Understanding Fire Classifications and Your Options for Smoke Alarms
Fire safety has been on everyone’s mind since the Australian bushfire hit the country during the early days of 2020. The country was at its grips with weather conditions affecting the bushfires in New South Wales and the Victoria region.
Smoke detecting devices may be small equipment, but they are incomparable in terms of safety and use. Having smoke alarms installed in your building can spell the safety and lives of the tenants.
It often becomes the barrier between life and death or safety and catastrophe. A fire alarm and detection system is necessary equipment described under the legal rules and guidelines of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
Choosing the Right Fire Alarm and Smoke Detection Equipment Supplier
There are several ways to determine if you are dealing with the right contractor to supply your building with the proper fire safety equipment. Generally, you need to consider the quality of the equipment they offer and what type of guarantee backs their products.
But aside from that, you also have to know the certification they carry. The Australian government has legislative requirements on the manufacture and installation of smoke detectors in homes or commercial spaces.
So, when looking for the right supplier, always check their certification beforehand. It also pays to look at their other service offerings because it can make your life easier when dealing with the right company.
A safety expert specialising in just one product like smoke alarms ensures you are dealing with a supplier who knows how to deliver. Additionally, you don’t have to juggle between product lines to know which ones are the best.
Understanding Fire Classifications and Its Effect on Your Smoke Alarm Choice
To know the ideal smoke alarm system to use in your building, you have to know the different types of fires. There are several types of fires classified according to their initial sources.
- Class A
The Class A category is caused by combustible materials, including wood, fabric, or paper.
- Class B
These are fires caused by combustible liquids like petrol, paint, or turpentine.
- Class C
Class C fires are generally caused by gases including hydrogen, methane, or butane.
- Class D
These fires are caused by flammable metal and chemicals, including potassium and aluminum.
- Electrical Fires
These types of fire usually originate from electrical items but change class when the electrical component is removed.
- Class F
Class F fires are commonly caused by cooking oils, particularly a chip-pan fire.
When picking a smoke detection system, it is always important to consider having coverage from both varieties of smoke alarms. In addition, you would want to create a protection system that can trigger signals in your building.
- Ionization Smoke Detectors
The ionization system is more responsive when there is flame-causing smoke within the perimeter of its coverage.
- Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Systems
These smoke alarms generally identify smoke caused by small fires or blazes.
There is also another option that combines all the features of the ionization and photoelectric alarms. The Combination Alarm has a sensing technology that can detect odourless carbon dioxide and fires.
Having a smoke sensor in your building will not just save your property but also save lives. According to the Building Code of Australia, smoke alarm systems are needed within all types of dwellings and private spaces. It is a compulsory need in rental properties, relocatable homes, camper vans, and occupied private and public spaces.
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