play with combustible materials, it is our responsibility as elders to keep away matches, lighters, gasoline and candles from our curious children.

• Intentionally setting fire to a building (also applies to wilfully burning of other things like cars, motor vehicles, etc) is a crime called arson, and is the most common cause of fire in commercial buildings. It is a crime classified as felony and the person involved in such crime can go to jail and/or pay substantial amounts of fines.

• Candles are very good decorations, a source of light and gives a relaxing effect for those that consist of essential oils. But candles that have been forgotten to be put out is like an open invitation to fire breaking out. Putting it close to combustible materials is very hazardous as it can easily ignite fire. Never put candles near the following and place them instead in heat resistant surfaces:

• Curtains
• Drapes
• Bedding
• Books and Papers
• Carpet
• Flammable Decors
• Electrical Equipments

2. Fire Alarm System

A fire alarm system is composed of several devices that work together to detect possible fire indicators like smoke. The fire alarm system then alerts people through visual and audio so they are able to evacuate the area and protect themselves. Fire alarm monitoring services are crucial for any Orlando business.

Fire alarm system is a necessary component of any building, commercial or residential. Having one installed and maintained properly can be your life saver. Advantage of a fire alarm system has been commonly overlooked by many until there is an actual emergency situation that results in many casualties. .

Here are the types of fire alarm systems:

• Heat Detector – it works by sensing the temperature in the room whether it has exceeded the fixed temperature basis.

• Smoke Detector – it works by sensing the presence of smoke and sends a signal to the fire alarm control panel (when there is one) to warn building occupants.

• Carbon Monoxide Detector – also known as CO fire detectors and works by sensing the level of carbon monoxide present in the air.

• Multi-Sensor Detector – it works by detecting smoke, heat and/or carbon dioxide presence and reduces the occurrence of false alarms.

• Manual Call Point – it works by raising an alarm signal by means of manually pressing the button or breaking the glass once an actual fire occurs or is verified.

In addition, fire alarm systems and smoke detectors must be regularly inspected by licenced fire safety experts. Replace parts like batteries when necessary to ensure that your alarm is working and will serve its intended purpose when an emergency happens. It is also a key to survival if your occupants and/or family members are well educated about safety precautions to be followed in case of fire.

Summary

Fire break out is a serious incident that can cause injuries or even death. If not prevented or controlled, it can cause you injuries and in some cases yours or others life, damage your property and you can lose a massive amount of money. Have a fire detector or fire alarm system installed by licenced fire safety experts and take one step ahead of possible disastrous situations resulting from fire incidents.