Person pressing test button on fire, smoke, and gas detector alarmFire, Smoke, and Gas Detectors: Protect Your Business

When it comes to unexpected fire, smoke, or gas leaks, no preparation is too much. To truly protect your property and its occupants, steps must be taken to ensure all alarm systems and detectors are installed correctly and up to code. Altogether, the components of a well-thought-out alarm system work in harmony to keep your building smarter, and safer when disasters occur.

Adding motion detectors, door and window sensors, and glass break sensors are excellent security measures to round out your residential or commercial security system but are optional additions. Fire, smoke, and gas detector alarms must comply with national and local fire codes.

Because every business has different security system needs, we’ll work with you to custom-build the perfect protection for your home or business. Generally, the building’s size and complexity and the type of equipment needed will determine how simple or complex your system will be. For more information on custom systems, contact one of our experts or review our services today.

Fire and Smoke DetectorsA&B Security - Smoke Detector

Fire and smoke alarms, along with gas detector alarms, are life-saving essentials to any residential or commercial property. Structural fires account for billions in damage every year. 43% of businesses that experience fire never reopen because of the physical and financial damage.

There are two main types of fire and smoke alarms to help alert you of potential threats; photoelectric and ionization sensors. Because they both operate off different triggers, knowing the difference between these can help you optimize your home or business alarm system. 

Photoelectric Smoke Sensing Technology 

Photoelectric smoke sensing technology uses LED light beams and photosensitive elements to detect obscured or scattered light. When smoke particles cross the beam’s path, or partially reduces the light source, the alarm is triggered.  

Photoelectric alarms typically respond 15 to 50 minutes faster to smoldering fires.

Ionization Sensor Technology

With ionization sensor technology, two electrically charged plates and a small amount of Americium (Am), a synthetic radioactive chemical, work together to ionize the air inside the alarm. When combustion particles reach the alarm, they collide with the ionized air molecules and trigger the alarm.

Ionization alarms typically respond 30 to 90 seconds faster to fast flame fires but are a noticeable 97% more susceptible to false triggers.

Gas DetectorsA&B Security - Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon Monoxide and other natural gasses are dangerous because their presence is unpredictable. Colorless, odorless, and poisonous, a gas detector alarm is your best defense against permanent damage to your health or death. 

A CO alarm sounds if your sensor detects a buildup of carbon monoxide in confined spaces—such as garages, kitchens, campers, and other confined spaces without plenty of ventilation. A properly functioning gas detector will sound before you start sensing symptoms. Once symptoms of headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath, or fatigue set in, there’s little time to evacuate before it’s too late. That’s why we recommend installing commercial-grade alarms one on each building level, near every room, and close to basements, kitchens, or enclosed parking areas.

Modern gas detection devices are equipped with intuitive smart features, like voice alerts or application pairing. These upgrades are great additions to your commercial security, but basic gas detection alarms are just as reliable when it comes to affordable security. 

Can’t Stress Enough

No alarm systems live forever. To make sure you have the most up-to-date, code-compliant sensors, seriously consider an upgrade if you encounter any of these: excessive maintenance, space renovations, an elevator addition or upgrade, or total failure.

When upgrading your fire, smoke, and gas detector alarms, we recommend customizing your framework to include motion detectors, door and window sensors, glass break sensors, and video cameras for a well-rounded security system. 

Additionally, there are multi-detection alarms that include heat sensors, infrared, or carbon monoxide detectors to increase the effectiveness of the alarm. A gas or fire threat can go from 0 to 100 in seconds. These multi-detection alarms are helpful to decrease false alarms.

Protect Your Business With A&B Security

A highly effective system will detect a potential threat before too much damage occurs. For commercial fire, smoke, and gas detection, you need local experts that can help you navigate protection from start to finish. That includes state codes and regulations, installations, inspections, and maintenance. A&B Security has been protecting the greater Las Vegas area since 1987. Don’t wait until it’s too late, contact us today.