What are the 3 main types of alarms?

13 Apr.,2024

 

When it comes to protecting our homes and loved ones, having the right alarm system in place is crucial. Alarm systems serve as a reliable and effective way to detect and respond to potential threats, providing us with peace of mind and a sense of security. In this article, we will explore the three main types of alarms: burglar alarms, fire alarms, and carbon monoxide alarms, and discuss how Nes Security can help you choose and install the perfect alarm system for your needs.

Burglar Alarms: Safeguarding Against Intruders

Burglar alarms are designed to detect unauthorised entry into a property and notify the occupants or authorities of the potential break-in. These alarms consist of sensors placed on doors, windows, and other entry points, which are triggered when an intrusion is detected. 

Nes Security understands the importance of protecting your home from intruders, and they offer a wide range of burglar alarm systems that can be tailored to your specific requirements. Their expert team can assess your property, recommend the most suitable sensors and alarm components, and install the system professionally to ensure maximum security. With Nes Security’s burglar alarms, you can rest assured that your home is protected against potential threats.

Fire Alarms: Early Detection and Protection

Fire alarms are essential for early detection and warning in the event of a fire. These alarms are equipped with smoke detectors and heat sensors that can detect the presence of smoke or a sudden rise in temperature. Once triggered, the alarm system alerts occupants and authorities, allowing for swift evacuation and fire suppression measures. 

Nes Security recognises the importance of fire safety, and they specialise in fire alarm systems that meet the highest safety standards. Their knowledgeable technicians can design and install fire alarm systems tailored to your property, ensuring optimal coverage and reliable performance. With Nes Security’s fire alarms, you can have peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are protected against the devastating effects of fire.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Preventing Silent Threats

Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are designed to detect the presence of this odourless and potentially lethal gas. CO is produced by incomplete combustion of fuels such as gas, oil, coal, and wood, and can be emitted by faulty appliances or heating systems. A CO alarm sounds an alert when high levels of carbon monoxide are detected, allowing residents to evacuate and seek fresh air immediately. 

Nes Security understands the silent threat posed by carbon monoxide and provides reliable carbon monoxide alarm solutions. Their alarms can be integrated with your overall security system, ensuring the safety of your household. With Nes Security’s carbon monoxide alarms, you can have confidence in protecting your family from this invisible danger.

Nes Security: Your Expert Partner for Alarm Solutions

With their extensive experience and expertise in the security industry, Nes Security is your trusted partner for alarm solutions. Based in the heart of London, they are dedicated to providing top-notch security services to clients across the UK. Nes Security offers comprehensive solutions for all your alarm needs, including burglar alarms, fire alarms, and carbon monoxide alarms. 

When you choose Nes Security, their team of professionals will work closely with you to understand your specific security needs and recommend the most suitable alarm systems. From system design and installation to ongoing maintenance and support, Nes Security ensures that you have a robust and reliable alarm system in place to protect what matters most to you.

Contact Nes Security Today

If you are looking to enhance the safety and security of your property with the right alarm system, don’t hesitate to contact Nes Security. Their knowledgeable team is ready to assist you in selecting, installing, and maintaining the perfect alarm system that meets your needs. Whether it’s a burglar alarm, fire alarm, or carbon monoxide alarm, 

Nes Security has the expertise to provide you with a comprehensive and effective solution. With their prompt and professional service, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home and loved ones are well-protected. Contact Nes Security today and take the first step towards a safer and more secure environment.

As a business owner, it’s important that you choose a fire alarm system that’s perfectly suited to your needs. When choosing a new system, you’ll need to be mindful of the size of your property and consider how it works and how it can best protect your assets.

But how many types of fire alarms are there? Our team at Forbel is sharing all the types of fire alarm systems, so you understand your options to make the best choice for you. Let's dive in!

The Four Types of Fire Detectors

Did you know there's more than one type of fire alarm? Typically divided into four main categories - ionization, photoelectric, heat, and combined ionization/photoelectric - each one detects fires differently.

Below, we’re sharing some key insights into each of the four types of fire alarm detector options. Check it out!

Ionization

Ionization smoke detectors rely on a constant electrical current. This current runs between two electrically charged plates within the device and is only disrupted when smoke enters. When this happens, it triggers an alarm signal to signal a fire. Typically, this fire alarm is touted for detecting fast-burning fires fast.

Photoelectric

Photoelectric smoke detectors operate similarly to ionization detectors, however, instead of electricity, they rely on a laser beam. This light is scattered when it encounters smoke, signaling the alarm to sound. This is an incredibly reliable fire alarm that works well with small fires.

Heat

Heat detectors signal an alarm when they sense a change in air temperature due to flames. However, since it's temperature-reliant, these alarms do experience false alarms due to humidity or steam. For this reason, these are most often relied upon in storage facilities or warehouses.

Combined Ionization and Photoelectric

A go-to in the industry, a hybrid of ionization and the photoelectric detector is often deemed the best option on the market. With both an electrical current and a light beam, this device is one of the fastest you can get, detecting smoke rapidly to sound a warning alarm.

