Flame Detectors vs. Heat Detectors: Understanding the Differences

Have you ever been confused between a heat detector and a smoke detector? Did you think that they just serve the same purpose? These two devices have different roles in fire safety. Both are designed to detect fire with the full intention of sounding an alarm but they function differently to protect people and their properties under particular needs and environments. This blog shall discuss how each detector works and why they are so important in fire prevention.

If an industrial area gets on fire, the public or the workers need time to detect the fire or need time to detect smoke. These detectors play a vital role during a fire emergency.

Smoke detectors are placed to detect the fire that guards both people and property. The properties in the industrial area are always prone to hazards, thus fitting smoke detectors and flame detectors is crucial. These detectors detect through the smoke that is released from the fire.

Heat detectors are used chiefly to detect fires using temperature change detection. They work on two crucial temperature settings which include rate of rise temperature and fixed temperature. The rate of rise temperature detector reacts to any quick change in temperature whereas the fixed temperature detector gets activated when the temperature surrounding it has reached a certain set level. These detectors are considered to be very useful in safeguarding property from fire as they can sense heat from a fire considerably quickly. In addition to this, advanced rate-of-rise compensated fixed temperature detectors are a technology that helps to mitigate thermal waste and also minimise false alarms of sudden temperature change that is not a result of the fire.

Purpose of heat detectors or flame detectors

In the case of a heat detector, the threshold temperature serves as the point wherein the element attached to the fire alarm panel sends a signal. It can also be considered above a certain temperature level. Heat detectors will respond primarily to the temperature of the surroundings that have been heated by the flames. Such equipment can be set up for very quick operation where tolerance levels are low, and sensitive to changes in temperature of the environment.

Smoke detectors are used in cases wherein the fire raises smoke from the core. But the combustion does not only produce fire without the possible emission of carbon-based gas, which can be poisonous in less than a minute depending on the location. Under such situations, it may even be impossible for the heat detector to sense a fire, hence the installation of smoke detectors. The placement of the detectors is dependent on the needs of the customer or the workspace.

Thus, if the primary task of the customer or the workspace is the conservation of material resources, we suggest placing a Heat Detector, which is an easy and effective option. On the other hand, if the task of the customer is the safety of people and belongings, then a smoke detector is an appropriate device. Both are reasonably priced and activate the fire extinguishing system. The main purpose of both detectors is fire prevention.

Conclusion

Smoke and heat detectors represent a fundamental part of fire safety systems with uniquely adapted solutions for unique needs. Heat detectors are perfect for temperature-based fire detection reliability, thus making them ideal for protecting property. Smoke detectors, on the other hand, do a great job of detecting smoke to ensure the protection of people and property safety. Similarly, flame detectors in Qatar and gas detection in Qatar play an important role in the protection of people and properties of such fire-prone industries. Proper detector selection for each space, coupled with proper installation, presents a proactive fire prevention approach, thus greatly reducing the risk of fire damage and improving overall protection.