What Is an Optical Smoke Detector?

    An optical smoke detector is a smoke detector that uses a light sensor to detect smoke. Inside the device, a chamber holds a light beam; when smoke particles enter and scatter the light onto the sensor, the alarm is triggered.

    Optical detectors are especially effective at detecting the larger smoke particles produced by slow, smouldering fires - the type most common in homes.

    The PhoneWatch Optical Smoke Detector is a smart optical detector: it is professionally installed and detects smoke, temperature changes and rapidly rising heat. It is also connected to PhoneWatch’s 24/7 monitoring as part of a complete alarm system.

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    PhoneWatch optical smoke detector on a ceiling detecting smoke from a fire below

    Quick Answer: PhoneWatch Optical Smoke Detector

    • Smart optical smoke detection with three-layer fire detection
    • Detects smoke, temperature changes and rapidly rising heat
    • Coverage of 50m² per detector
    • 85dB internal siren; IP55 rated; tamper protection built in
    • Battery life averaging 10 years with battery backup
    • Professionally installed and integrated with your PhoneWatch alarm system
    PhoneWatch smart smoke detector fitted to a kitchen ceiling above a family at home

    Smart Optical Smoke Detection for Your Home

    Our Optical Smoke Detector is a professionally installed, monitored fire detection device designed to identify smoke and dangerous heat changes earlier, even when you’re not at home. It detects smoke, monitors temperature changes and reacts to rapidly rising heat.

    Together, these layers provide earlier warnings and greater peace of mind. Below, we explain how each feature strengthens your home’s fire protection.  

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    Three-Layer Fire Detection

    Detects smoke and dangerous heat changes to identify multiple fire behaviours earlier.

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    Camera Motion Detector

    Smoke verification on all cameras and 24/7 manned Alarm Receiving Centre, ready to coordinate emergency response where required.

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    Instant Transmission to Monitoring Centre

    Alerts our Alarm Receiving Centre immediately, even if you’re asleep or away.

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    24/7 Professional Monitoring

    Your fire protection is continuously supervised, not just dependent on hearing a siren.

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    High-Decibel Internal Siren

    Alerts everyone in the property instantly.

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    Battery Backup Protection

    Continues working during power cuts or storms.

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    Integrated with Your Alarm System

    Part of a connected security ecosystem, combining fire and intrusion protection in one coordinated response.

    Why a Smart Optical Smoke Detector Detects Fire Earlier

    Unlike standalone smoke alarms that only alert occupants inside the property, PhoneWatch’s monitored smoke detector connects directly to a professional response team. This helps reduce emergency response times and ensures action can be taken even if the property is empty.  

    A fire can spread in minutes. PhoneWatch’s Optical Smoke Detector is professionally installed and connected to our 24/7 Monitoring Centre, helping ensure rapid response when smoke is detected, even if you’re not at home.  

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    How Optical Smoke Detection Works  

    Optical smoke detection uses a sensing chamber with a light beam. When smoke enters the chamber, it scatters the light onto a sensor. Once smoke reaches a certain concentration, the alarm is triggered.   

    Smoke enters the sensing chamber 

    Beam is disrupted by smoke particles 

    Sensor detects scattered light and the local alarm sounds  

    Signal is transmitted to the PhoneWatch Monitoring Centre  

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    Where Should Smoke Detectors Be Installed in Your Home?

    For effective fire protection, smoke detectors should be installed in key areas of your home:  

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    Hallway

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    Landing

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    Bedroom

    How PhoneWatch’s Optical Smoke Detector Protects Your Home

     A monitored smoke detector does more than sound like a siren. Below, we explain how each feature directly improves fire safety, reduces potential damage, and strengthens emergency response.  

     

    Smoke Detector Feature

    • How it works

    • Advanced Optical Smoke Detection
      • Detects slow-burning and smouldering fires at an early stage, often before visible flames appear, helping reduce fire spread and property damage.

    • Automatic Alarm Transmission
      • When smoke is detected, an alert is sent immediately to the PhoneWatch Monitoring Centre for rapid verification and response.

    • 24/7 Professional Monitoring
      • Provides continuous supervision so alarms are not dependent solely on occupants hearing the siren.

    • Battery Backup Protection
      • Maintains protection during power outages or electrical interruptions.

    • Tamper & System Supervision
      • Sends alerts if interference or technical issues are detected, helping ensure ongoing reliability.

    • Integrated with PhoneWatch Alarm System
      • Works as part of a complete monitored security and fire protection ecosystem.

