Your Home Should Have at Least 2 Types of Smoke Alarms

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

Deep inside a photoelectric alarm is a tiny, pulsating light

Three Basics Types of Smoke Alarm

Smoke detectors are the single most effective life-saving device in most homes today. Studies show that occupants of homes without a smoke detector in Smiths, KY, more than double their risks of harm compared to properly protected structures. When considering the low price, nothing else you can do for fire safety costs so little.
There are three basic types of smoke alarm:

1. Air sampling alarms
   
2. Photoelectric alarm
   
3. Ionization alarm
   
   

Some Smoke Alarms Take Constant Samples of the Air

The least common smoke detector is the air sampling one. They are usually found in highly sensitive spaces, such as scientific laboratories or certain businesses. However, they are expensive and are probably overkill for most homes.

Photoelectric Alarms

Deep inside a photoelectric alarm is a tiny, pulsating light. When smoke enters the chamber, it diffracts the light, triggering the alarm. This is ideal for detecting larger smoke particles, such as those from smoldering, electrical and furniture fires.

Ionization Alarms Are the Most Common

Hidden securely inside an ionization alarm chamber is an almost microscopic bit of americium 241, an artificial radioactive element. It creates a bridge for an electric current to pass through the alarm unit. When smoke particles interact with the americium, it interrupts the circuit, triggering the alarm.
This type of detector is most effective with small smoke particles, such as paper, wood and grease. It’s the cheapest method of detection, and if you disregard the experts and only have one fire detector, it should probably be one of these.
Some newer devices use both photoelectric and ionization to cover the widest range of fires. Either way, it’s strongly recommended to have both types of smoke alarm. Fires can experience something called a flashover, when an entire room hits a critical temperature and virtually everything erupts in flame. This may leave you with less than two minutes to evacuate safely, so seconds count.
If you have a home fire in Smiths, KY, call a restoration company as soon as possible. They can quickly tarp and cover damaged areas and start working with your insurance agent for a rapid, hassle-free recovery.