Types of Fire Detectors and Their Functions for Building Safety

Fires can happen anytime — even from small causes like short circuits or unattended stoves. That’s why early fire detection is critical. One of the types of fire detectors main components of a fire protection system is the fire detector, which identifies smoke, heat, or flame before a fire spreads.

At Adiwarna Anugerah Abadi, we’ve spent over a decade providing reliable fire protection systems — from design and supply to installation and maintenance — for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.


What Is a Fire Detector?

A fire detector is a device that senses early signs of fire and sends signals to a fire alarm control panel, activating alarms or automatic suppression systems.
It plays a crucial role in early evacuation and preventing severe damage.


Types of Fire Detectors

Jenis-jenis detektor kebakaran pada sistem fire alarm
Types of fire detectors in fire alarm systems
Types of fire detectors in fire alarm systems

🔹 1. Smoke Detector

Detects smoke particles in the air.
Types:

  • Ionization: Detects fast-burning fires.
  • Photoelectric: Detects slow, smoldering fires.

Pros: Early fire detection.
Cons: May cause false alarms in dusty areas.


🔹 2. Heat Detector

Detects sudden temperature rise or fixed high temperature.
Types:

  • Rate-of-Rise (ROR) and Fixed Temperature detectors.

Pros: Reliable in harsh environments.
Cons: Reacts slower compared to smoke detectors.


🔹 3. Flame Detector

Detects UV or IR radiation emitted by open flames.
Pros: Fast response to real flames.
Cons: Ineffective for smoke-only fires.


🔹 4. Gas Detector

Detects combustible or toxic gases like LPG, CO, CH₄.
Pros: Prevents fire risk from gas leaks.
Cons: Limited to specific gases.


🔹 5. Beam Detector

Uses infrared beams between transmitter and receiver; alarms trigger when smoke disrupts the beam.
Pros: Perfect for large open areas.
Cons: Requires periodic calibration.


How to Choose and Install the Right Detector

  • Choose based on room type and risk level.
  • Combine smoke, heat, and flame detectors for complete coverage.
  • Follow NFPA 72 and SNI 03-3985 standards.
  • Test and maintain regularly at least twice a year.

Adiwarna Anugerah Abadi Services

We provide comprehensive fire protection solutions including:

  • Design & Engineering
  • Supply
  • Installation
  • Testing & Commissioning
  • Service & Maintenance

📞 Phone: +62 21 2902 0216
📧 Email: sales@adiwarna.co.id | corpsecretary@adiwarna.co.id
🏢 Head Office:
Perkantoran Mutiara Taman Palem No.53,
Jl. Outer Ring Road Cengkareng, West Jakarta 11730

🔔 CTA: Contact our fire safety experts for consultation and system installation today.

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marcus nugraha

I am a fire protection expert with a background in Materials Engineering from ITB. Through the articles on this website, I will share my knowledge and experience to help people create fire protection systems.