The terms fire alarm and smoke detector are often used interchangeably, even though they mean different things. This misuse creates confusion when planning your fire response protocols and potentially places people at risk. We are going to break down each system and explain when each should be used.

What is a Smoke Detector?

A smoke detector does what it says on the tin: it detects the presence of smoke. They use a sensor to detect large amounts of smoke. There are also a couple of other types of detectors used in particular scenarios:

• Carbon Monoxide Detector – The devices known as smoke detectors pick up the presence of gases like carbon monoxide. They can be called carbon monoxide or gas detectors.
• Heat Detector –A heat detector monitors the temperature of a room and alters people when this temperature reaches a set value. They are used in areas prone to smoke or steam, such as a kitchen or bathroom, to prevent false alarms.

What is a Fire Alarm?

A fire alarm is a system which detects and acts against the presence of fire in a building. They detect large amounts of smoke and then sound an alarm system as a response to the detection of a fire. The alarm will alert you and possibly the fire brigade so you can leave the building to safety and they can extinguish the fire.

Some fire alarm systems include sprinklers installed in the ceilings of your building to spray water to put out a fire. You might also have warning lights for those with hearing issues, access controls, a lit evacuation route, sound systems and other alert or protective protocols which can be activated in the event of a fire. They can often transmit a call for help if the resident of a building is impaired and needs assistance to evacuate during an emergency.

The Difference Between the Two

When it comes to the difference between fire alarms and smoke detectors, it’s simple: a smoke detector senses the presence of smoke in an area, and a fire alarm is a system to respond to a potential fire.

Smoke detectors are a crucial element of an effective fire alarm system as they identify the presence of a fire within a building. The fire alarm system uses this information to trigger its response to this danger. 

The Different Types of Fire Detection 

Knowing the options available helps you decide which system to install and how to maintain it. Detectors can either be analogue or digital and vary in the types of information they can provide. There are three types:

• Traditional – these detectors primarily pick up the presence of smoke but also fire and heat.
• Adjustable – Adjustable systems work similarly to traditional alternatives but are more accurate and can pinpoint the location of the detected fire.
• Smart – Smart detectors offer statistics about the alert. They tell you how much smoke there is and provide temperature readings to inform the reaction required to handle the fire. 

Detectors can be powered in a couple of ways. Firstly, they can be hard-wired to the main power of a building or they can use batteries. Hard-wired alarms can be susceptible to a power cut but batteries have to be changed when they run low. An alarm should alert you when these need replacing to prevent missed detections. Alarms with ‘sealed for life’ batteries are recommended over alarms which allow you to replace batteries. Lithium batteries are a better choice than alkaline as they have a longer life and don’t need replacing as often. 

Which Alarm Should You Choose?

Which should you install? When it comes to fire alarms vs smoke detectors, the size of your building will dictate the type of alarm you should use. A small home needs at least one smoke and carbon monoxide detector on each storey and a heat detector in the kitchen. However, large buildings may need a fire alarm system to combat their increased size. 

Having a fire alarm system controlling alerts across an entire building means that, if there are fires on a particular floor or wing of the building, the centralised alarm system will alert everyone in the building. This full-scale alert will lower the risk of injuries or fatalities. Businesses have legal requirements to install a fire alarm system.

UK Legal Requirements For Fire Detection

In the UK, if you own a property, you are obligated to ensure your building meets the government’s requirements for fire safety.

Responsible people, such as a landlord, employer, owner or occupier, must conduct and regularly review a fire risk assessment of the building. This assessment considers present risks, those likely to be affected by them, the likelihood of their occurrence, the potential damage and the steps integrated to mitigate them. Responsible people need to install and maintain fire safety measures and plan for emergencies. Finally, they must inform staff or residents of these risks and train them to respond appropriately. 

Fire alarm systems in non-domestic buildings and communal areas of domestic settings must meet British Standards BS 5839-6 which is relevant to buildings under construction and existing premises. The standard states that all detectors must pick up at least one of the following: combustion gas, heat, infrared radiation or smoke. It recommends the most suitable detection systems for different environments and states that all components must conform to British Standards or Harmonised European Standards. 

The standard also dictates that all inspections and repairs must be conducted by a competent person who has the appropriate education and training. Weekly maintenance like operation testing is recommended in addition to monthly and biannual testing. In addition, the standard draws attention to the speed of detection and response, minimising false alarms and the nature of present hazards to be considered in your risk assessment.

Once each condition of BS 5939-6 has been met, certification of design, installation and commissioning are granted. If you are installing a fire detection system into a domestic building, it’s a good idea to check this regulation as it provides useful parameters to guide your fire safety.

Our Specialist Fire Protection Services

Navigating fire protection and alarm systems is vital for proper fire safety. You must meet the UK’s legal requirements and prepare your buildings for an emergency.

At Cardinal Fire, we provide fire protection solutions in construction, retail, office spaces and many other industries. We can complete fire risk assessments and equipment servicing, as well as provide safety training and a host of other services to meet your needs. If you are interested in professional fire protection, please contact us so we can provide you with our expertise. 