    How the PhoneWatch System Responds to Smoke

      When smoke is detected, the response is immediate and coordinated:  

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    Smoke Detected

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    Local Siren Sounds

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    Alert Sent to Monitoring Centre

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    Emergency Coordination if Required

    Interconnection and instant communication

    Installed by our professional team and strategically placed throughout your home, our Optical Smoke Detectors are equipped with advanced sensors that detect smoke at the earliest signs of a fire. But they don't stop there —these smart detectors also sound the alarm if temperatures rise suddenly or excessively.

    What's more, our detectors are interconnected, so if smoke is detected in one area, all alarms will sound, ensuring you and your loved ones are alerted without delay. It's all part of our commitment to providing you with a smart alarm system that prioritizes your safety through seamless communication between devices.

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    Interconnection

    Safety and comfort go hand in hand

    Beyond its unparalleled smoke detection capabilities, this innovative device is also equipped with advanced humidity and temperature sensors, providing you with comprehensive monitoring capabilities right at your fingertips through the PhoneWatch App. 

    Keeping tabs on the humidity and temperature levels in your home, you can ensure optimal living conditions for you and your loved ones. Whether you're ensuring the humidity levels are just right for comfort or keeping an eye on temperature fluctuations to maintain a cozy environment, our smoke detector has you covered.

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    Safety And Comfort

    Professional installation

    Your home's security is not something to take lightly – especially when it comes to installation. Ensuring that your home security system is properly connected, and functioning is essential for the safety of your family and the security of your home. 

    With professional home security installation, you can have peace of mind knowing that your system is set up correctly and ready to go. Our experts handle all the details, ensuring that every component is installed and connected properly. So, you can rest easy knowing that your home and loved ones are protected by a system that's reliable and ready when you need it most.

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    Professional installation

    Build up your system with optional add ons

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      Outdoor HD Security Camera
    • Indoor HD Security Camera
      Indoor HD Security Camera
    • Water Leak Detector
      Water Leak Detector
    • Motion Detector
      Motion Detector
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      Remote Control
    • Smart Plug
      Smart Plug
    • Indoor Siren
      Indoor Siren
    • 180º HD Video Camera
      180º HD Video Camera
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      Video HD Security Doorbell
    • Glass Break Detector
      Glass Break Detector
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      Outdoor HD Security Camera

    • Indoor HD Security Camera

      Indoor HD Security Camera

    • Water Leak Detector

      Water Leak Detector

    • Motion Detector

      Motion Detector

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      Remote Control

    • Smart Plug

      Smart Plug

    • Indoor Siren

      Indoor Siren

    • 180º HD Video Camera

      180º HD Video Camera

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      Video HD Security Doorbell

    • Glass Break Detector

      Glass Break Detector

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    Frequently asked questions about Optical Smoke Detector

    What is an Optical Smoke Detector?

     Our Optical Smoke Detector is an advanced device that visually detects smoke particles. It includes a two-way wireless transceiver for a reliable operation and built-in battery, for 24/7 monitoring. 

    Do I need my alarm armed for the smoke detector to work?

    No. The PhoneWatch Optical Smoke Detector monitors for smoke and heat at all times, whether or not your alarm system is armed. Fire detection does not depend on the alarm being set.

    Are all PhoneWatch Optical Smoke Detectors in the house connected? 

    Yes, if you have multiple smoke detectors and smoke is detected in one room, the alarm sounds, and it immediately activates all smoke detectors to warn you and your family.  

    How do the PhoneWatch Optical Smoke Detector and Camera Motion Detector work together?

    If you have an Optical Smoke Detector in an area with a Camera Motion Detector and smoke is recognised the Optical Smoke Detector and Camera Motion Detector sense the rise in temperature and sound the alarm. The Camera Motion Detector will take images of the incidents and immediately send them to our Alarm Receiving Centre to review. If needed our team will dispatch the fire services. 

    Do I need to regularly change the batteries in the Optical Smoke Detector?

    No, another benefit with our Optical Smoke Detector is that it has a built-in battery that doesn’t need to be replaced often. The average life span of the unit is 10 years. Note that our warranty covers batteries for 3 years. 

    How will I know if there’s a problem with my PhoneWatch Optical Smoke Detector?

    The PhoneWatch team regularly carry out remote testing on all our sensors, including the Optical Smoke Detector, to ensure it is working correctly. If any issues arise, we’ll contact you.

    Terms and conditions

    All inclusive safety and security pack. Monitoring fees apply. Any additional fees charged at standard pricing. For full T&Cs see here.

    Video cameras added to the house alarm pack are an additional cost, a video camera can be added for €100 /€175, which is a 50% discount on the RRP.