Smoke Alarms
By admin
Smoke alarms are an important asset to any home or business. It can mean the difference between life and death. Smoke alarms are designed to warn you of a fire and give you time to exit the building. Early detection of a fire can not only preserve life, but also minimize damage to the structure. Correct placement of a smoke alarm is important. There are two types of smoke alarms to choose from, ionization and photoelectric.
Ionization smoke and heat alarms are most commonly found in residential homes. They are the more inexpensive option of the two. These alarms are designed to detect very hot, fast moving fires. Ionization smoke alarms have two electrically charged plates which contain small amounts of radioactive material. Smoke particles entering into the chamber of the alarm will activate the alarm. This particular type of alarm is easily set off. Smoke from candles, cooking or cigarettes will set this alarm off. Ionization smoke alarms are not recommended near cooking areas as they will go off more often in non-emergency situations.
The second option in smoke alarms is photoelectric alarms. Photoelectric alarms are designed with a light source sensor in the inner chamber. When smoke enters into the chamber it will reflect on to the light sensor and activate the alarm. Photoelectric alarms are more effective at recognizing slow moving fires. Smoldering fires are the most common type of fire detected by photoelectric alarms. Photoelectric alarms are capable of detecting all types of fire, but will not detect fast moving fires as quickly as ionization smoke alarms.
Since both types of battery smoke alarms work differently and have their own specific advantages and disadvantages it is recommended that you have both types installed in your home. Given that photoelectric alarms are less likely to go off while cooking they are ideal for kitchens. Ionization alarms would make sense in bedrooms sense they are more sensitive to smoke and will go off more quickly.
When installing smoke alarms read the manual thoroughly for proper installation. Change the batteries in your carbon monoxide alarms twice a year to ensure they are working. Do not take the batteries out of smoke alarms. Consider investing in an alarm with a hush button that will allow you to deactivate the alarm when a false alarm sounds.