That is why we have another type of smoke detector. The second most popular type of smoke detectors are photoelectric detectors. Unlike ionization detectors, these detectors use a light source and a light sensor to detect smoke. Once the smoke enters the detection chamber, the smoke particles block the light beam and partially reflect light onto the sensors.
This in turn trips the alarm. Since many smoldering fires fill the room with dangerous fumes and smoke way before progressing to the open-flame stage, these type of detectors tend to be better at early detection. The only real way to improve your safety is to install both types of smoke detectors in every room where a smoke detector might be necessary.
The truth is, you simply can't predict which type of fire you may encounter. A visual guide to the differences between both smoke alarm types. Ever since the s, all smoke detectors have become affordable enough for almost every homeowner. Now that we have covered the main types of smoke detectors, we need to touch upon different ways of supplying power to the detectors. There are generally two options, both of which work, but one of option is definitely a safer and more reliable choice.
Most detectors out there are powered by batteries. Since smoke detectors in general don't use a lot of power, many of these battery-powered models require very little maintenance on a yearly basis.
However, every battery has a limit and you don't want to find yourself in a fire with a dead smoke detector. There is nothing inherently wrong with battery-powered smoke detectors, but you have to be absolutely vigilant about replacing spent batteries.
The alternative to battery-powered smoke detectors are hard-wired detectors. As their name implies, these detectors are wired straight into your home's electrical system. Generally speaking, this method of supplying power to the entire network of smoke detectors is much more reliable and requires less maintenance. Best of all, while these detectors still require batteries, batteries are not the primary power source. In Massachusetts, homes built between and must have hard-wired interconnected smoke detectors outside the bedrooms and one detector per floor.
Smoke detectors, no matter the type, are your first line of defense against fires. Despite that, many homeowners tends to neglect them. Just by regularly replacing the batteries in your smoke detectors , you are greatly reducing your chances of becoming a victim of a house fire. If you really want to stay on top of this issue, we strongly suggest that you install hard-wired smoke detectors in your next remodeling project.
There is much more to smoke detectors than most homeowners think. The truth is, even in brand new buildings and houses, smoke detection systems can be poorly designed and less effective. Most mains-powered and some battery-powered alarms can be connected to each other so that if one goes off so do the rest.
This means all occupants will be alerted to a fire in your home at the same time. If your home was built after the 1 May , you are required by law to interconnect your smoke alarms. Page Content. Installing smoke alarms Types of smoke alarms Smoke alarm maintenance Preventing false alarms Changing your smoke alarm batteries Smoke alarms for the deaf and hard of hearing Legislative requirements Types of smoke alarms Ionisation and photoelectric smoke alarms There are two main types of smoke alarms for home use: ionisation and photoelectric.
We recommend you install photoelectric smoke alarms in your home. Mains powered or battery operated smoke alarms Smoke alarms connected to volt mains power known as mains powered smoke alarms are required in residential homes: Newly built since Having undergone significant renovations since Sold since October Made available for rent or hire.
In all other homes we recommend the installation of mains powered smoke alarms as they are more reliable. All mains powered smoke alarms must be installed by a qualified electrical contractor. Test button This allows you to check the alarm is working. Hush button Pressing this button silences nuisance alarms for a few minutes — handy if you've burnt the toast and set off the alarm, as it gives you some quiet while the smoke dissipates.
Expiry date A visible expiry date is handy as all smoke alarms have a maximum 10 year service life. Interconnection Most mains-powered and some battery-powered alarms can be connected to each other so that if one goes off so do the rest. Look for the UL stamp on any smoke alarm. Dual smoke alarms combine ionization and photoelectric sensor systems to enhance home safety. Recent research has shown that the standard ionization alarms have been unreliable in multiple tests of slow, smoky fires.
Ionization alarm perform best in fast flaming fires. A combo unit is considered to provide greatest overall safety in either situation.
Smoke particles change the electrical balance of the air. The alarm will sound when the change in electrical balance reaches a preset level. Photoelectric smoke alarms use a beam of light and a light sensor. Smoke particles change the amount of light that reaches the sensor causing the alarm to sound. If you only have ionization alarms, add at least one photoelectric alarm on each level of your home as soon as possible!
How to tell the type of smoke alarms you have: The odds are high that you currently have ionization detectors in your home.
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