Smoke Detection is an important part of any intrusion alarm or home automation system.  In this section you will learn the difference between a store-bought brand smoke detector, and Inforce Security's brand smoke detectors.  There are three basic types of smoke detectors available today. Yes, at the end of the day, they are all designed to detect fires but the differences lie in reliability and detection technology.  Knowing the difference will allow you to make an educated decision on which ones to purchase.

Ionization detectors are the most common and often least expensive detectors available. This detectors' smoke chamber contains a radioactive source that emits radiation, resulting in a weak flow of electric current. When particles such as those produced by fire enter the smoke chamber, they reduce the current and trigger the alarm. This type of detector is generally most effective in detecting the “products of combustion” produced during the incipient stage of a fire.

Although early detection is always desirable, there are several inherent flaws with this technology. For example, some ionization detectors are not as effective in detecting the smoke produced during the smoldering stage. Another downfall is their general susceptibility to false alarms that have a tendency to become more than a minor nuisance, once the fire department is dispatched.

Photoelectric detectors, like those offered by Inforce Security, although not effective in detecting the invisible gases created during the incipient stage, are generally more stable and reliable when it comes to false alarm immunity. Further to that, good quality photoelectric detectors are far superior at detecting visible smoke that may not contain the invisible gases required to set off an ionization detector.

There are two types of detection methods within the photoelectric realm; obscuration and light scattering. Obscuration involves the interruption of a beam of light while light scattering utilizes the light diffusing properties of smoke to redirect a beam of light to a light sensor. Inforce Security's photoelectric smoke detectors employ the light scattering technique.  Both are effective, however the obscuration type detector requires more smoke to activate than the light scattering type. 

Heat detectors, rather simple in their design; these detectors utilize the heat produced during the flame and high heat stages of a fire to physically activate a switch. The two basic types of heat detectors on the market are “Fixed temperature” and “Rate of Rise”.

Fixed temperature detectors utilize either thermostat technology or a fusible link that will melt at a preset temperature. Rate of Rise detectors, on the other hand, often use an air chamber with a small hole that allows a measurable amount of air to escape during expansion. A rapid increase in temperature will cause the pressure in the chamber to expand faster than the small hole will release, resulting in the expansion of the air chamber and activation of a switch. Inforce Security brand heat detectors employ both of these technologies.

Other Features:

Smoke detectors can be either battery operated, wired in or a combination of the two. Traditionally, wired in detectors were powered by the standard house wiring and installed by the electrician during construction; however, there is a better option available. Inforce Security offers low voltage smoke detectors that obtain their power directly from the security panel. Not only does this simplify integration, the security systems' back up battery will provide power to the detectors, even in the event of a power failure or electrical fire.

Finally, there is the aspect of remote monitoring. It is great to have a buzzer sound when your home is on fire, however, what about the times you may be overcome with smoke or out of town. Who will notify the authorities? Fortunately, Inforce Security's smoke detectors are able to connect to your security system and transmit a digital signal to the monitoring station so that you and the authorities can be notified in time.