Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms have contributed to a 50 percent decrease   in fire deaths since the 1970s according to the National Fire Protection Association. Two types of smoke alarms are common on the market, photoelectric and ionization. Sensors on each detect fires differently.

Photoelectric detectors use a light-emitting diode and a sensor. When smoke particles scatter the light beam, the detector goes off. This type of alarm goes off faster during a slow-burning, low-heat, smoky fire like those resulting from a dropped cigarette.

Ionization smoke alarms are designed to detect a flaming, fast-moving fire that creates a lot of heat. A small amount of radioactivity is used to ionize air in a chamber. The ionized air creates conductivity between electrodes.

Because it’s impossible to predict what type of fire may occur, it is a good idea to have both types of alarms in the house. Remember, ionization alarms will detect kitchen fires, one of the most common types of fires, faster. The Underwriters Laboratories recommends installing the dual-technology smoke alarms. Interconnecting all the alarms so that if one goes off they all go off may also help to alert family members faster.