Quick answer
Smoke detectors react to smoke particles and give earlier warning, which is why they're used in most rooms and escape routes. Heat detectors react to temperature (a fixed temperature, or a rapid rise) and are used where smoke, steam or dust would cause false alarms, such as kitchens, garages and workshops.
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Shop all detector products →Key takeaways
- Smoke = earlier warning, most rooms and corridors.
- Heat = kitchens, garages, dusty or steamy areas.
- The wrong detector type is a leading cause of false alarms.
- Multi-sensor detectors combine both in one head.
01Comparison
| Smoke detector (optical) | Heat detector | |
|---|---|---|
| Reacts to | Smoke particles | Temperature: fixed threshold or rapid rise |
| Warning speed | Earlier | Later (fire must produce heat) |
| Best places | Offices, bedrooms, corridors, stairs | Kitchens, garages, boiler rooms, workshops |
| False alarm risks | Steam, dust, cooking fumes, insects | Few, when correctly placed |
02Heat detector types
Fixed temperature
Alarms at a set temperature
Good where temperatures swing, e.g. kitchens
Rate-of-rise
Alarms on a fast temperature rise
Earlier than fixed temperature
Not for places with sudden heat, e.g. near ovens
03Avoiding false alarms
- Heat detectors, not smoke, in kitchens
- Keep smoke detectors away from bathrooms and steam
- Protect detectors during building work (dust)
- Clean and test detectors during servicing
More causes in fire alarm false alarms. Placement rules are in detector placement.
04Frequently asked questions
Can I use a smoke detector in a kitchen?
It's a common cause of false alarms. A heat detector is normally used in kitchens.
Which gives earlier warning?
Smoke detectors, because most fires produce smoke before significant heat.
What is a multi-sensor detector?
A detector that combines smoke and heat sensing to improve detection and reduce false alarms.
