Heat Detector in the Roof Void

[DIYWell]

I'm wondering whether to put a heat detector in the roof void of my house and link it in with the current smoke detectors. I've identified a suitable compatible detector.

What's the current view about detectors in attics?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Dunno about anybody else, but my view is why?

If you've got smoke/heat/fire alarms in the house, what makes you think the loft might be the origin of a fire?

You haven't got a lot of lighting up there, have you?

 

[DIYWell]

Oh you're probably right, it's a low risk environment.

But the things that triggered the thought are:
I used to live on a farm and frequently had mice in the attic in the cold winter and I saw a story on the box recently of a house fire that started in the roof due to rodents chewing the cables.

Looking in the roof void in my office, it has detectors. I guess someone thought it was a good idea. Now whether that was the fire inspector or the contractor who fitted them is another matter.

 

[jj4091]

A few house fires start in the loft, especially electrical fires, so it is probaly a very good idea to instal one & link it to your others.

 

[holmslaw]

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[DIYWell]

A smoke detector should be fitted not a heat detector, heat detectors are only used in smokey locations and have a slower response time. Whatever you do the alarm sounders must be interlinked.

Sorry, you're wrong there. I spoke to the manufacturers who said that heat detectors should be used in roof voids, kitchens and garages otherwise the high dust levels can cause the detector to trigger.

 

[electronicsuk]

A smoke detector should be fitted not a heat detector, heat detectors are only used in smokey locations and have a slower response time. Whatever you do the alarm sounders must be interlinked.

Sorry, you're wrong there. I spoke to the manufacturers who said that heat detectors should be used in roof voids, kitchens and garages otherwise the high dust levels can cause the detector to trigger.

Although you would expect the manufacturer's advice to be correct, I think it's unfair to say that fitting an optical or ionisation smoke detector in a loft void is wrong. You may have problems with dust if you regularly disturb the fibreglass loft insulation, but otherwise, a standard detector should be fine. It will also provide a far superior method of fire detection. In the loft, you would want to sense a smouldering fire such as overheating electrical wiring as quickly as possible. By the time a heat detector has been activated, it's likely to be a little too late.

 

[RF Lighting]

I wouldn't be suprised if your loft got hot enough to trigger a heat detector at the very height of summer.

A smoke detector is what is required in a loft.

 

[holmslaw]

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[DIYWell]

I wouldn't be suprised if your loft got hot enough to trigger a heat detector at the very height of summer.

If I were sticking in a Heat detector I'd go for rate of rise, not an absolute temperature detector.

 

[RF Lighting]

Who was the manufacturer that advised the use of a heat detector? I'd like to ring them tomorrow.

 

[holmslaw]

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[DIYWell]

Did you're manufacturer friend recommend that.

You come across as a self appointed know nothing fire detection expert, why do you need advise from anyone else.

Holmslaw, the insult is unjustified. I know sod all about this topic. If I did then I wouldn't be posting would I?

If I come across as a know it all, I apologize. I am only going on what BRK, the manufacturer of the current detectors told me. I tend to trust folk especially when they are supposed to be experts. Either they have got what they said wrong or the question I asked them was mis-understood. RF, if you want to contact them, they're on 01452 887570.

I'm grateful to the forum for sparking the discussion and I'll try to make some time during to call someone knowledgeable to give me a definitive answer.

Now to go back on topic, my question wasn't about the type of detector but are the views about detectors in roof voids.

 

[jj4091]

Now to go back on topic, my question wasn't about the type of detector but are the views about detectors in roof voids.

I think all the posters, with one exception, have agreed with you that it is a good idea, although as you seem to put more sway in the manufacturers opinion than other posters on here I am unsure what anyone else can tell you. I do not think there is such a thing as a definitive answer unless you put smoke & heat detectors in the loft to cover all scenarios & even that may cause you problems.

 

[holmslaw]

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