Types of detectors
Fire safety starts with having working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed. Here are the four main types of detectors to choose from.

Smoke alarm
Benefits
Smoke alarms are the simplest and most affordable way to detect fires early, especially when residents are sleeping and might not be aware of the smoke. They prevent smoke- and fire-related injuries.Features
- Battery backup to ensure that the smoke detector can continue to function during a power outage.
- Hush button to temporarily silence a false alarm without disabling the detector, allowing it to continue monitoring in case a fire does start.
- Test button to ensure that the detector is in proper working condition.
Installation
Experts recommend that smoke detectors be installed on each floor of the home, as well as outside of any sleeping areas and inside each bedroom. Having enough smoke alarms will maximize the amount of time available to escape. Also, because smoke rises, smoke alarms need to be installed high up.
Carbon monoxide alarm
Benefits
A carbon monoxide alarm is the only way to detect carbon monoxide before it reaches potentially deadly levels. Carbon monoxide gas is a colourless and odourless by-product of incomplete combustion. A working carbon monoxide detector will enable all residents to quickly evacuate the home.Features
- Digital display that shows the concentration of carbon monoxide in parts per million.
- Battery backup to keep the carbon monoxide alarm working during power outages.
- Test button to ensure that the device is working as it should.
- End-of-life warning sound to advise when the alarm needs to be replaced (usually after about 10 years).
Installation
Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on each level of the home and outside every sleeping area. Unlike smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms can be installed at any height, not just on the ceiling. Many people choose to plug their detector into an outlet close to the floor.
Combination alarm
Benefits
A combination alarm is a single unit that can detect smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide, meaning that you don't have to buy two separate units for the job. These combined detection capabilities generally offer better overall performance in detecting both fast-flaming fires and slow-smouldering fires.Features
- Communication between the smoke and carbon monoxide detection chambers, which allows for quicker hazard detection.
- Smoke sensitivity adjustment for better discrimination between real and false alarms.
Installation
Like individual smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, combination alarms should also be installed on each floor, in each bedroom, and outside of every sleeping area.
LED strobes
Benefits
LED strobes provide a crucial visual alarm for any occupants who are hearing impaired. They are available as 2-in-1 units that combine LED strobe lights and a smoke detector, as well as in 3-in-1 units that combine LED strobes with smoke and carbon monoxide detection.Features
- LED strobe lights to provide a visual signal in the event of an alarm
- Strobe light synchronization between two or more units
- Low-profile and attractive design
- Battery backup
- Silence button in case of a false alarm
Installation
When installing LED strobe alarms, it is important that all alarms within sight of one another have their strobe effect synchronized to prevent confusion and disorientation.
Smart detectors
Benefits
A smart detector utilizes wi-fi to send low-battery, smoke, carbon monoxide and sensor alarms to your smartphone or tablet.Features
- All the alarms run through the included app
- Detects different levels of smoke and carbon monoxide
- It is possible to hush the alarm from your phone