3 Popular Types of Smoke Detectors in Singapore

You may be aware that there are several types of smoke detectors that you can find, but you may not know the  difference between the different types of fire detectors. In this article, we will be explaining the different types of smoke detectors, what each of them does, and where they work best to help you make the best and most appropriate choice. Here are 3 most popular types of fire protection that you can find in Singapore.

Ionisation alarms system are one of the cheapest types of alarm that is available. These alarms work by using a small radioactive source to generate a current within the alarms. If there is any smoke that enters the alarm, it will cause the current to change. Once there is too much smoke has been detected, the alarm will sound to alert anyone in the house or building.

This type of alarm detects the invisible smoke (cannot be seen by bare eyes) particles given off by fast burning fires such as those caused by clothing, bedding or paper. Their sensitivity means that they are not suitable for use in or near the kitchens as they are prone to false alarms caused by cooking meals in the kitchens. They are also well suitable for bedroom or landings.

Most fire alarm systems are fitted with a battery  that should be replaced at least once every year. You should always check your alarm at least once every six months, if possible.

By pressing the test button, it will ensure that the fire alarm system is still in good working condition. If the battery starts to run low, the alarm will alert you with an intermittent chirping noise. The battery should then be replaced as soon as possible.

You can also buy sealed alarms that come with a 1-year battery life span, which means that you do not have to worry about replacing the battery every once a year and throughout the alarm’s life. You will need to replace the whole unit once the battery has run down.

Heat alarm does not detect any smoke at all but instead alerts you to an unexpected rise in temperature. They do this by using a thermistor to measure the air temperature. Once the alarm reaches a set limit for example around 58०C,the alarm will make a sound to alert you.

Heat sensors are therefore one of the ideal kitchen fire equipment because they do not give false alarms when you are cooking in the kitchen which causes smoke and steam. The fire alarm system are also suitable for use in garages, as they would not be triggered by exhaust fumes or dust from the machinery. The fire equipment should not be used in other rooms in the house, as they do not provide the quick response that a smoke alarm will give.

These are the 3 main fire equipment that Singapore oftenly uses but there are another other 4 fire alarm systems that some Singapore buildings have. We will also be giving you insight about the other 4 fire alarm systems that we have compiled. Here are 4 different fire alarm systems that Singapore also uses.

Optical alarms use infrared beams to detect smoke. They are much more expensive than ionisation alarms and are suitable for use throughout most of the houses.

They are good at detecting the larger smoke particles from slow, smouldering fires such as those caused by overheating wires. They are recommended for use in bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, landings and also hallways. The fire alarm system is not suitable for being used in the kitchen but it may be installed nearby. 

Interconnected alarms provide an additional level of safety by ensuring that if one of the alarms is triggered, all the other alarms would also be activated and put out a sound. This means that no matter where you are in the house, you will be able to hear the warning. Alarms can be connected wirelessly using radio frequencies, preventing the need for complicated or disruptive cable installation.

This fire alarm system is a combined or multi sensor alarm containing both optical and heat sensors so that the fire alarm system can be detected by both smoke and heat. This allows it to respond quickly to all types of fire, whether that be a slow, smouldering fire and also a fast-burning blaze.

As both combined alarm and multi sensors are constantly being intelligently monitored, it is very unlikely that it will set a false alarm to you. This type of alarm is mostly recommended to be placed at the bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, landing and hallways. As it will be much more efficient.

The main alarm systems are mostly connected to the main line of the house electricity supply. You do not have to worry about replacing the battery every once a year to be able to maintain a good working fire alarm system. The fire alarm system have been an inbuilt battery to ensure that the fire equipment will still be functional in the event of a power cut.

All new buildings would be required to have the main alarm system fitted as well as properties that will be undergoing a significant refurbishment also known as renovation.  The reason behind the installation is because it requires working with the main electricity and they must be installed by a qualified electrician. The best electricians are always the best people to do the jobs!

We have come to the end of the 3 popular types of smoke detectors in Singapore. We hope that the insight that we have given you helps you able to understand the difference between those fire protection devices that you can install in your house. The best fire detectors would be having a few different alarms placed in different places which would work perfectly with the alarm. Do consult someone who is more experienced in the fire alarm system for any further information.