Detection: Simplified Process for Selecting Alarms

By Mark Conroy

Over the years, alarm products have become more complex, and today there is a wide range of products available to choose from. The selection process is usually pretty daunting, since catalogs and manufacturer literature is often not presented in a logical manner. To make the selection process easier, Brooks has developed a series of user-friendly tables, assembled logically.

Selection of the most appropriate alarms is essential for achieving the protective objectives. The technology for smoke alarms is either ionization (for flaming fires) or photoelectric (for smoldering). Alarms are available as either battery operated (only), or hardwired with battery backup. Years ago, replaceable battery alarms were the norm, but the industry is moving toward 10-year sealed lithium battery models. That is partly because smoke alarms require replacement every 10 years. Also lithium batteries are more reliable, since the batteries do not typically go dead within their 10-year life span. An additional consideration is the potential for carbon monoxide (CO) in some buildings. For those applications, combination smoke/CO alarms are frequently installed, rather than separate alarms.

Every installation of smoke alarms or combination smoke/CO alarms necessitates careful evaluation. After determining the alarm type and power source(s), a choice can easily be made. These tables make the decision process quick and accurate, which ensures the safety of building occupants.