Do you have a smoke detector in your home? Most people do – only 1 in 10 UK households don’t have a smoke detector installed. But did you know that there is another kind of life-saving fire detection system? Temperature sensors are a necessity, but very few households actually have them. Lots of people haven’t even heard of a temperature sensor. This guide will explain what temperature sensors are, why they’re necessary, and how having one could save your life.
What does a temperature sensor do?
A temperature sensor works very similarly to a smoke detector. It’s a small device, usually mounted on the ceiling, that can alert you to a potential fire. When activated, it will sound a loud alarm in the home, giving you and your family time to get to safety.
Here at LifeConnect24, we’re offering temperature sensors that link to your Lifeline Vi alarm, giving you an extra layer of protection. When the temperature sensor is activated, it will also trigger a call to our UK-based Response Centre, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our expert Response Team will contact the alarm owner to assess the situation and, if necessary, we will call the emergency services on your behalf, giving you more time to evacuate the building.
What’s the difference between a temperature sensor and a smoke detector?
It might sound obvious, but a smoke alarm detects smoke, while a temperature alarm only detects heat (or cold). Smoke detectors aren’t suitable for rooms like the kitchen and the bathroom, where steam and cooking fumes can set off the alarm unnecessarily. Temperature alarms are a simple solution – a temperature sensor will activate when the temperature exceeds a certain threshold. Our alarms will activate when the temperature in the room exceeds 42°C for two minutes or more.
Where are temperature sensors required?
As mentioned above, temperature sensors are essential in the kitchen. This is because steam and cooking fumes can damage a smoke detector or set it off by mistake. Temperature sensors are also very useful in the bathroom for the same reasons, although the risk of a fire starting in the bathroom is generally lower.
What about dangerously low temperatures?
Our temperature sensors, created by leading UK manufacturers Tunstall, can also raise the alarm when the temperature reaches a dangerously low level. This is another useful feature for many Lifeline alarm users, especially people with dementia who may not remember to turn on the heating or close the windows during cold weather. The temperature sensor will raise the alarm when the temperature drops below 16°C for two minutes or more. For comparison, the minimum recommended temperature for a living room is 21°C, while the temperature in a bedroom should not dip below 18°C.
Who needs a temperature sensor?
All households should have a temperature sensor in the kitchen. Older people may also wish to install them in the bathroom and in other locations around the house. A temperature sensor offers a few advantages over a standard smoke detector. For example:
- Steam won’t damage a temperature sensor.
- Cooking fumes won’t set it off.
- It can alert you when the temperature gets too low or too high.
Cold weather can pose serious risks for older people, which is why it’s so important to maintain the proper temperature in the home. Equally, house fires pose a greater risk to elderly people, who are more likely to have mobility problems or sensory issues that make it difficult to evacuate the house quickly.
Order your temperature sensor
If you already have a Lifeline alarm and you’d like to add a temperature sensor to your plan, just give our friendly team a call on our freephone number: 0800 030 8999. Alternatively, you can fill in our quick contact form to request a call back.
If you don’t have a Lifeline alarm yet, there’s no need to worry. The ordering process couldn’t be simpler. Just click here to view our pricing plans and select your alarm package.* Then give us a quick call on 0800 030 8999 and ask to include a temperature sensor with your order. All orders come with free next-day delivery via Royal Mail. Just order before 18:30 Monday to Friday, before 12:00 on Saturday, or before 10:00 on Sunday to receive your alarm the very next day.
Our temperature sensors are available for just £49.99 each.
For even better value, order two temperature sensors for just £75 – that’s a 25% saving!
Leave A Comment