What is the Difference Between Fire Detectors and Smoke Alarms?

Ionization Smoke Alarms

• Ionization smoke detectors contain an element that senses smoke particles in the air. They sense particles that a quickly burning fire (that has not generated much smoke) produce.

Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

• Photoelectric smoke detectors detect the thicker smoke that slow burning or smoldering fires produce.

Fixed Temperature Heat Detector

• Fixed temperature fire detectors contain a thermometer and the alarm is activated when the ambient temperature reaches the required level. This is usually no lower than 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Smoke cannot activate fixed temperature fire detectors.

Rate of Rise Heat Detector

• Rate of rise fire detectors activate an alarm when the ambient temperature changes significantly in a specified period of time. Smoke cannot activate rate of rise fire detectors.

Location

• Heat activated fire detectors are usually located in kitchens, as they will not be activated by smoke or steam from cooking, whereas smoke alarms are usually in places where no smoke will occur from everyday use.