HFAD Smoke Detector Supplier & Installer, SCDF Approved for HDB

Overview and Importance of Smoke Detectors

Smoke and heat detectors serve a critical role in fire safety by providing early warning when fire ignites, buying valuable seconds, or even minutes, for evacuation or intervention. 

Places with working smoke alarms experience roughly half the fire-related fatalities compared to those without. As constant monitors, these devices sense developing threats and significantly reduce deaths, injuries, and property damage. 

Whether in residential, commercial, or industrial environments, smoke detectors are indispensable; heat detectors are especially vital in areas prone to false alarms like kitchens. By ensuring round-the-clock detection, these alarms safeguard occupants and assets across all property types.

For optimal performance, always work with a trusted smoke detector supplier and installer who can recommend and position units for your specific environment.

Types of Smoke Detector

As a trusted supplier, we offer two types of smoke detectors in Singapore:

  • Vape Detectors: Vape detectors use laser sensors to detect particulate matter from e-cigarettes, cigarettes, or THC vapours in real time. Ideal for schools, hotels, or workplace restrooms, they provide discreet and swift alerts to enforce no-smoking policies and ensure healthier indoor air.
  • HFAD Smoke Detectors: HFADs are SCDF‑mandated automatic smoke or heat detectors for new or renovated residences. With built-in batteries lasting up to 10 years, HFADs offer reliable early warning in homes and can be integrated into larger residential or light commercial systems for enhanced protection.

Choosing the Right Smoke Detector for Your Needs

When selecting smoke detectors, it’s essential to consider a few important factors:

  • Room type and fire risk: Choose heat detectors for kitchens or garages to avoid false alarms from steam or smoke. Use photoelectric or combination detectors in bedrooms and living rooms to detect smouldering fires early.
  • Environmental factors: In dusty, humid, or high-airflow areas (e.g., near vents), opt for heat or aspirating detectors to minimize nuisance alarms. Avoid placing detectors too close to air diffusers or bathrooms to reduce false triggers.
  • False alarm sensitivity: Dual-technology or combination detectors balance sensitivity to both flaming and smouldering fires, reducing false alarms and improving reliability.

To assess your environment, risk factors, and compliance requirements, you can consult our fire safety experts or certified installers, ensuring optimal smoke detector selection and placement.

Power Sources and Battery Life

Smoke detectors can be powered in two primary ways:

  • Hardwired detectors connect directly to your building’s electrical system and include a backup battery, ensuring continuous operation even during power outages. These units are highly reliable and often interconnect, meaning if one detector senses smoke, all units alarm simultaneously, ideal for comprehensive coverage. Backup batteries typically last around 10 years and should be checked annually to maintain readiness.
  • Battery-powered detectors run solely on batteries, making them simple to install and move. However, they require diligent maintenance, with batteries needing replacement every 6–12 months. Many modern models use sealed 10-year lithium batteries, offering long-term convenience and eliminating regular battery changes. Despite the longevity of the battery, the detector itself should be replaced after 10 years, as sensor sensitivity degrades over time.

Installation Guidelines for Your Smoke Detector

When installing a smoke detector, proper placement is crucial for optimal performance. 

Install smoke detectors on ceilings, ideally centred and at least 10 cm from walls or peaks. Place units in every bedroom, the hallway outside sleeping areas, and on each floor, avoiding kitchens, bathrooms, and vents that may trigger false alarms. Heat detectors are recommended in kitchens or garages.

For installation, begin by identifying suitable locations based on room use. Set up mounting brackets or remodel boxes and run wiring for hardwired units, ensuring power is off. For battery-operated detectors, insert batteries, mount securely, then test functionality. 

Complex, interlinked, or hardwired smoke detectors should be installed by certified professionals or installers. This ensures proper wiring, compliance with regulations, and safe interconnectivity across the system

Maintenance and Testing

Regular upkeep of smoke detectors is vital for dependable performance and occupant safety. Here’s an overview of best practices:

  • Keep units free from dust and obstructions: Clean around detectors every six months and ensure no furniture or coverings block them. Dust buildup and obstructions can delay detection and impair alarm functionality.
  • Monthly testing, cleaning and battery checks: Test your smoke detector monthly by pressing the test button to ensure it sounds. Clean the unit with compressed air or a soft vacuum to remove dust and prevent false alarms. Replace regular batteries annually, or immediately if the detector chirps indicating low power.
  • Annual servicing and faulty unit replacement: Arrange for an inspection of all supplier detectors by a professional supplier once a year. Technicians can assess internal sensors and wiring. Replace any unit showing persistent faults, yellowing, or failing tests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Smoke Detectors

A smoke detector senses airborne particles from smouldering fires and triggers an alarm early, ideal for detecting hidden fires and protecting occupants. In contrast, a heat detector responds only to rising temperatures or rapid heat increases, making it slower but less prone to false alarms in kitchens or garages.

Test your smoke alarm monthly to ensure proper functionality by pressing the test button. Conduct monthly visual inspections and clean dust or debris. Schedule semi‑annual (every six months) functional testing and a comprehensive annual service by professional installers to maintain system reliability, compliance, and occupant safety.

Common causes of smoke detector false alarms include cooking fumes or burnt food, which often trigger alarms when detectors are placed too close to kitchens. Steam from bathrooms or high humidity can also interfere with sensors. Dust, insects, or debris inside the detector may cause erratic signals, while low batteries or expired units can result in repeated chirping or false alerts.

Most smoke detectors, including those approved in Singapore, generally last around 10 years before needing replacement due to sensor degradation. It’s important to check the manufacturing date stamped on the unit and replace it promptly once it reaches its end of life or if it fails testing, even if it still appears operational.

If your smoke alarm goes off but there’s no fire, first silence or reset the alarm by pressing the reset button. Next, inspect for common causes like dust, insects, humidity, or steam, these often trigger false alerts. Clean the unit thoroughly, then test it again. If the alarm persists despite cleaning and proper placement, you can contact our professional installers for a thorough inspection, troubleshooting, or replacement.

Trusted Smoke Detector Supplier in Singapore

At Fire Armour, we take pride in being one of Singapore’s most trusted suppliers of smoke detectors and fire protection solutions. We provide reliable, industry-approved devices that meet local safety regulations, including HFAD smoke detectors for residential use. 

With over four decades of experience, we’ve built a strong track record supported by positive customer reviews across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Our product range caters to varying needs, whether you require basic home units or advanced systems for complex facilities. To support our clients further, we also offer services such as Fire Safety Certificate applications, SCDF submissions, and SCDF/BCA violation rectifications. 

What sets us apart is our commitment to service. We offer expert consultations to help you choose the right detectors, ensure prompt and efficient delivery, and back every product with warranty coverage and dependable after-sales support.

If you’re looking for expert guidance and high-quality smoke detectors in Singapore, contact us today.