Heat Detectors Posts

Sometimes we like to speculate about security system sensors and equipment that, for whatever reason, has yet to be announced for built by manufacturers. Today, we're going to discuss some sensor ideas that we wish existed in reality, but for now only remain ideas inside of our own heads.

Keep in mind that while these ideas may seem very plausible and realistic, they are still nothing more than ideas at this point. None of these ideas have been announced or mentioned by manufacturers, and it's likely that these concepts may never become a reality. This is just for fun, and we're merely floating around ideas. Don't get your hopes up and expect these sensors to be available on our website any time soon. And if you happen to be a manufacturer reading this, then take notes, as we think these products could be big hits.

PowerG Heat Sensor

The PowerG lineup is known for its excellent diversity, as it offers sensors of nearly all types. But one sensor that is noticeably absent from this lineup is a standalone heat sensor. We regularly get requests from Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus users who want a fire detection sensor for use in an area where a conventional smoke detector would be prone to false alarms. Such areas can include kitchens, garages, bathrooms, and attics.

We're pretty surprised that Johnson Controls hasn't produced a standalone heat sensor option for their PowerG lineup yet. It could be as simple as making it so that you can disable smoke detection on a dual-function smoke & heat sensor. This is already possible with the Honeywell SiXSMOKE, so we're sure this could be done for the DSC PG9936 as well. On that note, we would also love to see a PowerG equivalent to the Honeywell SiXCOMBO and finally give PowerG System users a truly complete life-safety sensor option with built-in smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detection.

Honeywell SiX Series Recessed Contact

This is another one we're a little surprised isn't already a thing. While Resideo has been somewhat choosy about which sensor types to make available for the Honeywell SiX Series Lineup, most of the omissions are understandable. But the absence of a recessed door and window contact is a bit of a head-scratcher. Resideo has produced many wireless and wired recessed contacts in the past, so we're not quite sure why they would forget to make an encrypted option for the massively popular Lyric Controller. One theory we have its that they are afraid the wireless signal range would be too lackluster.

While quite not as popular as surface-mount contacts due to the hole-drilling that is required, recessed contacts are appreciated by many users who want an aesthetically pleasing install. It's not like Resideo doesn't already know this. We have seen them offer a wide selection recessed contacts in the past. The company previously went out of their way to make the Honeywell SiXMINICT after the standard Honeywell SiXCT was deemed by many to be too bulky. For now, Lyric users remain stuck using non-encrypted devices like the Honeywell 5818MNL if they want to add recessed door and window contacts to their systems.

Qolsys Dual-Tech Motion Sensor

We've gotten the impression in recent times that Qolsys isn't really making their 319.5 MHz S-Line Sensors a top priority, as they instead seem to be focusing on producing the best security panels possible. The most popular sensors for all versions of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus are the PowerG Sensors, which are sold under the DSC banner. And it's very telling that the upcoming Qolsys IQ Hub is expected to only support PowerG Sensors and forgo legacy frequencies entirely. But that doesn't mean that Qolsys 319.5 MHz Sensors don't have their merits, and we think that a Qolsys Dual-Tech Motion Sensor would be quite useful.

A dual-tech motion sensor uses both passive infrared (PIR) and microwave detection technology to sense movement. This is opposed to a standard motion sensor that just uses PIR. The advantage to a dual-tech motion is that both its PIR sensor and its microwave sensor must be triggered before the sensor will activate. This can be crucial for false alarm prevention. Dual-tech motions are also known to offer pet immunity, which is often a major selling point for those with dogs and cats. We have seen dual-tech motion sensors made for many different security systems, and users typically have a decent selection to choose from.

But you're a bit out of luck if you need a 319.5 MHz wireless dual-tech motion, as Qolsys never seemed to make one. That's a bit of a letdown, especially considering that the 319.5 MHz version is the most popular model of the IQ Panel 2 Plus. At least the DSC PG9984P remains an option for that system, as well as any other system that can support PowerG.

More Fall Detection Sensors

Nortek Control changed the game for medical alert sensors when they introduced the 2GIG F1-345 Personal Safety Pendant with fall detection technology. Qolsys soon followed suit with their own Qolsys IQ Fall Pendant. Both of these sensors have built-in accelerometers for detecting the rapid change in movement that occurs during a slip and fall accident. They also retained the capability of a traditional medical alert button, as a user can press and hold the button to alert the system during an emergency. We thought that emergency fall sensors would become the next big thing.

But oddly enough, the development of new fall detection sensors seems to have stalled. We have yet to Resideo try their hand at a fall sensor with an accelerometer. The same is true for a potential release for the PowerG lineup from DSC. We're not quite sure what the hold up is, as the offerings from 2GIG and Qolsys have proven to be quite successful. Some members of our team have also proposed the idea of having these sensors send a second alert to the system if a prolonged period of no movement occurs following a detected fall, as such a scenario may indicate that the individual has seriously hurt themselves. There has also been talk of using rechargeable batteries for these devices, in order for the sensor to work for a longer time period before a battery replacement is needed.

