Fire alarms and smoke detectors are essential safety systems for any home or business. They minimize the risk of injury or death due to smoke inhalation and prevent property loss in the event of a fire. However, there are many options to choose from when looking for a fire alarm. Learn more about each choice to make the best decision for your needs.

Your Guide to Fire Alarms & Smoke Detector Systems

1. Heat Detectors

Instead of smoke, heat detectors sense the increase in ambient air temperature that accompanies a fire. With these, false alarms due to steam, high humidity, or burning toast are nonexistent. However, they take a bit longer to identify a fire than smoke detectors do.

2. Ionization Smoke Alarms

An ionization alarm features a piece of radioactive material placed between two electrically charged plates. This combination creates a flow of ions from one plate to the other. Smoke particles will disrupt the resulting current, triggering an alarm.

3. Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

Instead of an electric current, this type of alarm uses a beam of light. When smoke particles obscure the beam and break the connection, the alarm sounds. This system responds quickly to slow, smoldering fires. However, when compared to ionization alarms, it tends to take 30 to 90 seconds longer to sense fast-burning fires.

4. Combination Smoke Detectors

Combination alarms feature both ionization and photoelectric sensors, creating a highly reliable and speedy system.

If you need a fire alarm or smoke detector system installed in your home or business, contact Forward Fire Protection, LLC in Buford, GA. They offer 24/7 service throughout Hall County and have been part of the community for over 50 years. In addition to fire alarms, they also offer fire hydrants and other fire safety supplies, along with sprinkler system installation. Visit their website to reach out online or call (678) 765-8100 to schedule a consultation.