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Optical Smoke Alarms
Advanced detection technology responds swiftly to the fires that pose the greatest risk to your family. A photoelectric smoke alarm detects smouldering fires faster than traditional systems, providing crucial early warning when seconds matter most. Photoelectric Technology Explained Optical sensors use light beam interruption to detect smoke particles. When smoke enters the detection chamber, it scatters infrared light onto a photocell, triggering the alarm. This method excels at identifying larger smoke particles from slow-burning fires. Smouldering fires produce dense smoke long before flames appear. Furniture, carpets, and bedding create these dangerous conditions that can fill rooms with toxic gases while occupants sleep. Less prone to false alarms compared to other detection methods, optical alarms are less likely to activate from cooking fumes or shower steam. Modern optical sensors incorporate advanced algorithms that distinguish between genuine fire conditions and harmless environmental factors. This intelligent processing reduces nuisance activations and maintains high sensitivity to real threats. Optimal Application Areas Living rooms benefit from optical detection due to soft furnishings that create smouldering fire risks. Sofas, curtains, and carpets can burn for extended periods before producing visible flames, generating dangerous smoke concentrations. Bedrooms require optical alarms positioned away from windows and air vents to prevent false alarms from drafts. Central ceiling placement provides optimal smoke detection coverage throughout the sleeping area. Hallways and escape routes need immediate fire notification to ensure safe evacuation. Optical alarms positioned in these critical pathways provide early warning that allows occupants to exit before smoke obscures visibility. Office spaces containing paper, electronics, and furnishings benefit from optical detection. These materials typically produce smouldering fires that generate substantial smoke before temperature rises significantly. Product Selection The Kidde 29HD offers proven reliability with optical sensor technology. This unit combines affordability with essential features including low battery warnings and test button functionality. Sealed battery options eliminate maintenance concerns for property managers. The UltraFire ULLS10 provides 10-year operation without battery replacement, ideal for rental properties or hard-to-reach locations. Interconnected optical alarms create comprehensive protection networks. When combined with heat detection systems, these sensors provide complete fire safety coverage tailored to each room's specific risks. Professional-grade units meet commercial installation requirements and offer residential applications enhanced features. These systems often include remote testing capabilities and diagnostic functions. Our optical alarm range encompasses solutions for every property type and budget. Expert guidance helps you select appropriate models for your specific application requirements. For installation guidance and positioning advice, consult our professional installation guides. Proper placement maximises detection effectiveness and minimises false alarm potential. Invest in proven detection technology that prioritises your family's safety. Explore our photoelectric smoke alarm selection and discover the protection advantages of modern optical sensing systems. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Why are optical smoke alarms better than ionisation detectors? An optical smoke alarm is superior to ionisation models because it responds faster to smouldering fires that produce large smoke particles, while being less prone to false alarms from cooking. Where should photoelectric smoke alarms be installed? Photoelectric smoke alarms work best in bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways where smouldering fires are most likely, positioned centrally on ceilings away from air vents and windows. Do optical smoke detectors work in dusty environments? Optical smoke detectors can experience reduced sensitivity in very dusty conditions, so regular cleaning and maintenance are important to ensure proper operation in challenging environments. How often should optical smoke alarms be tested? Testing optical smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button is recommended to ensure proper operation, with additional checks using smoke detector test aerosols annually.
Read more about optical smoke alarms...
10 Year Longlife Battery Optical Smoke Alarm - Kidde 10Y29
- FREE delivery
- Battery: Built-in, lasts the lifetime of your alarm - GUARANTEED
- Warranty: 10 year warranty
- Features test and hush buttons
- Low Volume Test feature
- Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 (Grade F1 installations)
- Kitemarked to BS EN 14604: 2005
Battery Optical Smoke Alarm - UltraFire UBS1
- Battery: 9V alkaline battery (included)
- Warranty: 10 year warranty
- Large test and hush button
- High performance optical sensor
- Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F2 installations
- Certified to BS EN 14604: 2005
Battery Optical Smoke Alarm - Kidde 29HD
- Battery: 9V alkaline battery (included)
- Warranty: 5 year warranty
- Features test and hush buttons
- Sleek and compact design
- Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F2 installations
- Certified to BS EN 14604: 2005
Battery Optical Smoke Alarm - Kidde 2030-DSR
The Kidde 2030-DSR optical smoke alarm is easy to use and great value, with a low-profile, unobtrusive design. Automatic low battery and end of life warnings which can be silenced for 24 hours.
