Smoke and Heat Detectors: the Differences

Smoke and heat detectors are an essential part of an effective fire safety strategy. But what are the differences between these Fire Detection devices? We’ll be answering this whilst providing you with a guide on each type of system. 

Smoke, Heat, and Smoke and Heat Detectors

As the names suggest, smoke detectors and heat detectors are used to identify, and respond to, different threats. Smoke detectors are normally utilised to safeguard people and property by triggering an Alarm System earlier in the development of a fire. Meanwhile, heat detectors monitor temperature changes and react later to a fire as a result, making them a preferred option for protecting property.

Finally, there are smoke and heat detectors. These devices combine multiple initiator types including Heat Sensors, optimal smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors. Not only can this reduce the number of detectors your building needs, but it can also decrease the risk of a false alarm and even improve the speed of fire detection. These are all benefits that help to make smoke and heat detectors one of the safest options to aid effective High Rise Building Evacuation. 

What’s the best solution?

The answer to this will vary depending on your facility’s needs and what the system is protecting. Simply put, when it comes to protecting people, detecting gases like carbon monoxide early is essential. This is because warning people pre-emptively protects them from smouldering fires (which generate less heat) and poisonous gases. These factors make smoke alarms the go-to choice in residential properties.

However, heat detectors can also be highly effective, especially in building protection. By being more reliable than smoke detectors, these offer a trouble-free and cost-effective solution. When heat is detected, these systems will often trigger a Fire Suppression device, so damage to property and assets can be minimised.

Alternatively, smoke and heat detectors can be considered an optimal choice for some facilities, including certain high-rise buildings. These combine the safety and rapid response that smoke detectors can provide residents whilst ensuring property is protected and false alarms are minimised. This increases overall peace of mind and can also minimise issues such as thermal lag. 

Fire Detection by Johnson Controls 

To summarise, the safest fire detection solution for any facility will be one that is tailor-made to each location’s specific requirements. That’s why Johnson Controls works with your premises to Design Durable and Reliable Fire Detection Systems. 

You can read more about these custom Smoke and Heat Detector Solutions Here.