Right now, these sensors are just ideas. But the best idea of all is to sign-up for alarm monitoring! Alarm Grid offers monitoring plans for all needs and budgets. We recommend checking our monitoring page for more information. If you are interested in getting started, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Sometimes we like to speculate about security system sensors and equipment that, for whatever reason, has yet to be announced for built by manufacturers. Today, we're going to discuss some sensor ideas that we wish existed in reality, but for now only remain ideas inside of our own heads.

Keep in mind that while these ideas may seem very plausible and realistic, they are still nothing more than ideas at this point. None of these ideas have been announced or mentioned by manufacturers, and it's likely that these concepts may never become a reality. This is just for fun, and we're merely floating around ideas. Don't get your hopes up and expect these sensors to be available on our website any time soon. And if you happen to be a manufacturer reading this, then take notes, as we think these products could be big hits.

PowerG Heat Sensor

The PowerG lineup is known for its excellent diversity, as it offers sensors of nearly all types. But one sensor that is noticeably absent from this lineup is a standalone heat sensor. We regularly get requests from Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus users who want a fire detection sensor for use in an area where a conventional smoke detector would be prone to false alarms. Such areas can include kitchens, garages, bathrooms, and attics.

We're pretty surprised that Johnson Controls hasn't produced a standalone heat sensor option for their PowerG lineup yet. It could be as simple as making it so that you can disable smoke detection on a dual-function smoke & heat sensor. This is already possible with the Honeywell SiXSMOKE, so we're sure this could be done for the DSC PG9936 as well. On that note, we would also love to see a PowerG equivalent to the Honeywell SiXCOMBO and finally give PowerG System users a truly complete life-safety sensor option with built-in smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detection.

Honeywell SiX Series Recessed Contact

This is another one we're a little surprised isn't already a thing. While Resideo has been somewhat choosy about which sensor types to make available for the Honeywell SiX Series Lineup, most of the omissions are understandable. But the absence of a recessed door and window contact is a bit of a head-scratcher. Resideo has produced many wireless and wired recessed contacts in the past, so we're not quite sure why they would forget to make an encrypted option for the massively popular Lyric Controller. One theory we have its that they are afraid the wireless signal range would be too lackluster.

While quite not as popular as surface-mount contacts due to the hole-drilling that is required, recessed contacts are appreciated by many users who want an aesthetically pleasing install. It's not like Resideo doesn't already know this. We have seen them offer a wide selection recessed contacts in the past. The company previously went out of their way to make the Honeywell SiXMINICT after the standard Honeywell SiXCT was deemed by many to be too bulky. For now, Lyric users remain stuck using non-encrypted devices like the Honeywell 5818MNL if they want to add recessed door and window contacts to their systems.

Qolsys Dual-Tech Motion Sensor

We've gotten the impression in recent times that Qolsys isn't really making their 319.5 MHz S-Line Sensors a top priority, as they instead seem to be focusing on producing the best security panels possible. The most popular sensors for all versions of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus are the PowerG Sensors, which are sold under the DSC banner. And it's very telling that the upcoming Qolsys IQ Hub is expected to only support PowerG Sensors and forgo legacy frequencies entirely. But that doesn't mean that Qolsys 319.5 MHz Sensors don't have their merits, and we think that a Qolsys Dual-Tech Motion Sensor would be quite useful.

A dual-tech motion sensor uses both passive infrared (PIR) and microwave detection technology to sense movement. This is opposed to a standard motion sensor that just uses PIR. The advantage to a dual-tech motion is that both its PIR sensor and its microwave sensor must be triggered before the sensor will activate. This can be crucial for false alarm prevention. Dual-tech motions are also known to offer pet immunity, which is often a major selling point for those with dogs and cats. We have seen dual-tech motion sensors made for many different security systems, and users typically have a decent selection to choose from.

But you're a bit out of luck if you need a 319.5 MHz wireless dual-tech motion, as Qolsys never seemed to make one. That's a bit of a letdown, especially considering that the 319.5 MHz version is the most popular model of the IQ Panel 2 Plus. At least the DSC PG9984P remains an option for that system, as well as any other system that can support PowerG.

More Fall Detection Sensors

Nortek Control changed the game for medical alert sensors when they introduced the 2GIG F1-345 Personal Safety Pendant with fall detection technology. Qolsys soon followed suit with their own Qolsys IQ Fall Pendant. Both of these sensors have built-in accelerometers for detecting the rapid change in movement that occurs during a slip and fall accident. They also retained the capability of a traditional medical alert button, as a user can press and hold the button to alert the system during an emergency. We thought that emergency fall sensors would become the next big thing.

