Smart Fire Alarms vs. Traditional Smoke Alarms: Which is Better for Homes?

Fire detection systems have evolved drastically over the years. From simple manual call points to smoke alarms and now advanced fire alarm systems with smart capabilities, these systems have become more efficient, reliable, cost-effective, and easy to control and manage.

Many people use the terms smoke alarm and fire alarm interchangeably, although they are two very different things. Throw in the word ‘smart’, and the scope of the system changes entirely! Smart fire alarms are at the forefront of fire alarm technology and use a combination of advanced sensors and IoT capabilities to provide unmatched safety.

Read on to find out all about fire safety in homes, the difference between smart fire alarms and traditional smoke alarms, and which is better for homes:

FIRE SAFETY IN HOMES

In the year ending March 2024, Fire and Rescue Services attended 138,977 fires, out of which 25,591 were dwelling fires. This shows how serious fire safety is in homes and how important it is to use fire detection systems in order to minimise risk to both human life and property.

For many homes, fire detection systems such as smoke alarms and fire alarms are all that stand in between escaping a fire and losing everything to it. If not detected at the right time, fires can spread quickly and cause a significant amount of damage. In case of a fire breaking out, every second is important, and every second wasted increases the risk of damage, destruction, and in serious cases, even death.

Some of the most common causes of house fires are cooking, heating equipment, electrical systems and equipment, candles, and smoking, and even the smallest fire can turn into a serious blaze if not contained and controlled at the right time.

The easiest way to protect yourself, your family, and your home from fires is by installing a working smoke alarm. For added features and fire detection capabilities, you may even opt for a fire alarm system.

WHAT ARE TRADITIONAL SMOKE ALARMS?

Traditional smoke alarms, also called smoke detectors, are fire detection devices that detect smoke as a sign of fire and alert the occupants using flashing lights and a loud sound. These devices are an integral part of fire safety in homes and use different types of detectors to detect fire.

Traditional smoke alarms are called traditional because they are basic no-frills safety devices that use simple features for fire detection and notification. There are different types of smoke detectors for different needs and choosing the right one for your home is crucial in ensuring quick fire detection. When it comes to traditional smoke alarms, two of the most common detector types include:

• Ionisation smoke detectors – ionisation smoke detectors are one of the most common types of detectors used in smoke alarms. They use the physical process of ionisation to detect small particles of smoke from blazing fires caused by burning paper or wood. They are not as effective when it comes to smouldering fires and will only be able to detect such fires when the smoke gets too thick. They are cheap to install but they are slowly being replaced by other options such as optical smoke detectors.
• Optical smoke detectors – optical smoke detectors, also called photoelectric detectors, contain a source of light and work on the principle of detecting changes in it to detect the presence of smoke. They are expensive but more effective than ionisation detectors in detecting larger particles of smoke produced by smouldering fires. However, they are slightly less sensitive to detecting smoke from fast-burning flaming fires.

WHAT ARE SMART FIRE ALARMS?

Smart fire alarms are the modern and more technologically advanced versions of traditional smoke alarms. They offer much more in terms of fire detection, fire suppression, and overall management and control. To understand what smart fire alarms are, you need to first understand fire alarms and how they are different than traditional smoke alarms.

Fire alarm systems are fire detection devices made up of several components that include a control panel, smoke, heat, and gas sensors and detectors, manual call points, audible and visual alarms, and primary and backup power supplies. All these components work together to detect the earliest signs of a fire and send out an alert as a warning to the occupants and other relevant individuals.

Compared to traditional smoke alarms that are generally standalone systems, fire alarms are connected all over the building and activate the alarm throughout it. They pick up not only smoke but heat changes as well as the presence of gas as a sign of fire. They offer a more comprehensive fire safety solution and can even be connected to fire suppression systems such as sprinklers as well as professional monitoring and emergency services.

Now coming to smart fire alarms, they work in a similar way to fire alarms except that they are typically connected to your home’s Wi-Fi and can be controlled, managed, and monitored remotely via an app on your smartphone and computer. They provide all the functionality of a regular fire alarm system with several added benefits that ensure maximum safety, reliability, and control.

The sensors and detectors in the smart fire alarm detect the presence of a fire and trigger the system to sound an alarm. In addition to sounding an audible and/or visual alarm and alerting the professional monitoring service (in case you have subscribed to the service), the system also sends out alerts to your smartphone.

Smart fire alarms can also integrate and communicate with other smart devices in your home such as smart lights, smart locks, smart security systems, and smart thermostats. This way, in case of a fire in your home, the smart fire alarm can automatically turn off the HVAC system to prevent the spread of fire, turn on the lights for better visibility, and unlock the smart locks on the main door for safe and quick evacuation.

SMART FIRE ALARMS VS TRADITIONAL SMOKE ALARMS

Both traditional smoke alarms and smart fire alarm systems are an integral part of fire safety in homes. One is a barebones system that detects the presence of smoke and alerts everyone inside the home of the threat for safe evacuation. The other is a more sophisticated system that not only helps detect a fire in your home but also helps minimise its spread and offers more control, even if you are thousands of miles away from your home.

