There’s one simple reason to install a home fire alarm – safety. In the event of a fire, every second counts, and having an alarm gives you that early warning, so you and your family can get out safely and get help fast.
In addition, installing a fire alarm can save you money on insurance. Many insurance companies offer discounts for homes with fire alarm systems as a reward for taking extra steps to reduce risk.
How Household Fire Alarms Work
A household fire alarm is a device that detects early signs of fire, usually smoke or heat. When activated, it emits a loud, high-pitched sound to alert you of the danger. More advanced systems can even call the emergency services for you, which can be a lifesaver if you’re not at home or unable to make the call yourself.
However, not all domestic fire alarms available work the same. Understanding the different types is key to choosing the right one for your home.
Ionisation Smoke Alarms
Ionisation smoke alarms work by using a small amount of radioactive material to charge (or ionise) the air inside a special sensing chamber. When smoke particles enter the chamber, they disrupt this process, and the alarm sounds.
These are good at detecting fast-flaming fires, such as those caused by flammable liquids or paper, that produce little visible smoke but spread quickly. Because of their quick reaction to flames, they’re suitable for living areas and bedrooms where these types of fires are more likely to occur. But not for kitchens or bathrooms, as everyday steam or cooking fumes can easily trigger false alarms.
Photoelectric (Optical) Alarms
Photoelectric alarms (also called optical alarms) use a beam of light and a sensor to detect smoke. When smoke from a fire enters the chamber, it scatters the light beam. This change is picked up by the sensor, and the alarm sounds.
These are good at picking up smouldering fires, which produce a lot of smoke but few visible flames. They’re also less sensitive to cooking smoke or steam, so they are ideal for kitchens, hallways and other parts of the home where false alarms might be an issue. Their early detection of slow-burning fires makes them an important part of any home fire safety setup.
Heat Alarms
Heat alarms are different from smoke alarms as they are triggered by a rise in temperature, not smoke. They have a sensor called a thermistor, which activates the alarm when the temperature reaches a certain level, usually around 58°C.
These alarms are good for places like kitchens, garages or utility rooms where smoke or dust might trigger a smoke alarm by mistake. However, as they don’t react to smoke, they might not pick up slow-burning fires as quickly. For best protection, heat alarms should be used alongside smoke alarms as part of a full fire detection system in the home.
Combination Alarms
Combination alarms give you the benefits of both smoke and heat detection in a single device. They include both a photoelectric sensor to detect smoke from slow-burning fires and a heat sensor (thermistor) to pick up sudden temperature rises caused by fast-flaming fires.
By using both technologies together, combination alarms can provide faster and more reliable warnings while also helping to cut down on false alarms, especially in areas where everyday activities like cooking might trigger a standard smoke detector.
Because they can detect multiple types of fires, combination alarms are a smart choice for many parts of the home, such as hallways, living rooms, and shared spaces.
What to Consider When Buying a Domestic Fire Alarm
There are a number of features you’ll want to consider to ensure you choose the right alarm system for your home.
Power Source
Fire alarms for home use can be battery-powered or hardwired.
Battery-powered domestic fire alarms are a popular choice because they’re easy to install and can be placed almost anywhere without the need for wiring. They usually run on either standard 9-volt batteries or long-lasting lithium batteries. While they’re convenient, it’s important to check the batteries regularly and replace them as needed to make sure the alarm stays working at all times.
Hardwired alarms, on the other hand, are connected directly to your home’s electrical system. This provides a steady and reliable source of power, and most models also include a backup battery so the alarm still works during a power outage. These alarms do need to be installed by a professional, but they require less day-to-day maintenance since you don’t have to worry about replacing batteries as often.
Interconnected Vs Standalone Systems
Interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are designed to work together. When one alarm detects smoke, it sends a signal to all the other connected units so they all go off at the same time. This is especially useful in larger or multi-story homes, where a fire in one part of the house might not be heard in another. These alarms can be connected through hardwiring or wirelessly, giving you options based on your home’s layout and your installation preferences.
Standalone smoke alarms work alone. If one alarm detects smoke, only that one will sound. They’re easy to install and work well in smaller or single-level homes where a few alarms will cover the area. They don’t offer whole-house notification like interconnected systems, but are a reliable and affordable option for many homes.
Alarm Volume and Alerts
One of the most important things to look for in a smoke detector is how loud the alarm is. It needs to be loud enough to wake you up if you’re asleep and loud enough to be heard from another room. Some models also have visual alerts like flashing lights, which are great for people who don’t hear well or are deaf.
It’s also important to choose a detector that’s easy to test and maintain. Regular checks are key to making sure it’s working. Look for units with a simple test button you can press to confirm everything is working. Some models even have smart features that will alert you when the battery is low or when the unit needs cleaning. These helpful reminders take the guesswork out of maintenance and make it easy to keep your alarm in top shape.
Smart Technology Integration
Many smoke detectors now come with smart technology, meaning they can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi. This allows them to send alerts straight to your phone so you’ll know if there’s a potential fire even if you’re not home. Some smart detectors also work with other smart home devices like security systems, cameras or automation tools to create a more connected and safer home.
