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What's the difference between traditional smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Raleigh?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Raleigh smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm argument, one device rises over the rest. Smoke detectors are a vital line of defense in shielding your house from a dangerous blaze, but they have several shortcomings. On the other hand, monitored fire alarms provide more ways to identify an emergency and are able to notify help when disaster strikes. Linking your fire alarms to a home security system also brings out various extra benefits that your regular smoke detectors would only wish for.

The shortcomings of traditional smoke alarms in [[targetlocaion]]

Fire safety is important, and smoke detectors perform an essential part in shielding your family. Despite that fact, smoke detectors have various shortcomings. To illustrate, they can only detect smoke, not high temps. In the event there is a fire in your residence, you would not be alerted before the smoke reaches the smoke detector. While there are some other significant indications of fire -- including a sharp heat increase -- if there's no smoke, you won’t have a sounding of your smoke detector.

What’s more, smoke detectors only sound the alarm when they find enough smoke. If a fire begins slowly, you may not be warned until the flames are out of control. Some smoke detectors use dual sensors, which means they will detect smoke from both roaring flames and a more gradual burn. If they start beeping, it falls to the resident to notify the fire department after they safely leave the residence.

Monitored fire alarms do much more than regular smoke detectors

Although they look about the same as regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms have added advantages. If integrated to a comprehensive home security installation, they can:

  • Detect fire with different sensor types: Like an ordinary smoke detector, your monitored device has the ability to trigger from a roaring blaze or smoldering embers. It will sound a high-volume warning if it perceives a potential disaster.
  • Detect fire from a abrupt heat surge: A monitored fire alarm will also activate if it notices an abnormal increase in heat. Typically, heat is noticed in advance of smoke. More means to uncover a fire equates to additional means to safeguard your family.
  • Warns trained monitoring agents: Fires will take place whether you are home or away. Regardless, your fire alarms will warn your monitoring team, who will rapidly contact first responders. When seconds count, it's comforting to have the knowledge that a trained professional is constantly looking out for your home.
  • Connects to home automation: Even though the chief task of a fire alarm is to recognize fire and notify assistance, it will also join forces with other automated equipment. For example, a triggered alarm might make your system turn on the exhaust fan to slow the flames or turn on lighting so you are able to locate the safest way out of your home.

Your monitored fire alarms are part of a fully equipped smart home

The easiest way to get the most from your fire alarms is to pair them with a Vivint home security system. Contact a Vivint security agent today and find the most suitable smart home for your family. Diall (919) 899-2155 or send in the form on this page to get started.