Fire alarm: Types and which smoke or heat detector buy for home

Fire detector and alarms

I still don't understand why in France it is mandatory to have a fire alarm at home (if not installed) have, the home insurance is not valid) and in Spain, it is not This security measure is mandatory. Is about save lives, and an automatic fire detector for the home , bluntly, it's cheap.

Watch out! On average, almost seven out of ten deaths are produced by smoke inhalation and at night, directly or whole. And one of the things that these devices do well against an accident inside the house, is to detect the smoke or heat in its initial phase .

The early detection of a fire in house , is a very serious matter. Must see many aspects And buy the right device! In the following guide we explain it in detail…

1.- What systems are there to detect a fire

Within emergency systems , there are two methods to detect a fire (Phase initial presence of smoke or heat – flame): a system automatic fire protection and a second, which is an activation handbook:

• Automatic detection device for fires . device that uses technology «X» (We will see later) in certain points of a space. It can be one element or several and are used to detect the early fires emitting some kind of signal of alarm or audible (Including warnings to firefighters, for example).
• Handheld device for detection of fire (Human detection). In this case, we are we who activate the alert – usually through of a button – to notify the services of emergency, which in turn will activate an audible signal or visual.

The installation of fire alarms can range from a smoke sensor to homes , the basic device to prevent damage materials and personnel, up to an alert system complex that even trigger barriers to protect us (Door closing, automatic extinction drive, sprinklers, alerts to firefighters, etc):

Here we could also put the security cameras to house, since some also capture the heat.

Okay! We already understand how complex they can be these emergency systems, but what type of alarm I can install fire protection at home …

2.- Types of fire alarms that sell

The question is… What are thermal detectors? most common? Although manufacturers are always contributing new technologies, we generally find the following types of fire alarms in the shops:

• Thermostatic heat detectors . Is he thermal detector . Turns on with a signal acoustics when the ambient temperature of a space exceeds of a certain value – normally it is 58º – during a determined time.
• Velocimetric heat detectors . It is a thermal detector that lights up when the speed of temperature rise exceeds a certain value, about 8 °C per minute, for a certain time.
• Combined heat detectors . They incorporate a thermostatic element (controls the temperature) and another velocimetric (speed of heat increase).
• Ionic smoke detector (Invisible smoke and of course also visible smoke). any fire produces gases (although in its beginnings it does not have smoke or flame) this device detects them. They are activated due to the influence produced by the products of combustion on the electrical current generated in a chamber ionization.
• Optical smoke detectors (Smoke from visible combustion). They are also called detectors photoelectrics or, for large spaces, the linear light beam optical detectors . In short, an optical detector has a lens that detects visible smoke that are activated by the influence of a darkening of the air or diffusion of light (effect called Tyndall) in the infrared, visible and/or ultraviolet of the electromagnetic spectrum.
• Gas detectors . They are sensitive to gaseous products of burning and/or thermal decomposition (More industrial use).
• Flame detectors . are the sensitive to the radiation emitted by the flames of the fire.
• Multi-sensor detectors . Are the sensitive to more than one fire phenomenon, for example, as smoke and heat.

You have to think that the detectors of warning fires are designed – typically – to discover one or more of the three characteristics of fire: smoke, heat and radiation (A flame).

Watch out! We are not talking about the detectors of gas for when there are anomalies in; methane, propane, butane or those that detect the abnormal presence of carbon monoxide (CO) in the air! different! Although we have manufacturers that offer us in a same element, a CO Detector + Smoke Collector.

To be more clear which models of detectors of fire exist . Better we see the following scheme where more or less, we already observed what device you will need for home, an office, a local or whatever space it is:

If we see the following image, already real devices. The models look a lot alike, but actually have different characteristics if we compare them between them; sensitivity, reliability, maintenance, price, etc.

Now comes the trick! EL compare the different models to make sure we make the right choice…

3.- How to choose the best detector for fires

First, I would like to make it clear that, in Spain, the current regulations do not oblige to put a fire detector or smoke in the houses (Later on we will see when it is mandatory in residential, which depends on the height of evacuation).

