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How To Choose A Suitable Smoke Alarm
change your smoke detector
Even the smallest of house fires can fill your home with dangerous smoke in a matter of. It’s critical that you select the proper smoke alarm for your home, have them properly installed and perform regular tests on.
residential smoke detectors come in two types, one is photoelectric, and the other is an [...]
Even the smallest of house fires can fill your home with dangerous smoke in a matter of. It’s critical that you select the proper smoke alarm for your home, have them properly installed and perform regular tests on.
residential smoke detectors come in two types, one is photoelectric, and the other is an ionization detector. In a photoelectric detector a beam of light is aimed into a chamber containing a photocell. Smoke goes into the chamber, which then scatters light, allowing some of the light to reach a photocell and set off the alarm. A smoky fire will normally set off a photoelectric detector sooner than a flaming fire.
Ionization detectors use radiation that ionizes (breaks up) the air inside the unit, and gives it a small electrical charge. Smoke particles reduce this flow of current, and set the device into alarm.
Which model of detector works best? Each type has its pros and cons. A majority of photoelectric units these days are hardwired into your home’s electrical system meaning you will not be protected during a power outage. Ionization models run on house current with a battery back up, but tend to be more susceptible to false alarms. It would be a good idea to use both – an ionization detector in your bedroom hallway, and photoelectric in your main living area.
A general rule is to have a minimum of one smoke detector for every level of your home. You should also keep these guidelines in mind:
Do not install smoke detectors close to the kitchen, furnace, garage, or just outside a bathroom door. Try not to install a smoke detector in an area where there may not be enough circulation, i.e. corners. Install each smoke alarm on a ceiling or on a wall roughly 8 to 10 inches below the ceiling.
Remember to test your smoke detectors monthly. The vast majority of models have a simple button to push that makes this a cinch. some smoke detectors may not have a test button to test them simply light a candle, blow it out and hold the smoking candle about 6 inches below the detector. The smoke should set the unit into alarm.
Replace the batteries in battery-powered smoke detectors annually, on a date that you can easily remember such as your birthday, or the day you set your clocks back. While doing this, use a soft brush to clean the inside of the detector and its vents to ensure the unit’s reliability.
For more information about First Alert smoke detectors
Topics: Interior | 1 Comment »
December 17th, 2008 at 8:31 am
I am a Deputy Chief on the Boston Fire Dept. and I may have some useful additional information on smoke alarms.
As the articles states – “Residential smoke detectors come in two types, one is photoelectric, and the other is an ionization detector.” It is also true that ions are a little faster in flaming fires (by 30 seconds) and photos are faster in smoldering fires (by 30 mins. However since most of the fires that occur while people are sleeping tend to be smoldering fires I would reccomend photelectric alarms throughout the house. There are combination smoke alarms which contain both type of sensors but a combination alarm, like an ionization will be very susceptible to nuisance alarms, with little or no benefit for detecting fires. Some state like Vermont and Massachusetts are starting to restrict the use of ionization alarms.
Both can be hard-wired or battery powered. Some hard-wired also come with a battery back-up. (Most building Coded require this type so that even if the house loses power the occupants are protected.)
The article states – “Do not install smoke detectors close to the kitchen, furnace, garage, or just outside a bathroom door.” However, this is not practical for people in small apartments or mobile homes. Using photelectrics is the best solution for this problem.
If you want information that doesn’t come from a manufacturer got to http://www.bostonfirelocal718.org/.
Please have a safe holiday.