Let’s look at the pros and cons for each:

Pros of Traditional Smoke Alarms

• Affordable – traditional smoke alarms are much more affordable than sophisticated fire alarms. They are a simple and cost-effective way to detect the presence of a fire in your home and help minimise the threat.
• Simple Installation – traditional smoke alarms have basic components that require no professional installation. In fact, some smoke alarms are so easy to install that you can even go the DIY route.
• Less Maintenance – another benefit of fewer and simpler components is that they require less maintenance than comprehensive fire alarm systems. Their maintenance includes checking the smoke alarm’s batteries and cleaning the sensors every now and then.

Cons of Traditional Smoke Alarms

• Limited Features – since traditional smoke alarms are fitted with only smoke detectors, their detection capabilities are much limited compared to full-fledged fire alarm systems that can detect the presence of heat as well as gas, and act against the presence of a fire.
• Local Alerts – traditional smoke alarms are not connected to a central control panel, which is why their alerts are local and can only be heard in the area where they are installed.
• Not Suitable for Large Homes – their limited detection capabilities and the absence of a central control panel make them unsuitable for larger homes. In bigger properties, the alarm may not be heard throughout and may even go unnoticed in certain cases.

Pros of Smart Fire Alarms

• Early Detection of Fires – a smart fire alarm system is better equipped to control house fires with advanced sensors and detectors that can pick up the earliest signs of a fire. In addition to smoke, they can also detect the presence of heat and carbon monoxide, both of which are indicative of a fire.
• Remote Monitoring – a standout feature of smart fire alarm systems is their remote monitoring capabilities that help you keep a check on your home’s fire safety from anywhere in the world. All you need is a good internet connection and the fire alarm system will automatically send alerts to your smartphone in case of an alarm trigger.
• Better Coverage – unlike traditional smoke alarms, smart fire alarms have several components, all of which are connected to a central control panel. This allows all the components to communicate with each other and trigger the central control system in case of a fire.
• Reduced False Alarms – false fire alarms are a serious issue that can not only be a nuisance for the homeowners but also lead to a waste of time and resources for the FRSs. The advanced sensors and state-of-the-art technology reduce false alarms and pick up only on issues that are genuinely related to a fire.
• Integration With Other Devices – smart fire alarms are called smart for a reason. They can integrate and communicate with other smart devices in your home for a higher level of safety and control. They can form part of your smart household and automate tasks to minimise damage and encourage safe evacuation in case of a fire.

Cons of Smart Fire Alarms

• Expensive – all good things come at a cost, and smart fire alarms are no different. Compared to traditional smoke alarms, they are more on the expensive side, although their cost is decreasing due to their demand and popularity in recent years.
• Professional Installation – since smart fire alarms have several components that all need to be connected, they need to be professionally installed to ensure they provide full coverage and maximum protection.
• Wi-Fi Dependability – since most of the advanced features in smart fire alarms need a good internet connection to work, they are dependent on it to provide their full functionality. Any issues with the network can affect the performance of the system, and in case of network failure, you may be unable to receive live notifications.

WHICH IS BETTER FOR YOUR HOME?

When choosing the best fire detection system for your home, you need to take a few factors into consideration. What may be perfect for one may not be the best option for the other, and vice versa. When it comes to traditional smoke alarms and smart fire alarm systems, you need to factor in their functionality, performance, scope, and pros and cons.

A traditional smoke alarm is a simple device used to detect the presence of smoke in an area. A smart fire alarm, on the other hand, is a comprehensive fire safety system that helps not only detect but also respond to a fire.

So, which is better for your home?

If your home is small, you can go for a traditional smoke alarm. Optical smoke alarms are a good choice for bedrooms, lounges, dining rooms, hallways, landings, and offices. They can also be placed near kitchens, but make sure the area is well-ventilated, or they may cause false alarms.

A traditional smoke alarm is also a good option if budget is an issue. They provide basic fire detection and can easily fall into your budget. For best results, fit at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home. Also, go for ten-year sealed battery smoke alarms. They are slightly more expensive, but you save on the cost of replacing batteries too frequently.

If you have a bigger home and require maximum protection from fires, a smart fire alarm is your solution. With advanced features such as remote monitoring and smart home integration, they are the best technologically advanced fire detection systems available in the market today.

If you are confused between the two and need professional advice, it is always best to speak to professionals in the field who will be able to guide you in the best way possible.

CONTACT CALDER SECURITY

At Calder Security, we offer you a comprehensive solution for your fire safety needs that includes professional installation, maintenance, monitoring, and repair.

We understand that every property is different, and the specification of the system depends on several factors including the type and size of the building. We can help you cut through all that and advise you on the best fire detection system for your property that complies with British Standards, HSE, Building Regulations, and Fire Officer Guidelines, in addition to meeting the requirements of business insurance.

We also understand fire regulations and provide professional maintenance checks and reminders for when the checks are due to help you stay compliant with the law. We work fast to restore your fire alarm system to excellent condition and always strive to meet your expectations.

We offer various levels of monitoring via a 24-hour monitoring centre using Dualcom and BT Redcare signalling, which is the most secure alarm monitoring system and the largest supplier of intelligent alarm signalling services in the UK.

If your system starts to malfunction, you can rely on our highly skilled engineers to restore your system to full working order in one visit. We offer a 24-hour call-out service for customers and can also repair fire alarms not installed by us thanks to our extensive knowledge and experience.

Contact us here or call us at 0800 612 9799 to talk to our experts for more information on fire alarm systems, the difference between smart fire alarms and traditional smoke alarms, and which is better for your home.

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