Fire detectors and alarm systems are residential and commercial tools that have helped prevent fire outbreaks and scarred countless lives. Although both fire detection tools blare attention-grabbing sounds to alert bystanders, there is a huge difference between them. This article discusses the differences between fire alarms and fire detectors. 

What Is A Fire Alarm? 

Fire alarms consist of a fire detector and detect and act in the presence of smoke. The sensor in the detector is linked to an alarm system that blares out loud. Some fire alarm systems have a sprinkler that sprays water from your roof to extinguish the fire. If your alarm system does not have a built-in sprinkler, the alarms can alert you and the fire brigade before a severe fire outbreak occurs.

What is the Difference of a Fire Alarm System To a Fire Detector?

A fire alarm system has a control panel connected to your home’s central monitoring station and your local fire department. In commercial areas, there are manual signal boxes that can be pulled or slammed to signal a possible fire outbreak manually.  

Overall, the average fire alarm system comes with a detection device that is built with three sensors: heat, photoelectric which detects smoke, and ionization which detects chemical reaction fires. It also has an alarm that may buzz, blare, ring, and flash red lights. Most fire alarm systems have an emergency battery system that activates during power failure. Some are built with free suppression devices like a sprinkler system. 

What Is A Fire Detector?

A fire detector is a smoke-detecting device that blazes loud noises when its internal components detect smoke. 

What Kinds of Fire Detectors are Available on the Market?

There are majorly two kinds of fire detectors in the consumer market:

Ionization Sensor Smoke Detector 

A smoke detector with an ionization sensor has two ionization components. These two plates or components contain tiny radioactive materials that continually generate electricity. Mind you these radioactive compounds are enclosed and are safe for the average person. 

Since they continually generate electricity, electric current flows from the ionization chamber plate to another thing in the air. When smoke particles rise to the roof and get into the electric air between both ionization plates, they disrupt the flow of electric ions, reducing electric charges. When this happens consistently, it trades the blurring system that alerts people about a possible fire outbreak. 

Photoelectric Smoke Detectors

Photoelectric smoke detectors are less common fire detectors made with a unique technology. Its main component is a light chamber that consists of a light receptor and a light beam emitter. This simple technology works as long as the light beam emitter continuously strikes the receptor. Once smoke particles or smoke clouds the emitter, it disrupts the light flow, triggering an alarm. 

Get An Alarm Installed For Your Home or Business

If your home or commercial building needs the services of a certified fire alarm technician for installation and maintenance, contact Secure Lock & Alarm today for a free estimate. Our team is full of alarm experts who will help you keep your home or business safe. Contact us today to learn more!