- Battery: 9 Volt carbon zinc battery (included)
- Warranty: 3 years (product life up to 10 years)
- Optical smoke sensor reduces nuisance alarms
- Simple test & hush button plus LED status indicator
- CE marked and certified to EN 14604: 2005
5 out of 5 stars
View Product
| 1 unit |
£8.99 inc VAT £7.49 ex VAT |
|---|---|
| 50+ units |
£7.75 inc VAT £6.46 ex VAT |
10 Year Longlife Battery Optical Smoke Alarm - Hispec HSABP10
The Hispec 10 year lithium battery operated smoke alarm, has enhanced sensing technology providing continuous protection to detect smoke and give the earliest warning of a potential fire, while minimising false alarms.
- Battery: 10 year sealed lithium battery
- Warranty: 5 year manufacturer's warranty
- Optical smoke sensor suitable for hallways, landings, living rooms, and bedrooms
Battery Operated Smoke Alarm - Kidde 2030-DSR Twin Pack
The Kidde 2030-DSR optical smoke alarm is easy to use and great value, with a low-profile, unobtrusive design. Automatic low battery and end of life warnings which can be silenced for 24 hours.
- Optical smoke alarm twin pack
- Battery: 9 Volt battery (included)
- Warranty: 3 years (product life up to 10 years)
- LED status indicator with a simple test and hush button
- CE marked and certified to EN 14604: 2005
Optical Smoke Alarm with Replaceable 5 Year Alkaline Batteries – FireAngel FA6615-R
- Battery: 2 x AA 5 year replaceable batteries
- Warranty: 5 year warranty
- Suitable for leisure accommodation vehicles
- Reduced volume test function
- Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 (Grade F2 installations)
- Certified to BS EN 14604: 2005
Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm 10 Yr Warranty - Kidde K10SCO
- Product Life: 10 years
- Battery: 2 x AA alkaline battery powered (included)
- Warranty: 10 year warranty
- Combined optical smoke and carbon monoxide detector
- Ideal for hallways, bedrooms, and living rooms
- Voice alarm and sounder: different warning messages for smoke and CO
- Certified to BS EN 14604: 2005 (smoke alarm)
- Certified to BS EN 50291-1: 2018 (CO alarm for domestic use)
Battery Smoke Alarms and Heat Alarm Home Essentials Kit - UltraFire UFUB1KIT
- FREE delivery
- Battery: Alkaline batteries (included)
- Warranty: 10 year warranty
- Large test and hush button
- 2 x optical smoke alarms and 1 x heat alarm included
- Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F2 installations
- CE marked
Kidde 2030-DSR Optical Smoke Alarm & K5CO Carbon Monoxide Detector Special Offer
- Battery powered optical smoke alarm
- Certified to BS EN 14604: 2005 and CE marked
- Battery powered carbon monoxide detector
- Kitemarked to BS EN 50291-1: 2018 and CE marked
Radio-Interlinked Battery Powered Optical Smoke Alarm - UltraFire UBS1RF
- Battery: AA alkaline batteries (included)
- Warranty: 10 year warranty
- Large test and hush button
- Toast-proof sensor
- Wireless interlink up to 50 compatible alarms
- No central control panel needed
- Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F2 installations
- Certified to BS EN 14604: 2005
4.8 out of 5 stars
View Product
| 1 unit |
£22.79 inc VAT £18.99 ex VAT |
|---|---|
| 2+ units |
£21.59 inc VAT £17.99 ex VAT |
Radio-Interlinked Smoke Alarms and Heat Alarm Home Essentials Kit - UltraFire UFUB1RFKIT
- Battery powered with AA alkaline batteries
- Warranty: 10 year warranty
- Large test & hush button
- Wirelessly interlink up to 50 UltraFire UB1RF series alarms
- 2 x optical smoke alarms and 1 x heat alarm included
- Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F2 installations
Battery Optical Smoke Alarm - FireAngel SB1-R
- Battery: 9V alkaline battery (included)
- Warranty: 5 year warranty
- Test and hush feature
- Ideal for areas adjacent to the kitchen
- Optical smoke sensor technology
- Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F2 installations
- Certified to BS EN 14604: 2005
Battery Optical Smoke Alarm - FireAngel SB1-TPR Twin Pack
- Battery: 9V battery powered (included)
- Warranty: 5 year warranty
- Smoke alarm twin pack
- Test and hush feature
- Ideal for areas adjacent to kitchens
- Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F2 installations
- Certified to BS EN 14604: 2005
10 Year Longlife Battery Optical Smoke Alarm - UltraFire ULLS10
Powered by a 10 year sealed lithium battery and featuring an optical smoke sensor specially designed to maximise smoke detection and minimise false alarms, this alarm provides top-class standalone protection.
