Smoke Detection Systems

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

FIRE SAFETY

Most homeowners do not know that there are two types of smoke detectors on the market: ionization smoke detectors and photoelectric smoke detectors.

Ionization Smoke Detectors

This type of smoke detector uses ionized particles to detect the presence of smoke. Each ionization smoke detector holds a tiny amount of radioactive material, which is placed between two electrically charged plates. The reaction between these components causes the ionization of air. This in turn creates a current between the two plates.

When smoke gets into the detector, the current is disrupted, and the alarm is triggered. Ionization smoke detectors are known to work better with flaming fires—these are fires with aggressive, open flames. Their effectiveness with other types of fires, such as smoldering fires, is not as great. That is why we have another type of smoke detector.

Photoelectric Smoke Detectors

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. 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 types of detectors tend to be better at early detection.

Different Power Supply Options

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 two options, both of which work, but one of option is definitely a safer and more reliable choice.

Battery-Powered Detectors

Most detectors out there are powered by batteries. Since smoke detectors in general do not 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 do not want to find yourself in a fire with a dead smoke detector. There is nothing inherently wrong with battery-powered smoke detectors, but you must be vigilant about replacing spent batteries.

Hard-Wired Smoke Detectors

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. This method of supplying power to the entire network of smoke detectors is much more dependable and requires less maintenance.

Best of all, while these detectors still require batteries, batteries are not the primary power source. Rather, batteries function as the emergency power source to ensure you are still protected in the event of a power outage.

In Massachusetts, homes built between 1975 and 1998 must have hard-wired interconnected smoke detectors outside the bedrooms and one detector per floor.

How to Make the Most of Your Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors, no matter the type, are your first line of defense against fires. Despite that, many homeowners tend to neglect them. Just by regularly replacing the batteries in your smoke detectors, you are reducing your chances of becoming a victim of a house fire.