Fire Detection. Information on the various different systems for early detection of flames and smoke, the two elements of fire detection

There are two types of residential fire detection systems: heat and smoke detectors. The basic residential detection system, according to NFPA 74, relies primarily on the use of smoke detectors.

The standard does not require the use of heat detectors as part of the basic protection scheme, but it recommends that heat detectors be used to supplement the basic smoke detector system.

Smoke detectors consist of a sensing chamber, alarm sounding device and a means of electrical power transmission. There are two kinds of residential smoke detectors: ionization and photoelectric.

A residential fire detection system may also include a heat detector. There are two types of heat detectors: fixed temperature and rate-of-rise.

Location
The basic (minimal) fire detection system should consist of one smoke detector outside of each sleeping area and one additional smoke detector unit on each additional living level, including the basement and excluding unfinished attics, crawl spaces, etc. If hallways are longer than 40 feet between the sleeping and living areas, use two smoke detectors.

A good fire detection system should include both types of smoke detectors - one plug-in smoke detector and one battery-operated smoke detector. You might consider installing a photoelectric unit in the bedrooms of any family members who smoke.

Heat detectors or additional smoke detectors can supplement the basic system. Consider these areas for heat detectors: kitchen, dining room, furnace room, attic, garage or utility room.