240V Smoke and Heat Alarms

When you look at a fire detection device stuck to a ceiling, it is tempting to think they all work the same way. In practice, there are three types of 'smoke' detectors, each designed to give different protection in different situations.

All three types of detector are available in 'hard-wire' 240v formats, for offices and homes where regular battery replacement is not an option. You will require a qualified electrician to install these detectors, but they offer a degree of protection not available from battery-operated units alone.

Mains Ionisation Alarms

These alarms detect very small particles in the air, so they can be triggered by debris rising from flames right at the start of a fire. They are ideal for use in the home and anywhere storing easily combustible materials, from paper to furnishing. (Don't use ionisation alarms in a kitchen, or near a bathroom, however, as even a small amount of steam will set them off!)

The Kidde 123/9hill mains ionisation alarm is the best alarm available in our view, and comes with a 10 year guarantee and 10 year long-life lithium battery for peace of mind.

Want to know more about the science of ionisation alarms? See our safety article on How Smoke Alarms Work.

Photoelectrical or Optical Smoke Alarms

Installing optical smoke alarms is like employing a dedicated fire watch squad all over your home or business premises.

Optical alarms, as their name suggests, 'see' visible smoke particles and sound an alarm that is loud enough to wake a sleeping family in time to escape. Since optical alarms are triggered by visible particles, they work best in detecting smouldering fires that produce smoke or ash. As a result, you can install one on your kitchen or near your bathroom, as they are unaffected by steam.

Here at Fire Protection Online, the Kidde 223/9hill optical 230v mains smoke alarm with its long-life 10-year battery backup is an absolute bargain at under £20 + VAT.

Fascinated with the inner workings of an optical smoke alarm? Don't take one apart but, read our safety article on How Smoke Alarms Work instead!

Heat Alarms

OK, another no-brainer as to what these detector detect. If your home was built after the year 2000, chances are, you have a heat alarm already installed in your kitchen. Even if you burn the toast or boil a pan of water dry, this alarm will only sound if an actual fire results.

Heat alarms operate when the temperature rises above 57 degrees C (that's 135 degrees F), and can protect dusty or enclosed spaces such as garages, lofts or basements. (Optical or ionisation alarms might be triggered by the dust in these areas, or by car fumes in a garage.)

The Best Alarm for Your Home or Business

In fact, we should say, the best alarms, plural. At the very minimum, you should install a heat alarm in every kitchen, a ionisation smoke detector in each room, and an optical detector on the landing and in any room with a shower room attached.