- Battery: 10 year sealed lithium battery
- Warranty: 10 year manufacturer's warranty
- Optical smoke sensor suitable for hallways, landings, living rooms, and bedrooms
10 Year Longlife Battery Optical Smoke Alarm - FireAngel FA6620-R
- Battery: 10 year sealed lithium battery
- Warranty: 5 year warranty
- Suitable for leisure accommodation vehicles
- Compliant to BS 5839-6: 2019 (Grade F1 installations)
- Certified to BS EN 14604: 2005
10 Year Longlife Battery Optical Smoke Alarm - Ei650
- Battery: Built-in lithium battery
- Warranty: 5 year warranty
- Test and hush buttons
- Battery 'low' warning
- LED power and function indicator
- Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F1 installations
- Certified to EN 14604: 2005
10 Year Longlife Battery Combination Optical Smoke and CO Alarm - FireAngel SCB10-R
- Product Lifespan: 10 years
- Battery: Built-in, lasts the life time of your product
- Warranty: 3 year warranty
- Combined optical smoke and carbon monoxide detector
- Ideal for hallways, bedrooms and living areas
- Sleep Easy™ function
- Kitemarked to EN 14604: 2005 (smoke detection)
- Kitemarked to EN 50291-1 (carbon monoxide detection)
- Suitable for ceiling installation
Kidde 10Y29 Optical Smoke Alarm & K10LLCO Carbon Monoxide Detector Special Offer
- FREE delivery
- 10 year battery powered optical smoke alarm
- Certified to BS EN 14604: 2005
- 10 year battery powered carbon monoxide detector
- Kitemarked and CE marked
Radio-Interlinked Sealed Battery Powered Smoke & Heat Alarms - Hispec RF10-PRO Range
- Battery: 10 year sealed lithium battery
- Warranty: 5 year warranty
- Radio-interlink up to 20 Hispec RF10-PRO Alarms
- Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F1 installations
- Compatible with the Hispec Control Unit and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
- Alarms sold separately
- Compliant with Scottish 2022 and Northern Ireland Landlord 2024 legislation
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What is an Optical Smoke Detector?
Optical smoke alarms, also known as photo-electric smoke alarms, are the most common type of sensor seen in households. This sensor type is suitable for rooms such as living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. These are considerably safer than the previous sensor type, ionisation, as they do not contain any radioactive material. The advanced optical smoke sensor, means that they are less prone to false alarms caused by cooking fumes and steam, making them suitable for being installed near, but never in kitchens or bathrooms.
How do they work?
Optical smoke alarms work by 'seeing' smoke produced by slow smouldering fires, often a result of soft furnishings burning. The alarm works by using the light scatter principle, this is where a pulsating infrared LED operates within the alarm sensor, pulsing every 10 seconds to check for smoke particles. Once smoke particles are detected within the optical chamber, it activates the sounder alerting occupants to the fire. For further visual information on how optical smoke alarms work, please see our handy guide page.
Where Should I fit an Optical Smoke Alarm?
Optical smoke alarms are best situated in rooms where soft furnishings are, such as bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, and landings. Within these rooms, it is recommended by the manufacturer that the alarm is installed on the ceiling, however there are exceptions where smoke alarms can be installed on the wall. The best installation locations are specified in the user manual supplied with any alarm.
How to change the battery in an optical smoke alarm
Changing the battery in an optical smoke alarm all depends on how the alarm is powered. Some optical smoke alarms are powered by a sealed lithium battery and do not require to be changed for the entirety of their 10-year lifespan. After the 10-years, it is strongly recommended that the alarm is replaced in full, as the sensor deteriorates over time, making it less effective in detecting a fire and more likely to false alarm due to contamination.
Other optical smoke alarms are powered by a replaceable alkaline batteries, which through typical use, should be replaced every one to two years. For most of these types of replaceable batteries, the battery compartment can be found on the back of the alarm when removed from the base plate. When replacing a battery, it is key to remember that the replacement battery is one recommended by the manufacturer. Use of batteries which are not recommended, could result in the alarm not functioning as it should, or even fail to power the alarm at all.
The location of your alarm, or more specifically the temperature of the room, can affect the battery life in a smoke alarm. If the temperature is too cold, this affects the battery performance, and may reduce its efficiency.
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