In an ideal world, all smoke detectors would function properly all the time. However, the reality is that, at some point or another, you may have to deal with a smoke detector false alarm. In fact, data shows that the Fire and Rescue Service attended 231,510 fire false alarms in a year-long period, ending June 2020. That is around 634 false alarms a day. 

We understand that no sound is more annoying than a smoke detector’s false alarm. If your smoke alarm is constantly going off for no reason, you may be tempted to just ignore it or even remove the batteries. However, smoke detectors save lives. When it comes to fires, every second counts. If you want to make sure that your employees, clients and visitors are able to act swiftly and get out of the building on time in the event of a fire, it’s paramount that your smoke detector is working properly.

Below, we’ll look at what is likely to trigger a smoke detector into creating a false alarm, as well as how to silence your smoke alarm in such instances.

The Potential Triggers Creating A False Alarm

No matter how good your smoke detector is, it may go off without smoke for one reason or another. Here are the reasons for smoke detector false alarms. 

1. The Proximity Of Your Smoke Detector To Kitchen Appliances

If your smoke detector goes off every time you’re in the kitchen, this isn’t necessarily a reflection of your cooking skills. Photoelectric and ionisation smoke detectors are equally sensitive to foreign objects, such as vapour, smoke and steam. This means that smoke from overcooked food or even an increase in temperature can trigger your alarm. For this reason, it’s a good idea to make sure that your smoke detector is at least 10 feet away from kitchen appliances, such as toasters, ovens and stoves. 

While you’re in the process of sorting out where to place your smoke detectors, you may want to make sure that all of your appliances are PAT tested. For more information, read our guide to PAT testing labels and how to complete them.

2. The Actual Placement Of Your Detector

More than that, it’s important to think carefully about the actual room your smoke detector is placed in. The kitchen is arguably the most dangerous room in any home or workplace. In fact, a survey found that a quarter of respondents believe that most accidents happen in the kitchen. So, it’s no surprise that some people believe that the kitchen is the ideal place for smoke detectors. 

However, it is advisable to place your detector in the corridor leading to the kitchen, as opposed to in the actual kitchen itself. Your smoke detector will be just as effective and you’re less likely to encounter smoke detector false alarms. For more handy tips, read our ultimate guide to workplace fire safety. 

 3. High Humidity And Steam

Dense moisture particles can trigger false alarms, as the smoke detector is unable to distinguish between smoke and moisture particles. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to install your smoke alarm away from kettles or steamy bathrooms.

4. Dust

Similarly, if dust builds up on or around your smoke detector, it can trigger the alarm. Usually, we only pay attention to our smoke detectors when it’s time to replace the batteries. But like your other fire safety equipment, your smoke detector deserves a bit of TLC, especially if you want to keep them functioning properly.

The good news is that cleaning a smoke alarm is a straightforward process. Simply use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust, or alternatively, wipe your detector with a cloth.

5. Insects And Bugs

Surprisingly, insects can activate your detector. If an insect manages to get inside the chamber entrance, its movement can interfere with the sensors and trip the alarm.

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to prevent these pesky creatures from making their way into your alarm system. Having said that, it is still a good idea to check inside your detector for creepy crawlies if it is going off for no apparent reason.

6. The Battery Is Running Low

If your alarm is making a repetitive beeping sound, there is a good chance that the batteries simply need replacing. It’s important to not ignore this chirping noise, as your smoke detector will eventually die. As a general rule of thumb, it’s advisable to replace the batteries every year. Want to know more? Read our guide on why your smoke detector is beeping, chirping, or sounding off.

7. Strong-Smelling Chemicals

The presence of harsh chemicals nearby can set off your alarm – whether that be bleach, ammonia or even strong paints. If the odour is strong enough to set off your smoke alarm, we can only imagine the effect that it may have on you. For this reason, it’s a good idea to open any windows and doors and exit the room until the smell has dissipated.

8. Smoke Detector Sensitivity

If the above reasons do not explain why your smoke detector is constantly going off, it may just be that your detector is overly sensitive. The good news is that you can easily adjust the sensitivity of a programmable detector.

Our Top Tip For Silencing Smoke Detector Alarms

In order to adjust the sensitivity of a smoke detector, use the testing manual provided by the manufacturer. This should provide clear instructions on how to adjust smoke detector sensitivity. If you’re worried about getting this right, it may be best to seek the services of a fire alarm expert.

Fire Alarm Servicing in Birmingham & Wolverhampton

With the help of Cardinal Fire, you can instruct a skilled and competent fire alarm service engineer to solve your smoke detector false alarm issue. Our teams of experts are only a call away. So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with one of our seasoned engineers today. 
We offer thorough Fire Alarm Servicing and Maintenance in Birmingham and the surrounding areas. Our qualified engineers will tailor the service to suit the specific requirements of your business. This will provide you with the much-needed peace of mind that your premises are safe for both you and your employees.