Understanding how a home heat detector works is hugely important, because they work differently to a smoke detector. While smoke detectors are an essential component of home safety systems, heat detectors also play an important role in alerting residents to the presence of a fire.
In this article, I’ll take a closer look at how a home heat detector works, the different types of heat detectors, and how to properly install and maintain them in your home.
If you are looking for a heat detector for your home, the article here shows you the best heat detectors for your home (UK Top 3), as well as detailing where they should be installed.
Below is a handy table of contents. Clicking on any of the article headers below will jump you straight to the place on this page you are interested in.
Table of Contents
Types of Heat Detectors
To understand how a home heat detector works, first, we must look at the different types of heat detectors available on the market.
There are two main types of heat detectors: fixed temperature and rate-of-rise.
Fixed temperature detectors are set to trigger an alarm when the ambient temperature in the room reaches a predetermined threshold. Once that temperature is exceeeded, the heat detector sounds an audible alarm, alerting anyone in the area that there is a possible fire.
Rate-of-rise detectors, on the other hand, are designed to detect rapid increases in temperature. They trigger an alarm when the temperature rises a certain number of degrees within a specified time frame.
Both types of heat detectors have their strengths and weaknesses.
Fixed temperature detectors are more reliable and less prone to false alarms, but they may take longer to detect a fire.
Rate-of-rise detectors, on the other hand, are more sensitive to rapid changes in temperature, but they may be more prone to false alarms.
Components of a Heat Detector
Like smoke detectors, heat detectors contain several key components that work together to detect the presence of a fire.
These components include:
- Heat Sensor – This is the part of the detector that senses changes in temperature. In fixed temperature detectors, the sensor is designed to trigger an alarm when the temperature reaches a specific threshold. In rate-of-rise detectors, the sensor is designed to trigger an alarm when the temperature rises a certain number of degrees within a specified time frame.
- Alarm – This is the part of the detector that produces the loud, piercing noise that alerts residents to a fire.
- Power Source – Heat detectors can be powered either by batteries or by being hardwired into the home’s electrical system.
- Test Button – This button allows you to test the heat detector to ensure that it’s functioning properly.
How A Home Heat Detector Works
Heat detectors work by detecting changes in temperature. When the temperature in a room rises rapidly or reaches a certain threshold, the heat detector triggers an alarm to alert residents to the presence of a fire.
In fixed temperature detectors, the heat sensor is designed to trigger an alarm when the temperature in the room reaches a specific threshold. This threshold is usually set at around 135 degrees Fahrenheit (57 degrees Celsius).
When the temperature reaches this level, a small electrical circuit in the detector is triggered, causing the alarm to sound.
In rate-of-rise detectors, the heat sensor is designed to detect rapid increases in temperature.
When the temperature rises a certain number of degrees within a specified time frame, usually 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit (8-11 degrees Celsius) within a minute, the heat detector triggers an alarm.
Installation and Maintenance
Proper installation and maintenance of heat detectors is crucial to ensure they function properly when needed.
When installing heat detectors, it’s important to place them in the correct locations.
They should be placed on the ceiling or as a last resort, high on the walls, as heat rises.
One of the most important places in your home to have a heat detector is in your kitchen.
Having a smoke detector in your kitchen will result in many false alarms, usually caused by overcooking food (burnt toast for example), or even the steam generated from cooking.
Another place that a heat detector is recommended is in a garage, escpecially if the garage is attached to your home and there is an integral door that leads from the main house to the garage.
Regular maintenance and regular checks are also important, just like a smoke detector.
Heat detectors should be tested monthly to ensure they’re functioning properly.
The batteries in battery-powered detectors should be replaced at least once a year, unless otherise stated by the manufacturer.
Hardwired detectors should be tested by a professional electrician or fire safety technician every few years.
Summary
Heat detectors are an important component of any home safety system, and it’s important to understand how a home heat detector works because they should not be confused with how a smoke detector works.
If you haven’t got a heat detector in your kitchen, it is highly advisable to install one (SEE: UK Top 3: Heat Detectors For Your Kitchen).
Personally, I use and recommend the Fire Angel Heat Detector (SEE: Fire Angel Heat Detector REVIEW).
A home heat detector works by detecting changes in temperature and triggering an alarm to alert you and your family of a fire.
There are two main types of heat detectors: fixed temperature and rate-of-rise.
A heat detector will not sound an alarm if it detects smoke, so will not set off a false alarm if you burn some toast.
I hope this article provides some clarity on how a home heat detector works, as well as the differences between heat detectors and smoke detectors and where and when they should be used.
Other Articles You May Like
Here’s a small selection of articles you may also like from this site:
- – Home Fire Safety – The Definitive Guide
- – How To Use A Fire Blanket
- – Fire Escape Plan For Your Home
- – Best Smoke Detectors For Home Use (UK)
- – How A Smoke Detector Works
Here’s the sources used for this article:
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Stay Safe. Stay Secure.