But oddly enough, the development of new fall detection sensors seems to have stalled. We have yet to Resideo try their hand at a fall sensor with an accelerometer. The same is true for a potential release for the PowerG lineup from DSC. We're not quite sure what the hold up is, as the offerings from 2GIG and Qolsys have proven to be quite successful. Some members of our team have also proposed the idea of having these sensors send a second alert to the system if a prolonged period of no movement occurs following a detected fall, as such a scenario may indicate that the individual has seriously hurt themselves. There has also been talk of using rechargeable batteries for these devices, in order for the sensor to work for a longer time period before a battery replacement is needed.

Right now, these sensors are just ideas. But the best idea of all is to sign-up for alarm monitoring! Alarm Grid offers monitoring plans for all needs and budgets. We recommend checking our monitoring page for more information. If you are interested in getting started, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

For users looking to add smoke and heat detectors to their wireless systems, there are always some great options to consider. Of course, the specific models you can choose from will depend which alarm panel you are using. We're here to present the best options for some popular systems.

For this list, we are presenting our favorite combination smoke and heat detector and standalone heat detector for each system. Combination smoke and heat detectors are what you should use in most locations of your home or business. During a fire, smoke is usually detected before heat, so a combination sensor will rely on smoke detection as its primary method for detecting fires. Heat detection serves as a good backup to smoke detection.

But there are some rooms of a home where it is better to use standalone heat detectors. This is because using a regular smoke detector in these rooms could result in false alarms due to excessive dust, moisture, or smoke that is normally present. Examples of rooms where a standalone heat detector is often a better option include kitchens, attics, garages, and bathrooms. Remember that standalone heat sensors are one-and-done devices, and they must be replaced after activation. Do not test them using a hair dryer!

Below are our favorite smoke and heat detector options for various systems:

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus (319.5 MHz)

Smoke & Heat: DSC PG9936

Standalone Heat: Interlogix HDX-135

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus (345 MHz)

Smoke & Heat: DSC PG9936

Standalone Heat: Honeywell 5809SS

Honeywell Lyric Alarm System

Smoke & Heat: Honeywell SiXSMOKE

Standalone Heat: Honeywell 5809SS

2GIG GC3e & 2GIG GC2e

Smoke & Heat: 2GIG SMKT8e-345

Standalone Heat: Honeywell 5809SS

If you need any help setting up your new Alarm Grid Security System, or if you are interested in learning more about our monitoring services, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

For users looking to add smoke and heat detectors to their wireless systems, there are always some great options to consider. Of course, the specific models you can choose from will depend which alarm panel you are using. We're here to present the best options for some popular systems.

For this list, we are presenting our favorite combination smoke and heat detector and standalone heat detector for each system. Combination smoke and heat detectors are what you should use in most locations of your home or business. During a fire, smoke is usually detected before heat, so a combination sensor will rely on smoke detection as its primary method for detecting fires. Heat detection serves as a good backup to smoke detection.

But there are some rooms of a home where it is better to use standalone heat detectors. This is because using a regular smoke detector in these rooms could result in false alarms due to excessive dust, moisture, or smoke that is normally present. Examples of rooms where a standalone heat detector is often a better option include kitchens, attics, garages, and bathrooms. Remember that standalone heat sensors are one-and-done devices, and they must be replaced after activation. Do not test them using a hair dryer!

Below are our favorite smoke and heat detector options for various systems:

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus (319.5 MHz)

Smoke & Heat: DSC PG9936

Standalone Heat: Interlogix HDX-135

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus (345 MHz)

Smoke & Heat: DSC PG9936

Standalone Heat: Honeywell 5809SS

Honeywell Lyric Alarm System

Smoke & Heat: Honeywell SiXSMOKE

Standalone Heat: Honeywell 5809SS

2GIG GC3e & 2GIG GC2e

Smoke & Heat: 2GIG SMKT8e-345

Standalone Heat: Honeywell 5809SS

If you need any help setting up your new Alarm Grid Security System, or if you are interested in learning more about our monitoring services, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Suffering from a serious house fire is an unfortunate reality that many people experience every single year. Understanding the most common causes of house fire can help you take preventive measures and stay prepared. With our helpful tips, you can prevent a serious fire in your home!

As a homeowner, it is your duty to make sure that your house is equipped to detect a fire and receive a prompt emergency response. This means installing an alarm system and programming enough smoke and heat detectors to cover the entirety of your house. You should have at least one smoke detector on every floor of your house. There should also be a smoke detector inside each bedroom, as well as inside each large central area, such as living rooms and dens. Hallways are also great locations for smoke detectors. Meanwhile, you can install standalone heat detectors inside areas not suitable for smoke detectors, such as kitchens, garages, attics and bathrooms.

