Difference Between Heat Detector and Smoke Detector

Heat Detector vs Smoke Detector

A heat detector and smoke detector are very sensitive instruments for detecting temperature and smoke. The name itself tells the difference between the two ‘“ one detects heat and one detects smoke. Almost all the buildings have a combination of a heat and smoke detector, which is a safeguard against burning.

The heat detector is an instrument that warns of fire when the temperature around the smoke detector reaches a certain level. But heat detectors do not detect smoke. On the other hand, a smoke detector warns of fire when it comes across combustion or soot products in the atmosphere.

Smoke detectors will give off the alarm even when a small amount of smoke is detected. On the other hand, heat detectors will not detect even the slightest amounts of a temperature change.

Smoke detectors and heat detectors come in two different types of technology. The smoke detectors use ionization and photoelectric technologies whereas a heat detector uses thermocouple and electro-pneumatic technologies.

While the smoke detectors are very sensitive and are prone to give off false alarms. The heat detectors are more reliable fire detectors, even in dusty environments. They do not give off false alarms and only sets the alarm off when the temperature is really high. One should also note that the heat detectors will not set the alarm in the case of heavy smoke and less temperature.

Heat detectors are normally installed in places where there is likelihood for intense heat and high flames; normally heat detectors are installed in storage rooms where chemicals or fuels are kept. It is also placed in high ceiling areas. The smoke detectors are normally installed where smokey fires are likely to occur.

Though the smoke detector and heat detector have two different uses, they are both used as they do well when installed together in buildings.

Summary
1. A Heat detector is an instrument that warns of fire when the temperature around the smoke detector reaches some level. Smoke detector warns of fire when it comes across combustion or soot products in the atmosphere.
2. The smoke detectors use ionization and photoelectric technologies where as heat detector uses thermocouple and electro-pneumatic technologies.
3. Smoke detectors will give off the alarm even when a small amount of smoke is detected. On the other hand, heat detectors will not detect even the smallest amount of temperature change.
4. Smoke detectors are very sensitive and may give off false alarms. On the contrary, heat detectors are more reliable fire detectors, even in dusty environments and only sets off the alarm when the temperature is really high.

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