A smoke detector or alarm is a device that measures the smoke levels and humidity within the area. It can detect fire and help identify the source of smoke inside the house. The unit is compact, lightweight, and easy to set up. Electronics and radioactive material inside the detector significantly help in detecting as well as preventing the number of emergencies fire can cause. Smoke detectors are available in two types: ionization and photoelectric. Photoelectric smoke detectors detect fires at an early stage. Read our blog to know all about smoke detectors.
How do Smoke Detectors Work?
Ionization Smoke Detectors
These Ionisation smoke detectors have been used for years to detect advanced fires. Wires extend through their positive and negative ends and attach to separate electrodes. Americium-241 element transforms the air molecules between the electrodes into ions. Ionized smoke detectors contain charged ions between the plates to complete the circuit. In the event of a fire, smoke enters the device through slits, and the positive and negative ions seek the smoke. The circuit becomes incomplete which triggers the alarm.
Photoelectric Smoke Detectors
The optical smoke alarm is another name for photoelectric smoke detectors. A smoke alarm will go off if the LED light within the chamber breaks.. These detectors are useful in catching the fire in its early stage. The invisible beam of light which connects both the sensors in these detectors breaks when there’s a lot of smoke.
How to Install a Smoke Detector?
Installing them is easy. All you need is a drill, screwdriver, and a hammer. Read the below-mentioned points to know how to install smoke detectors.
- Secure the bracket to the wall by drilling holes. Attach the alarm to the mounting bracket by twisting it into place
- According to the National Fire Protection Association, you should install both ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors for maximum protection
- Many carbon monoxide detectors work on both ionization and photoelectric detection and are highly efficient
- The detectors need to be interconnected so they all go off at the same time.
- Hard-wired smoke detectors are easy to connect.
It is also important to install a detector outside every room and on every level of a house. Install them at least 10 feet away from the kitchen so that you are not bothered by false alarms.
How Long Do Smoke Detectors Last?
Most smoke detectors like Kidde i4618 Firex can easily last for up to 8 years with proper usage and maintenance. You can consider replacing the alarm batteries after every 6 months. It is good to inspect your smoke detectors after every few months. You can look for the excess build-up of debris and dust around the smoke vents. The vacuum space should be cleaned with the help of a soft brush.
What is the Difference Between a Smoke Alarm and a Smoke Detector?
A smoke alarm is a device that detects smoke and then triggers an audio or visual alarm to inform you about the event. This is an all-in-one device, which means you don't need to connect your smoke alarms with any other system to prevent fire hazards. Smoke alarms are compact and best-suited for personal spaces like homes, offices, and dorms.
A smoke detector is a different device but has similar operations to that of smoke alarms. This device only detects the fire through its mechanism. It is not capable of sounding an alarm. It connects with the other fire alarm system that triggers the alarm when any positive signal is received from smoke detector devices. Smoke detectors are mostly installed in large spaces like buildings where the central alarm system is interconnected with multiple smoke detectors.
Buy Best Smoke Detector
X-Sense SC03 Smoke Detector Alarm
The reviews of the X-sense SC03 Smoke Detector Alarm show that this model is perfect for monitoring smoke and CO2 levels. It comes with a long-lasting built-in lithium battery that has a 10-year life. This model equips photoelectric smoke and electrochemical CO sensors that work independently of each other to provide fewer false alarms.
X-Sense Smoke Detector Alarm
The X-Sense Smoke Detector Alarm is a 2-in-1 model that can detect smoke as well carbon monoxide to provide you with complete protection. It has a lithium battery that enables the unit to keep you safe for up to 10 years. It produces a loud 85 dB alarm to ensure that you don't miss on any fire alarm. This alarm is easy to set up and install. It has one-button operations that allow you to test the alarm easily.
First Alert BRK SC9120B
The First Alert BRK SC9120B has got good reviews for its electrochemical Carbon Monoxide sensing technology that can accurately sense carbon monoxide from any potential source. It also uses intelligent smoke sensing technology to reduce nuisance alarms. This model is perfect to keep your family and space with a reliable hardwired setup. It has an ionization sensor and can produce an 85-decibel alarm.
ALERT PRO Smoke Detector
The ALERT PRO Smoke Detector is a compact smoke detection device that can easily last for up to 10 years with a sealed-in 10-year lithium battery. This device produces no smell or radiation, making it the best environment-friendly gadget. It has a silence button that gives you the option to test the alarm weekly. It is a battery-operated gadget and you can install it in a few minutes.
Conclusion
Smoke detectors are useful devices that keep you safe from fire hazards and other mishappenings. There are many smoke detectors brands and variants available in the market today. The battery-operated, hard-wired, interconnected, and a combination of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are some of the major types. You should ensure that the detectors are also properly placed in each area to protect your house fully.
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