Fire Alarm System Categories: Automatic vs. Manual Fire Alarm Systems

Fire alarm systems can be categorized into two types of commercial fire alarm systems:

  • Manual Fire Alarm System: This is a fire alarm system that is manned and operated 24/7 by a person and the alerts will be made manually at the pull station.
  • Automatic Fire Alarm System: Its definition is a fire alarm system that gets automatically triggered by fire or smoke.

The difference between them is clear. One relies on human supervision while the other does not.

Types of Fire Alarm Systems

Now that we know the different fire alarm detectors, it's time to break down the types of fire alarm systems. From wireless systems to conventional fire alarms, there's one to best suit everyone's space. Here are the key differences to help with your search.

Two-Wire Fire Alarm Systems

A two-wire fire alarm is founded on the standard conventional system, however, it utilizes a two-wire system. With this structure, the call points, detectors, and alarm devices are wired to two zone cables, going back to the fire alarm control panel. This two-wire system allows for increased flexibility that also has additional benefits like detector recognition and isolation.

Typically used in smaller spaces, this system is fast to detect smoke and cheaper to install, however, it costs more upfront.

Wireless Fire Alarm Systems

With a wireless system, you'll have a fire alarm without cables connecting the detection device to the fire alarm panel. This system relies on multi-frequency links for heightened functionality, maintaining signal strength for constant protection. This system may be more expensive to purchase, but it's more flexible and quicker to install. Plus, it doesn't have all the cabling of a wired system, making it great for properties that don't allow wiring.

Conventional Fire Alarm Systems

What is a conventional fire alarm system? It is a type of fire alarm system whose devices and panels are hardwired individually to the fire alarm control panel.

A conventional fire alarm system is a 4-wire system that is frequently used in smaller properties. This system divides space into different detection zones, with each wired to a dedicated circuit in a control unit. This allows for multiple detectors in each zone, and in the case fire is detected, the panel shows what zone the signal was triggered within. However, since it shares a zone, the location has to be checked out in person to find the specific location of the fire, which is the reason why it's best for smaller spaces.

This is one of the most affordable alarm systems and one many shops and restaurants choose to rely on.

Analogue-Addressable Fire Alarm Systems

The definition of an addressable fire alarm system is an intelligent system whose components are connected to each other and the control unit. An addressable fire alarm system allows you to set manual and automatic alarms in distinct parts of the building.

Unlike conventional systems that share a detected fire based on the zone, analog-addressable systems actually signal the specific detector that sensed smoke. Due to the specificity of this system, it's a reliable choice for large, commercial properties that need more specific identification of a fire that may not be readily visible or quick to locate within a zone.

Additionally, this system doesn't require as much cabling as a conventional one, and each detector has its own unique address to signal directly where a fire, heat, or smoke has been found.

Hybrid Fire Alarms

Hybrid fire alarm systems are the perfect combination because they allow the hardwired and wireless detection systems to work in harmony to create a more customized and efficient whole. In other words, if something damages the wires of the conventional system the addressable system can come in as a reliable backup.

Aspirating Smoke Detection Systems

One of the more sensitive fire detection options you can choose from, an aspirating system can pick up on extremely small fires much quicker than other systems. It does so with a fan that pulls in air from the building, which then passes through a pipe system, and a detector that checks for any signs of potential smoke particles.

While it's highly sensitive and reliable, this system is both expensive to install and keep up with. However, they’re great in cases where you need the earliest warning of smoke or fire.

What Type of Fire Alarm Do I Need?

Wondering, “What type of fire alarm do I need?”

Fire alarms aren't one size fits all, and the best one for your needs depends largely on the size of your space, the cabling capabilities, and your unique needs or industry. What is the best type of fire alarm for a commercial property will be very different from that of a small store. With larger spaces, a system like the analog-addressable one is best to show exactly where a fire is so you aren't searching high and low across a vast building to put it out. However, this specificity isn't needed in a small boutique where a conventional system will be perfectly fine. There are several points to keep in mind:

  1. Types of Buildings that Need a Fire Alarm System;
  2. Type of Fire Alarm System for Your Business;
  3. Total Budget for Commercial Fire Alarm System;
  4. Installation Deadline;
  5. Local Codes and Regulations;
  6. Architectural Drawings of the Building.

Before purchasing an alarm, we recommend doing your research and analyzing your space. Our comprehensive guide on commercial fire alarms can help you to make a decision, but the best option will be to consult with security professionals. Trust us - they know best.

Conclusion

Knowing the types of fire alarm systems is great when looking to equip your space with a new alarm network. With every home, store, and warehouse needing these trusty devices to protect both the property and the people within it, it's well worth it to do a bit of research. If you’re unsure which type of commercial fire alarm system is right for your business, Forbel is here to help. Contact us at 847-595-1900 today to find your new system and experts to handle fire alarm installation!

What are the 3 main types of alarms?

Different Types of Fire Alarm Systems and Their Detectors