However, a smoke and heat detector won't actually stop a fire from occurring. It will only alert you and/or a central monitoring station to a fire that is already in progress. That is why you need to take proper precautions to prevent fires in your home. If you know how most fires occur, then you can properly do you part to prevent them. With that out of the way, here are the top 10 causes for house fires and ways that you can prevent them.

10. Household Lighting

A light bulb housed inside a glass lighting fixture or light globe has the potential of starting a fire if it is not set up properly. This is especially true if it is very close to a lamp shade or something flammable. Also, knocking over a lamp onto the carpet can cause a fire if you are not careful.

Solution: Make sure to use light bulbs that comply with the recommended wattage specification of the lighting fixture. Also try not to leave lights left on overnight or while you are away. And remember to not place anything flammable around your lights and light bulbs!

9. Flammable Liquids

Many fires in the home occur to the careless use of flammable liquids. This usually concerns fuels such as gasoline or kerosene. However, some fires even occur due to rubbing alcohol or liquor that has been spilled and exposed to an open flame.

Solution: Always label your flammable liquids, and put them in a safe area away from heating sources and open flames. Make sure the other members of your household know not to use these liquids outside of their intended purposes.

8. Outdoor Barbecues

Barbecues are a lot of fun, but they can also turn into a fire hazard! A malfunctioning or greasy grill can cause a fire, as can general carelessness. A gas or propane leak can also result in a serious fire. If the fire manages to reach a tablecloth or household wall, disaster can strike.

Solution: Never use faulty or barbecue equipment, and make sure your grill is cleaned regularly. Always supervise your grill station while cooking to make sure a fire does not occur. You might also consider using natural gas and propane detectors. You might also consider the 2GIG STVGRL1-345 for compatible systems to make sure you do not leave your grill on.

7. Christmas Trees

Christmas trees are a must-have for the holiday season! But they can result in a house fire if you aren't careful. This is especially true if you have a dried-out tree that is surrounded by Christmas lights. Keep in mind that this can potentially happen with any holiday lights!

Solution: Keep your Christmas tree hydrated by watering it regularly and removing any dead wood from the trunk that would prevent it from soaking up water. Make sure you turn off your lights when you go to sleep. If you really want to be careful, just get an artificial fire-safe Christmas tree.

6. Candles

Candles smell great, and they really brighten up a room. But they are also an obvious fire hazard. Some carelessness can quickly result in a house fire and some expensive damage!

Solution: Never leave candles unattended, and make sure you put them out before you leave or go to sleep. Also remember to keep them away from flammable objects like tissue boxes and books. And be sure to avoid knocking a candle over!

5. Electrical Appliances

Many electrical appliances like toasters and clothes dryers can cause fires. This is often the case when the appliance has access to something flammable nearby, such as paper towels or cotton.

Solution: Check your appliances regularly, and replace them if they are faulty. Make sure to supervise your electrical equipment when it is in use. It is also a good idea to keep up with proper maintenance, including cleaning the lint trap in your dryer.

4. Curious Children

If there are children in your household, then they might be curious to know what happens if an object catches fire. A silly mistake or genuine curiosity could result in the end of your home.

Solution: Teach your kids fire-safety at an early age, and make sure they understand the consequences of playing with fire. Supervise younger children, and make sure they are not putting your home at risk. You might even want to enroll your children in a fire-safety class at a school or with your local fire department. Make it a family activity, and consider it a good learning experience for yourself as well.

3. Smoking Indoors

It's your home! If you want to smoke indoors, then that is your right. But just be aware that it can lead to a fire if you aren't careful. Many fires occur in bedrooms while smoking. This is often the case when the person smoking is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Solution: To be extra cautious, you should restrict smoking to outdoor areas only. If you really want to smoke indoors, try to avoid doing it in bed or around flammable objects. Better yet, take up vaping, or quit the habit altogether.

2. Heating Equipment

We get it - you need your heater to get through those rough winter months! Maybe you even have a Japanese-style kotatsu that you absolutely love? But that comfort device can quickly result in a fire if you aren't careful.

Solution: Keep your space heating devices away from flammable items and objects like laundry and curtains. Avoid knocking these devices over, and don't use them while unattended. And if you have a furnace, have it inspected regularly!

1. Cooking

Most fires occur in the kitchen due to cooking accidents. It really shouldn't come as much of a surprise. The kitchen is the number one source of fires in the home.

Solution: We would love to tell you to just eat out and avoid cooking altogether. But that isn't really feasible. Instead, we'll just have to give you the same old message as always. Follow safe cooking practices, and never leave your oven or stove unattended. Also make sure to install heat detectors in your kitchen. Maybe take a cooking class if you have a tendency to burn dinner!

If you have any questions about fire-safety, you can always reach out to us for help! The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. Just remember that we usually only respond to emails during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!