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Is there a difference between regular smoke detectors vs. monitored fire alarms in Newark?

August 08, 2022
smoke alarm detector on the ceiling

In the Newark smoke detector vs. monitored fire alarm discussion, there’s easily only one winner. Smoke detectors are an important consideration in guarding your house from emergency situations, but they have some notable limitations. Alternatively, monitored fire alarms provide more means to identify an emergency and can reach out to your support team in the event of a disaster. Connecting your fire alarms to a comprehensive smart home also delivers various extra advantages that your common smoke detectors could only wish for.

Regular smoke alarms can only do this one thing

Protecting your home from fire is a chief concern for homeowners, and smoke detectors play an essential role in keeping your family safe. However, smoke detectors have various shortcomings. For example, they will only identify smoke, not high temps. When there is an emergency in your house, you might not be cautioned until the smoke ascends to the smoke detector. Even though there are further unmistakable indications of fire -- like a sharp increase in warmth -- if there's no smoke, there is no warning from your smoke detector.

Additionally, smoke detectors only beep if they encounter enough smoke. If a fire starts small, you may not be cautioned until the flames are out of control. Many smoke detectors employ more than one sensor, which means they will be able to perceive smoke from both roaring flames and a more gradual burn. Then when they sound their alarm, it falls to the homeowner to call the fire department after exiting the residence.

Monitored fire alarms offer more benefits than ordinary smoke detectors

Although they look about the same as regular smoke detectors, monitored fire alarms can do much more. If linked to a complete home security system, they can:

  • Discern fire with dual-sensor smoke detection: Like a traditional smoke detector, the monitored alarm has the ability to activate from an intense fire or one that has just started smoking. It will resonate a high-volume alarm when it recognizes danger.
  • Discover fire from a sudden temperature increase: A monitored fire alarm will even go off if it notices an abnormal increase in heat. Typically, heat is noticed in advance of smoke. Having additional means to detect a fire equates to more ways to keep your family safe.
  • Notifies your dedicated monitoring agents: Fires can happen whether you are home or away. Either way, your fire alarms will notify your monitoring team, who will swiftly call the fire department. When seconds count, it's comforting to know that a trained professional is constantly looking out for your home.
  • Connects to home automation: Although the primary purpose of a fire alarm is to recognize an emergency and request help, it can also integrate with other automated components. For instance, a tripped alarm can prompt your system to turn on the exhaust fan to hinder the flames or initiate lighting so you are able to locate the best path out of your home.

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

The easiest method to get the most from your fire alarms is to connect them with a Vivint home security system. Speak with a Vivint security agent today and customize the perfect smart home for your family. Place a call to (973) 566-5423 or complete the form below to take the first step toward a safer property.