Sigfox Smoke & Fire Alert system:Working,Benefits,Limitations,Solution Providers

Introduction : Fires and smoke are among the most dangerous and unpredictable threats to homes, businesses and public infrastructure. Traditional smoke detectors and fire alarms serve a crucial role they often depend on wired systems, regular maintenance and may not provide remote visibility.

A Sigfox-based Smoke & Fire Alert System combines proven smoke/heat detection devices with the Sigfox 0G LPWAN network to deliver real-time alerts, remote monitoring, and improved responsiveness. Devices in such systems can transmit event data via Sigfox to cloud based platforms, which then notify homeowners, property managers or emergency services even when occupants are away.

Sigfox Smoke & Fire Alert system Architecture & Working

The system consists of smoke detectos, heat sensors or combination sensors with sigfox radio module, Sigfox Base station/Gateway, Cloud/Backend and user/response layer.

Following points describe working of the system.

• Smoke detectors, heat sensors or combination sensors detect the smoke or fire. When sensor is triggered, it sends a small message to sigfox network. The sigfox end device housing sensors also emit local alarm (Audible + Visual) so that people in-room are immediately alerted.
• The message received by network is forwarded to sigfox backend.
• The message is processed at backend and corresponding notifications (SMS, Email, App push) is being sent to the user. For professionally monitored alarms, the backend might interface with security services, fire departments, property managers etc.
• Based on alert, the user (homeowner, facility manager etc.) may respond (call fire brigade, evacuate) or schedule maitenance.

Advantages of Sigfox Smoke & Fire Alert system

Following are some of the benefits of Sigfox Smoke & Fire Alert system.

1. Alerts ensure someone is notified beyond the audible alarm. This helps if occupant is away or if a facility is unstaffed.
2. It serves as backup when typical infrastructure (e.g. wi-fi, ethernet, cellular) is down.
3. It is cost effective for remote or dispersed sites where cellular/wifi may be weak or expensive.

Disadvantages of Sigfox Smoke & Fire Alert system

Following are some of the limitations of Sigfox Smoke & Fire Alert system.

1. Sigfox is not real-time. This will be a concern for critical facilities.
2. Smoke detectors are always balancing detection sensitivity vs. false positive risk. Too sensitive causes nuisance alarms. Combining smoke and heat sensors will help.
3. Devices must be protected against tampering and communications must be secure.

Key Solutions provider

Conclusion: These Sigfox based fire alert systems are especially valuable in situations where wired communications are unreliable or unavailable e.g. older buildings, remote locations, or where backup connection is needed.