Monitored Smoke Detection

Fire Safety Is Essential

It’s important to have a smoke detector in your home because

67% of all fires occur at home
74% of fire related deaths occur at home
Pets need to be protected from fire incidents when you’re not home

There are two types of smoke detectors: one uses photoelectric and the other uses ionization smoke detection technology. Fire departments recommend using both photoelectric and ionization smoke detectors.

What’s the Difference?

Photoelectric Smoke Detectors

Are monitored by TELUS Custom Security Systems
Detect smouldering fires earlier, often alerting authorities before a full-blown blaze breaks out
Have earlier detection of smouldering fires is important because homes are filled with fire resistance materials, meaning that fires often smoulder before they ignite
Have the ability to “see” smoke,
Has a battery backup
Is hard-wired in to your home’s electrical system
Sends a fire alarm signal immediately if it’s a modern system, or if it’s an older system, may or may not have a 30 second delay before sending a signal

Ionization Smoke Detectors

Are standard house smoke detectors, often purchased from hardware stores
Are battery operated or wired into the house air conditioning
Utilize an older technology which doesn’t detect smouldering fires as quickly as photoelectric smoke detectors
Are faster at detecting open flames or electrical fires (where fire is smelled but smoke isn’t seen)
Have a failure rate of 20%

Smoke Detectors Vs. Heat/Rate-Of-Rise Detectors

Smoke

Detects smoke (airborne particles)

Heat

Trips when a certain temperature is reached, such as 135 F or 190 F
Must be replaced after alarm signal temperature is reached

Rate-Of-Rise

Detects rapid increases in temperature (such as 15 degrees/minute)
Comes with a built-in heat detector (135 F or 190F)

Locations Where A Heat/Rate-Of-Rise Detector Should Be Used Instead Of A Smoke Detector

In the kitchen
By the bathroom (steam can mimic smoke and cause false alarms)
In a dusty environment such as a workshop or attic
In an outdoor environment, such as a garage or barn
In the corner of a room or by a wall