Trust the professionals at JD Mounsey
Most people are familiar with smoke detectors in their homes. They keep homes and
businesses – and the people within them – safe. JD Mounsey supplies an extensive range of
the latest smoke detectors. We can install, maintain and service them to Regulatory Reform
Order 2005 standards. We don’t just sell smoke detectors; we also want to ensure you have
all the information you need about them to make a more informed choice.
Commercial and Domestic Smoke Detectors
A smoke detector is simply a device that can detect smoke. It is typically used because
smoke is an indicator of fire and travels quicker than the flames, giving more time to
evacuate a building. Commercial security devices will issue an alarm control panel signal,
while household systems generally issue an audible or visual alarm from the detector itself.
Smoke detectors are typically housed in a plastic enclosure about 150 millimetres in
diameter and 25 millimetres (1in) thick. Some are round; others are square – the size and shape
of smoke detectors can vary by manufacturer.
Smoke Detectors Explained
Most smoke detectors work by either optical detection or physical detection, while others
use a combination of both detection methods to increase their sensitivity to smoke. More
sensitive alarms can be used to detect, for example, people smoking in areas where it is
banned.
Smoke detectors in large commercial and industrial buildings are usually powered by the
central fire alarm system, which is powered by the building power plus a battery backup.
Fire alarm installers generally install the systems when the building is being built to
incorporate them into the infrastructure.
New build legal requirements
Fire detection and alarm systems substantially reduce the risk of death or serious injury
from fire, and the fire fatality rate is between two and three times greater on premises
where a smoke detector isn’t working or present. BS 5839-6 sets out the latest
recommendations for fire detection and fire alarm systems in both new and existing
domestic premises to make them safer.
