Fire safety is a responsibility that landlords, managing agents, and other stakeholders should take very seriously. Failing to comply with regulations can result in fines or worse, especially if there is an incident and it leads to injury or loss of life. One of the most important things here is to ensure you have the correct alarms in the right locations. To help, we want to have a look at the different types here. Then, if you want to arrange fire alarm installations in Middlesbrough or other parts of Teesside, you can trust us.
Smoke alarms
First up, this type of alarm will activate when there is smoke. Traditionally, you could use one of two different types; optical or ionisation.
Optical alarms feature a light source plus a sensor. If smoke enters, the large particles can interrupt the beam of light, causing the alarm to activate to alert occupants. Ionisation alarms operate on a similar principle. The air is ionised, gaining either a positive or negative charge. When smoke enters, it causes a disruption in the current, causing the alarm to trigger.
Heat alarms
The second type of alarm triggers when it detects a significant increase in temperature. Crucially, they contain a thermistor, a sensor that is sensitive to heat. When they detect hot air, they can activate an alarm.
Multi-sensor alarms
Finally, we have alarms that monitor for heat and smoke. They feature two sensors, so a single unit can do the job of two. They are really popular for saving space, improving performance, and reducing the risk of false alarms.
Best practice
It is absolutely crucial to ensure you choose the right type of alarms and install them correctly. As the top provider of fire alarm installations in Middlesbrough, we know all about best practice. So, we can deliver the most reliable services.
Smoke alarms are ideal for areas where slow burning, smouldering fires are likely. This includes near kitchens as well as public areas. However, you should not install them in or close to bathrooms, including en suites, because steam can trigger them.
Heat alarms are best in areas where there is a high risk of hot, fast flaming fire. They can effectively detect a significant increase in heat. The recommendation in BS 5839-6:2019 is to install them in kitchens. However, they should not be independent; they should be part of a fire system.
Multi-sensor alarms are perfect for almost any area within a property because they monitor for heat and smoke. One thing to note though is BS 5839-6:2019 recommends not to use them in kitchens. The problem here is steam can disrupt them, making the unit think there is smoke, so it can cause false alarms.
Ask us about fire alarm installations in Middlesbrough
ABC Fire Safety & Security has a competent team of experts and always works to the highest standards. As a result, we can provide the finest services for our clients. This includes risk assessments, extinguisher solutions, and more.
One thing you can always rely on us for is fire alarm installations in Middlesbrough. We can work with clients with all kinds of properties, including blocks of flats and commercial properties. We’ll ensure you have alarm systems that comply with the regulations. They’ll ensure you meet your responsibilities and keep occupants safe.
So, get in touch with us if you want some help.
