Heat alarm
The Technical Handbook – Domestic, published by Scottish Ministers to provide guidance on the Scottish Building Standards suggests there are 4 main types of fire detector used in dwellings:
- Optical smoke alarms.
- Ionisation smoke alarms.
- Multi sensor alarms.
- Heat alarms.
It is important that the right type of detector is used for different situations, as false alarms can result in occupants disabling fire detection and fire alarm systems.
The most common causes of false alarms are:
Heat alarms have fixed-temperature elements and respond to the temperature of the fire gases in the immediate vicinity of the heat alarm. They are used where ambient temperatures are likely to fluctuate rapidly over a short period, such as in kitchens, and are less likely to produce false alarms. Elsewhere, heat alarms should not be used instead of smoke alarms to reduce unwanted false alarms.
The Scottish Building Standards require that at least 1 heat alarm is installed in every kitchen.
Heat alarms should conform to BS 5446: Part 2: 2003 Fire detection and fire alarm devices for dwellings. Specification for heat alarms.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Carbon monoxide.
- Carbon monoxide detector.
- Fire and rescue service.
- Fire dampers.
- Fire detection and alarm system.
- Fire detector.
- Fire.
- Intruder alarm.
- Ionisation smoke alarms.
- Multi-sensor alarm.
- New requirements for fire detection and alarm network systems IP 12 13.
- Optical smoke alarm.
- Over £1 billion lost every year due to false alarms.
- Smoke detector.
- The causes of false fire alarms in buildings.
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.