At this key point, we already know that in the details there is the quality of the gadget and that is why we have written a guide quite wide. On these alert sensors we must look:

Though the above chart represents several points. The tolerable delay in detection is very important, that is, how quickly the device is activated. two important elements that make the mechanism of a detector against fires more reliable and effective:

• Sensitivity of the detection apparatus
• Sensor location

Ultimately, they determine the “delay”… When will activates a fire sensor?

One of the main doubts when buying a smoke or fire detector is to know when the alarm is activated fire alarm . This very important factor is given by the "sensitivity of the appliance" in the event of a fire that comes jointly coupled with its location and, therefore, Of course, the type of device we buy.

4.- Comparison between devices and prices

In these security systems, each device is designed and made for one use. If we have a device with a very high sensitivity, on certain occasions, can give us false positives, for example, around smokers or in a kitchen by water vapor or a little smoke.

To be clearer, we first have a comparison of sensitivity in the mechanism to see how they act in the face of fire with: solid, liquid and electrical materials…

Secondly, we compare the teams anti-fire in relation to its characteristics; sensitivity, reliability, maintenance and stability.

If we analyze the data a bit, in a house it was it is better to use a photoelectric smoke detector with alarm (Optical device) or ionic . remember! that also sell autonomous smoke detectors that combine technology photoelectric and ionization. For home we would have:

• For dining room, living room, bedroom, corridor, stairs, cellars : Smoke detector photoelectric or ionic (or both in the same apparatus).
• For kitchens : It is not recommended to install a photoelectric device in the kitchen, steam or smoke when something is roasted and the bell is not put on, it can trigger a false fire alarm, but in reality, many people use. And they are happy! Better a detector thermostatic or a detector thermovelocimetric (They act on heat). In it bathroom are not usually installed.

But... What other aspects should you look at in these teams?

• It is essential that the device is approved. Has to bear the CE logo and the standard it complies with.
• Verify the manufacturer's warranty.
• Spot smoke alarms are designed to settle in private homes (apartment or house) and not in common areas of buildings.
• Don't buy a cheap gadget it's not worth the money! grief! It will last longer and we won't have any problems. Seeks quality and recognized brands that we are protecting our home and us.
• It is better to buy a wireless detector that works with battery or batteries (Check how long it lasts). Us we save electrical installation at home for a professional. Another issue will be if it is already for offices or buildings.
• These mechanisms have evolved a lot technologically. smart detectors; Alarm LED indicators (Signal light), low battery and sensor failure, with displays and even that connect to the mobile with Wi-Fi connection to notify us Here you decide! But remember its function, diagnose a fire quickly .
• By regulations, at 10 years you must change them .

• We always have to place them on the roof (later we explain Nº and location) but more or less keep it in mind by the size of the device or by the decoration.
• A device for locating photoelectric smoke It is the most reasoned for home . are relatively Cheap, quality and they work great! They meet their function!
• Even if they want to sell us combined devices; CO carbon monoxide detector + Photoelectric smoke collector with ionic sensor. Tea we recommend that you buy them separately. you will have a better device and it will do its job well.
• The acoustic – audible signal of the alarm must have a sound of at least 85 dB (See article noise calculation).
• If we have home insurance. Check that they comment to Install a fire system. you can have discount in installation or in a device, insurance reduction, etc.

But… How much does a smoke detector cost to home? A sensor to alert us to a fire or smoke in a home costs between 20 and 50 Euros , a quality device. With Wi-Fi and other technologies, they go from 80 Euros with more complex mechanisms such as the Google Nest , for example.

Those that are wireless and punctual, more intended for home, they are cheaper. Those that are connected to the electrical network or linear in optics are already used more by professionals and increase in price.

Before you buy, always compare prices. Look at the prices in large stores such as Corte Ingles , Ikea, Leroy Merlin , Media Markt . We can also compare prices listings on Amazon or search for brands to verify the sale price.

Try to buy brands from well-known manufacturers in the market by professionals, for example; Notifier , Apollo , Bosch , System Sensor , Siemens-Cerberus , J.M. Systems, ESSER, Fire-Lite there are many!

Now you are wondering… How many sensors do I need for home? Where do I need them? put?

