The advantages and disadvantages of security alarms are given below:
1.PHOTOELECTRIC SMOKE ALARMS:
Advantages:
- Good for smoldering fire and dense smoke.
- Not as prone to cooking nuisance alarms as ionization alarms.
- Contain no radioactive material.
- Suitable for general use.
Disadvantages:
- Slightly more expensive than ionization alarms.
- Nuisance alarms can occasionally occur from dust and insects.
- They must be kept clean.
2. IONISATION SMOKE ALARMS:
Advantages:
- Cheaper than other types of smoke alarms.
- Very good with fast flaming fires with little visible smoke.
- Less prone to false alarms caused by dust and steam.
- Suitable for general use.
Disadvantages:
- Susceptible to nuisance alarms if placed too close to cooking.
- May be slow to respond slow smoldering fires.
- Contain a very small amount of radioactive material.
3. CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS:
Advantages:
- Carbon monoxide alarms may be used in addition to smoke alarms for increased warning.
- Carbon monoxide alarms are commonly used for the detection of fire in the home.
Disadvantages:
- Carbon monoxide alarms are more expensive than photoelectric alarms.
- Carbon monoxide alarms only have a lifespan of approximately 5 years.
- Carbon monoxide alarms are in addition to a working ionization or photoelectric smoke alarms. They should not be used as the sole smoke alarm.
4. HEAT ALARMS:
Advantages:
- Heat alarms are suitable for such places where smoke alarms are not be suitable e. g. kitchen.
Disadvantages:
- Heat detectors are not considered as life saving devices because they are sensitive only to heat.
- Smoke from a smoldering fire will not activate a heat detector.