10 Nov
Smoke detectors are an essential component to any building or home. It’s important to know how they work and how to take care of them because smoke detectors save lives. Smoke detectors helps keep people safe and make sure that there are no hazards present in a building. In this article, you will learn about the different types of smoke detectors and how to manage and dispose of them properly.
Smoke Detectors vs. Smoke Alarms
Contrary to popular belief, smoke detectors and smoke alarms are different things. According to the Ohio Board of Building Standards, smoke alarms are able to identify a fire through the detection of smoke and include an alarm that is integrated within a single unit.
On the other hand, smoke detection systems are made up of separate smoke detection devices that are all connected to a central alarm panel. Once this central control panel is notified that something has changed, like a sign of smoke or heat, it begins an emergency process that will notify local and remote authorities and begin sounding off and flashing.
Most Common Smoke Detection Technology
The two most common smoke detection technologies are photoelectric and ionization.
Photoelectric detectors use light to detect fires through a light-sensing chamber. When the alarm detects smoke, it deflects an LED light into a photosensor. When the light hits the photosensor, an alarm begins to sound. Photoelectric detectors are best for smoldering fires, and are considered to be more effective because of this.
Ionization detectors are typically more responsive to flaming and fast-burning fires. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, “Ionization-type smoke alarms have a small amount of radioactive material between two electrically charged plates, which ionizes the air and causes current to flow between the plates.” Once smoke enters, the ions are disrupted and the alarm sounds.
Although photoelectric detectors are considered more effective, it’s best to have both in your building. There are also dual sensor detection systems that combine these two detection technologies into one device.
Managing Systems
Detection systems vary depending on if you are in a home or building.
In homes, smoke detectors or alarms usually make an audio or visual signal whenever they sound.
Smoke detector systems in commercial spaces are typically connected to a fire alarm control panel. These control panels are part of a bigger fire alarm system, comprised of horns, sounding strobes, or other devices like these. Smoke detector systems provide the benefit of being able to be monitored remotely. Integrate your existing smoke detector system into Particle Space’s Smart Building platform for advanced monitoring and control in one easy cloud platform.
How to Get Rid of Old Detectors
There are different disposal methods depending on what kind of smoke detector it is.
Photoelectric detectors can be put in the trash as long as you take the battery out first.
With ionization detectors, they do contain a small amount of radioactive material that can be dangerous if the detector breaks and the material becomes exposed. Some hazardous waste collection sites may take in these detectors. Some manufacturers take back old or used ones, so be sure to check and see if your smoke detector manufacturer will take yours back.
Best Smoke Detectors of 2020
The following smoke detectors were rated very highly this year by different companies, such as Safety.com, Business Insider, and SafeWise:
1. First Alert Hardwire Photoelectric and Ionization Smoke Alarm
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