Smart Home

What does IoT mean?

Every day, most of us come into contact with IoT technology in some way. But what does IoT mean, how does it work and what part does it have to play in fire safety?

IoT stands for the ‘Internet of Things’ and encompasses a whole range of objects – from smart alarms to self-driving cars, fitness devices and even fridges.

The term was reportedly first used by Proctor & Gamble in 1999 to “attract senior management’s attention to a new exciting technology.”

In its simplest terms, the IoT is a giant network of connected things and people which collects and shares data about the way each are used and the environment around them.

How does the Internet of Things work?

What does IoT mean?

Smart ‘things’ have built-in sensors that connect to the internet and use an IoT platform to send and receive information to make a thing smarter and more efficient.

The IoT platform then acts as a middleman, integrating data from various connected things and applying analytics to streamline and share information it considers valuable with an application, to improve a user experience.

These IoT platforms can be a useful, powerful tool to detect patterns, make recommendations and detect problems or risk before an incident occurs.

What are IoT sensors?

What does IoT mean?

The same way our senses allow us to understand the world around us, sensors enable machines and objects to collect information about their environments.

Sensors can measure almost anything, including temperature and humidity, moisture, air quality, motion and light. When connecting these sensors with the internet, data can be collected from the environment to gather insight and drive action.

How could IoT improve fire safety?

Taking the example of an ‘intelligent’ smoke alarm, there are endless possibilities of how the IoT could be used to create smarter, safer cities of the future.

For example, a smoke alarm that’s connected to the IoT detects a fire and goes into alert mode. This could then automatically trigger:

  • The extractor fans to turn on
  • Any cooking appliances to turn off
  • Any sprinkler or mist systems to turn on
  • Lights or escape lights to turn on

With IoT sensors in place, data such as where a fire started, how far it has spread and how quickly it is moving can be easily collected. All this information can be sent to local fire departments’ computer systems, which can then organise their own proportionate response.

By understanding the exact nature of a fire, a smart IoT enabled fire system could deploy different safety measures to minimise damage to the wider building. It’s even possible that drones or robots will be despatched to help fight fires in the future.

FireAngel and the IoT

What does IoT mean?

FireAngel’s Pro Connected App features unique Predict® technology that actively monitors the fire risk of a property. If you have a FireAngel Gateway and App installed for your network, you can list numerous addresses and use Predict® to monitor the fire risk of an elderly relative or dependant’s home. If their fire risk is at a dangerous level, it allows you to make behavioural changes to reduce the risk.

Find out more about Pro Connected or discover our smart app for enhanced sensing, multiple installation styles and the option to enable alerts or tests via your mobile.