Expert Selection Guides

Fire Alarm Buying Guides

Make informed decisions with our comprehensive product selection guides. Compare technologies, understand requirements, and choose the right solution.

Smoke Detector Buying Guide

Everything you need to know to choose the right smoke detector for your application

ResidentialCommercialIndustrial

Key Selection Factors

Detection Technology

PhotoelectricIonizationDual-sensorMulti-criteria

Power Source

Battery (10-year sealed)Hardwired + BatteryWireless (LoRaWAN)

Connectivity

StandaloneInterconnectedSystem-connectedIoT/Cloud

Certification

EN 14604 (Europe)UL 217/268 (US)AS 3786 (Australia)

Our Recommendations

Residential bedroom

→ Photoelectric with 10-year sealed battery

Kitchen adjacent

→ Photoelectric with hush button

Large warehouse

→ LoRaWAN wireless + beam detectors

Data center

→ Aspirating smoke detection (VESDA-type)

Pro Tips

Photoelectric detectors are less prone to nuisance alarms from cooking
Replace all smoke detectors every 10 years regardless of condition
Test monthly and replace batteries annually for non-sealed units
Install on every level and in every bedroom for maximum protection

Fire Alarm Control Panel Guide

How to select the right fire alarm control panel for your building

CommercialIndustrialMulti-tenant

Key Selection Factors

System Type

ConventionalAddressableAnalog AddressableNetworked

Capacity

2-8 zones32-64 zones128+ zonesMulti-panel network

Integration

StandaloneBMS IntegrationMass NotificationSprinkler Monitoring

Monitoring

Local onlyCentral stationCloud/RemoteDual-path

Our Recommendations

Small office (<5,000 sqft)

→ Conventional 4-8 zone panel

Mid-size building

→ Addressable panel with 64-128 points

Large campus

→ Networked analog addressable system

High-rise building

→ Addressable with voice evacuation

Pro Tips

Addressable systems cost more upfront but save on wiring and maintenance
Consider future expansion when sizing panel capacity
Verify UL/EN listing matches your local code requirements
Plan for central station monitoring during system design phase

Wireless Fire Alarm System Guide

When and how to choose wireless fire detection technology

RetrofitHistoric buildingsLarge facilitiesMulti-site

Key Selection Factors

Wireless Protocol

433/868 MHz proprietaryLoRaWANMesh networkingHybrid

Battery Life

3-5 years5-7 years10+ years (LoRaWAN)

Range

100-300m (indoor)500m-2km (gateway)5-15km (LoRaWAN)

Monitoring

Local gatewayCloud platformCentral station compatible

Our Recommendations

Historic building retrofit

→ Wireless mesh with minimal installation

Large warehouse/factory

→ LoRaWAN with long battery life

Multi-site retail chain

→ Cloud-connected wireless system

Temporary structures

→ Battery-powered wireless with cellular backup

Pro Tips

Wireless is ideal when running new cables is difficult or expensive
LoRaWAN offers best battery life (10+ years) and longest range
Always plan for gateway redundancy in critical applications
Ensure wireless system has proper fire alarm listing (not just IoT certification)

Smoke Detector Technology Comparison

Feature	Photoelectric	Ionization	Dual-Sensor	Multi-Criteria
Best For	Smoldering fires	Fast flames	All fire types	Minimal false alarms
Response Speed	Moderate	Fast	Balanced	Optimized
False Alarm Resistance	Good	Poor (cooking)	Moderate	Excellent
Recommended Location	Bedrooms, halls	Avoid kitchens	General use	Kitchens, dusty areas
Typical Price	$	$	$$	$$$
EN 14604 Compliant	Yes	Rare (radiation)	Yes	Yes

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