Smoke Detectors Market: Diverse and Trending Product Types

By Akhil Nair

At a low cost, and potentially saving thousands of lives every year, a smoke detector or alarm is essential for early fire detection. During a fire, deadly gases and smoke spread faster and farther than heat. With most fatal fires happening when the occupants are asleep, there is inadequate time to escape. In this regard, a fire detector or alarm guards around the clock, alerting the occupants upon detecting smoke, through a shrill alarm.

Further, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in residences with no smoke alarms. For instance, as per stats, around 2000 people die annually in residential fires in the United States. This has facilitated the implementation of residential safety standards. Additionally, the growing concerns regarding fire safety have prompted certain guidelines, which, according to Inkwood Research’s analysis, is one of the main growth drivers of the global smoke detectors market at a CAGR of 7.70%.

Accordingly, the residential segment is set to record the highest CAGR of 8.84% in the global smoke detectors market by end-user. This is because there is a growing focus on fire safety, leading to increased fire and smoke detector use. For instance, in England, a surge in demand is projected in the residential sector since the country witnesses over 600,000 fires annually, resulting in more than 17,000 injuries and 800 deaths, according to statistics.

Smoke Detector Product Types: The Differences

Smoke detectors or alarms are of two main types, categorized by the type of detection sensors, photoelectric and ionization, used in the alarm. At the same time, a smoke alarm can use multiple sensors to warn of a fire.

• Photoelectric Detectors

Photoelectric detectors use a light receptor (photocell) and light beam. Given the smoke chamber configuration type, the increase or decrease of light on the photocell sensor activates the alarm upon detecting smoke particles between the receptor and light.

Photoelectric detectors are more commonly used in homes because they can quickly detect smoke from smoldering fires and burning furnishings & fabrics. As a result, they are increasingly adopted by the residential end-user. As per our assessment, the photoelectric detectors are estimated to project the largest market share of 39.40% by 2030.

Accordingly, the thriving residential segment is expected to offer growth opportunities for photoelectric detectors. Particularly, in the Asia-Pacific region, with surging residential building activities. Besides, Inkwood Research predicts that the Asia-Pacific smoke detectors market is expected to record the highest CAGR of 8.75% by 2030. This is attributed to the development of small & medium cities and the provision of low-cost housing programs in the region.

• Ionization Detectors

Ionization detectors have a chamber with two plates that produce a small, continual electric current. The smoke particles disrupt the current flow while entering the ionization chamber, thereby setting off the alarm. Ionization detectors are extensively used in residential properties, since they are more responsive to flaming fires.

• Dual-Sensor Detectors

Dual-sensor detectors entail ionization and photoelectric elements. They adapt according to the environmental changes, automatically adjusting the alarm systems. They continually look for evidence of heat and smoke. If smoke is detected without heat, it will check for the heat component. Nevertheless, it sends an alarm to the fire panel. Similarly, if smoke and heat are detected, a signal is automatically sent to the fire alarm panel since this is evaluated as a verified response.

According to our estimations, dual-sense detectors are the fastest-growing product type, recording a CAGR of 10.87% by 2030. However, their use is based on the type of application. For instance, dual-sensor smoke detectors are increasingly preferred in healthcare institutions. These institutions entail several rooms and departments like wards and pharmacies that need reliable and efficient smoke detection systems, owing to the presence of people, medicines, and combustible equipment.

Moreover, BRK Brands Inc, Johnson Controls International, Honeywell International Inc, Carrier Global Corporation, etc., are among the eminent companies in the global smoke detectors market, offering the aforementioned products.

Smoke Detector Products: What’s Trending?

Since fire safety is crucial in all buildings, the rising construction projects have raised the need for smart smoke detectors. They are used for precise information regarding possible fire accidents. Also, they can send alert messages to the smartphone, unlike traditional smoke detectors. They are linked to home security systems and monitored by a central station that alerts the fire department and owner when the alarm is triggered. Besides, they can also send alerts despite low battery charge levels. Additionally, some models have carbon monoxide (CO) detection capabilities.

Furthermore, laser smoke detectors have gained popularity in recent years, given their ultra-sensitivity. They are deployed in locations needing early fire detection. They are designed to detect a fire’s first symptoms, and their sensitivity is a hundred times higher than the traditional ones. They are reliable, easy to install & maintain, and efficient, and can reduce the time taken to extinguish the fire due to early detection. Such trending product developments are estimated to benefit the global smoke detectors market growth. Particularly with their growing need in commercial, manufacturing, and industrial end-users.