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As a business owner, it is important that you choose a fire alarm system that is perfectly suited for your needs. When choosing a new system, it is important to be mindful of the size of your property and to consider how it works and how it will best protect your assets.
But how many types of fire alarms are there? We are sharing all the types of fire alarm systems, so you understand your options to make the best choice for you. Let’s dive right in!
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 are sharing some key insights into each of the four types of fire alarm detector options. Check it out!
Ionization fire alarm systems rely on a constant electrical current. This current runs between two metal plates within the device that is only disrupted when smoke enters. When this happens, it triggers an alarm to signal a fire. Typically, this fire alarm is touted for detecting fast-burning fires fast.
Photoelectric alarms operate similarly to ionization detectors, however, instead of electricity, they rely on a beam of light. 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.
As the name suggests, 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.
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 systems can be categorized into two types of commercial fire alarm systems:
The difference between them is clear. One relies on human supervision while the other does not.
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.
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 zones cables, going back to the 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.
With a wireless system, you’ll have a fire alarm without cables connecting the detection device to the control panel. This system relies on multi-frequency links for heightened functionality, maintaining a 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.
What is a conventional fire alarm system? It is a type of fire alarm system whose devices and panels are hardwired individually to the 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 panel. 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.
The definition of an addressable fire alarm system is an intelligent system whose components are connected to each other and to the control panel. 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 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.
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 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. However, they are great in cases where you need the earliest warning of smoke or fire.
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 than 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.
Before purchasing an alarm, we recommend doing your research and analyzing your space. And if you’re unsure or want expert guidance, consult with security professionals. Trust us - they know best.
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 are 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!