5.- How many do I have to buy according to the surface

Obviously, it is not the same to know the number and locations to put them in a flat, dwelling or house (The regulations do not allow us to obliges), that, in a building, warehouse, local large dimensions, etc. (See the following section on the obligations according to uses). But professionals should consider:

Let's simplify!…. How many smoke detectors do I need for a flat, house or house? Although the standard does not oblige us to put one is home, yes we mean her to understand what number we need:

As in a normal home, the height to the ceiling does not usually exceeds 3 meters, we already know that the alarm covers 60 square meters ( Covers 8 to 9 meters linear ).

Be careful around corners and under cover, you have to respect the measures.

6.- Where is best to put a detector of smoke

In this aspect you have to be consistent. If we only want one, better in the corridor without closing the door (at least the access to the dining room) and without obstacles. If we have several plants, we will need more….

For adequate fire prevention we should consider:

• This alarm system is preferably placed in corridors and passageways in the house.
• In long corridors with a distance greater than 12 meters linear, the most correct is to install two, one in each extreme.
• Between one and the other there may be a distance of separation of 9 meters (Without obstacles between the area to be protected and the detector).
• The ceiling height influences detection: the higher it is, the smoke, the longer it will take to reach the appliance . If it is longer than 3 meters, you can shorten the distance.
• Beware of false ceilings. Usually in homes nothing happens, but in basements, offices or garages the false ones ceilings let smoke in. The alarm against fires should be attached to the slab – ceiling above, not to the false ceiling.
• In bedrooms, which are within a radius of about 3 m.

You shouldn't put up smoke sensors at:

• Do not place obstacles in the way of or near air conditioning. Next to or above radiators or outlets of air conditioning (See article effects air conditioning in the health), windows, holes of wall vent etc.
• You should not put them in areas with a lot of dust or dirt, since the dust that accumulates in the camera can affect negatively to performance (for example, garages).
• You should not put them in areas where the temperature normal can exceed 100°F (38.7°C) or be below 40°F (4.4°C). If we have a device with high sensitivity, the positives will jump.
• Near fluorescent lamps (Put a distance minimum of 1.5 m)

From a professional perspective, to expand information. A manual covering many features and different tables useful is Asepeyo's guide for the design, use and maintenance of automatic detection systems fires recommended!

7.- How to install a smoke detector at home and what should I look at

One aspect should be highlighted, a detection system Automatic fire control for a home is simple and easy to install by us, but, in buildings, premises of large size, offices, warehouses, etc. It will be necessary through of professionals. Here the regulations are complex in locations and number of elements (See the following section on the obligations according to uses).

Here we stop nonsense and directly a good video to install a smoke alarm in your home Mapfre Foundation:

For a house, they are sold self-adhesive and with two screws, in case it doesn't stick well. He has no secret installation, just remember to test it to see if it works.

This alarm system has maintenance minimal , but remember to test if it works from time to time when. It should be cleaned at least once a month:

• Use a soft-bristled brush or the accessory of a vacuum cleaner brush to remove dust and cobwebs from the slots.
• Wipe the cover with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. That the light signal is visible.
• Remove any insects or cobwebs so as not to create false fire alarms.

When does the regulation oblige us to have a fire system

In Spain, for a home, apartment or house it is not mandatory (Yes in many countries of the European Union). but in residential for homes, which is the majority of cases, the Technical Code of Building (CTE) and Royal Decree 513/2017 (Regulation of fire protection installations) adds the obligatory when:

• Residential use (residential buildings), if the height of evacuation exceeds 50 meters.
• Parking use, screening is required for those with a surface greater than 500 m2. Also a detection system of carbon monoxide (toxic gas) in parking lots of more than 5 seats or more than 100 m2.

Broadly speaking, in the following table we can identify when is a system against fires :

Remember that the Fire Regulations are broad and constantly changes as shown by the Spanish Society of Fire Protection Tecnifuego, so the box above is indicative. Not to mention that in many cases it is necessary a security study + project corresponding.

By the way, since we are talking about possible damage to the home. We have an extensive article on how to detect damage in houses and structures after earthquake - earthquake.

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