What Are the Different Types of Smoke Detectors?

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

There are two main types of smoke detectors used in homes today, ionization and photoelectric. There is also a third kind called a “dual sensor” that uses both technologies.

Ionization smoke detectors contain a small amount of radioactive material between to electrically charged plates, which ionizes the air and causes current to flow between the plates. When smoke enters the chamber it disrupts the flow of ions, reducing the flow of current which triggers the alarm. These alarms generally respond faster to fast flaming fires.

Photoelectric smoke detectors aim a light source into a sensing chamber away from the sensor. When smoke enters the chamber, it causes the light to reflect onto the sensor which triggers the alarm. These detectors are generally more responsive to smoldering fires.

There is a lot of debate on which detector is best to use in your home, but the reality is that ever fire is different and it’s impossible to predict which kind it will be in the event of a fire in your home. Using a dual sensor alarm or using both kinds of devices in your home will help to eliminate the uncertainty but the most important thing you can do to increase the effectiveness of your home’s smoke detectors is to place them properly in your home and have the correct amount to properly keep you safe. There should be at least one smoke detector on every level of your home and should also be installed in every bedroom and sleeping area.

Smoke detectors are meant to help keep you and your family safe in the event of a fire by notifying you quickly enough that you can get to safety. A quick response in the event of a fire can also help to lessen the amount of damage that the fire causes, however in the event of any fire, you’ll likely need the help of a professional service to clean and repair the damage that’s been caused. SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus is available 24/7, 365 days a year for emergency services should your home experience a fire. Please give us a call or fill out a form online and let us know how we can help get your life back to “Like it never even happened.”