Everything You Need to Know About Smoke Detectors

The technology involved in smoke detecting devices is important knowledge that every homeowner should know. If you have a smoke detector in your home, understanding how it works can save your home and family from preventable fires. A functioning smoke alarm will detect a fire faster and notify your family and the fire department quicker.

There are three main types of smoke detectors: photoelectric, ionization, and dual sensing. All three of these types have their own advantages and disadvantages in protection, lifespan, and capability.

Photoelectric

Photoelectric smoke detectors use a light beam to detect the presence of smoke. Photoelectric sensors are best at detecting smoke from slow smoldering fires. These fires originate from items like cigarettes, fireplace embers, and shorted electrical wires. Furniture, carpet, and other types of fabric that catch fire will often create a slow smolder as well.

Slow smoldering fires produce large amounts of smoke as well as toxic gases like carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is invisible and virtually undetectable without the help of a sensor. Investing in a dual smoke and carbon monoxide detector can help identify harmful blazes and carbon monoxide leaks faster.

Ionization

Ionization smoke detectors use ions to identify smoke in the air and are best at detecting fast flaming fires. These types of fires can originate from combustibles that ignite quickly, such as cooking oil, gasoline, and cleaning products. Fast flaming fires are dangerous because they do not produce a lot of smoke and spread much faster.

Ionization smoke alarms are ideal for protecting areas like kitchens, laundry rooms, and other spaces with gas-powered appliances.

Dual Sensing

A dual sensing smoke detector has both a photoelectric and ionization sensor embedded into it. This allows it to detect smoke from both slow smoldering and fast flaming fires.

You cannot predict what type of fire may start in your home. For the most extensive protection, a smoke alarm with dual sensors will provide the highest monitoring level. If you already have one type of smoke detector, you can install a detector of the other type and still get dual protection.

Smoke detectors typically operate through one of three power sources: battery, plug-in, or direct wire.

Battery-powered smoke detectors are convenient, but replacing the battery whenever it runs out can be tedious. A battery for a smoke detector lasts about a year but can run out faster if the alarm ever triggers. Most battery-powered smoke alarms have an audible alert that notifies you whenever the battery is low. If more frequent upkeep is not a problem for you, then a battery-powered smoke alarm will work just as well as other types.

Plug-in smoke detectors are not as common because of outlet accessibility. Most homes do not have outlets close to the ceiling, which is where smoke detection devices best operate from. Plug-in smoke alarms are best for supplemental protection with other detection devices.

Direct wire is the most common and reliable installation method for smoke detectors. Hardwired smoke detectors connect directly to your home’s main electrical supply, which provides continuous power to the device. Most also have a backup battery that allows them to operate even during a power outage.

Most direct wire smoke detectors can provide monitoring capabilities for up to 10 years. For maximum protection, install a hardwired smoke detector with a battery backup.

To increase safety, you can also interconnect your smoke and fire alarms. This means that when one smoke alarm triggers, so will every other one in your household. Interconnected alarm systems alert the whole house rather than just the area where the fire is occurring.

Having a smoke detector in every area of the house ensures that an alarm will detect a fire wherever it starts. There should be at least one smoke alarm on every floor of a home, as well as in kitchens, laundry rooms, and sleeping areas.

Smart alarms are also gaining popularity as a more advanced form of smoke detecting technology. A smart smoke detector links to your phone and provides alerts and notifications through an application. If you have a dual smoke and carbon monoxide detector, smart technology can even measure air quality and toxicity.

HomElectrical offers several types of USI electric smoke detectors, such as the USI hardwired ionization model. Browse our entire selection of smoke detectors and ensure your home’s safety today!