Fire Alarm Product Selector Guide
Find the right fire detection solution for your application. Compare detector types, features, and recommendations.
Select by Application Type
Residential
Homes, apartments, condos
Photoelectric Smoke Detector
Best for slow, smoldering fires common in homes
10-Year Battery Smoke Alarm
Maintenance-free protection
Combination Smoke/CO Detector
Complete protection from two hazards
WiFi Smart Smoke Detector
Remote monitoring for peace of mind
Detector Type Comparison
Photoelectric Smoke Detector
Light-scattering detection
Best For:
- Smoldering fires
- Bedrooms
- Living areas
Not Ideal For:
- Kitchens (cooking smoke)
- Dusty environments
Ionization Smoke Detector
Radioactive ionization chamber
Best For:
- Fast-flaming fires
- Paper/wood fires
Not Ideal For:
- Near kitchens
- Near bathrooms
Heat Detector
Fixed temperature or rate-of-rise
Best For:
- Kitchens
- Garages
- Dusty areas
Not Ideal For:
- Sleeping areas
- Areas needing early warning
Multi-Sensor Detector
Combined smoke + heat + optional CO
Best For:
- Commercial buildings
- Hotels
- Healthcare
Not Ideal For:
- Simple residential (overkill)
Aspirating Smoke Detector
Air sampling with laser detection
Best For:
- Data centers
- Museums
- Clean rooms
Not Ideal For:
- Budget-conscious projects
Selection Criteria Guide
| Criterion | Basic | Standard | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling Height | Standard smoke detectors | Beam detectors | Aspirating systems |
| Environment | Standard detectors | Multi-sensor | Specialized (ATEX, etc.) |
| Budget | Conventional system | Addressable system | Advanced analytics |
| Coverage Area | Standalone units | Networked system | Cloud-connected IoT |
| Maintenance | 10-year battery | Standard maintenance | Predictive IoT |
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of smoke detector is best for bedrooms?
Photoelectric smoke detectors are recommended for bedrooms as they respond faster to slow, smoldering fires which are common at night. They also have fewer false alarms from steam or cooking odors that might drift in.
Do I need interconnected smoke detectors?
For homes with multiple levels or large floor plans, interconnected detectors are strongly recommended. When one alarm sounds, all alarms in the network sound together, ensuring everyone is alerted regardless of which room the fire starts in.
What is the difference between conventional and addressable systems?
Conventional systems identify alarms by zone (a group of devices), while addressable systems identify the exact device location. Addressable systems cost more but provide faster response in commercial buildings where pinpointing the fire location is critical.
How often should smoke detectors be replaced?
Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years regardless of whether they still work. Sensor sensitivity degrades over time. 10-year sealed battery units make this easy as the battery and detector lifespan are matched.