How to Choose a Smoke Detector

The idea of how to choose a smoke detector should not cause you trouble that much. It is as simple as narrowing down to three crucial factors we will discuss in this article. Some of the important aspects this article will cover include the sensor types, battery types, primary applications, and finally, their wiring mechanisms.

It’s also important to note that the different smoke detectors are effective in detecting different types of fires. In some cases, a detector type will be more effective in a certain location as compared to the other.

What Are the Types of Smoke Detectors?

The question of how to choose a smoke detector is very common. For this reason, we narrow down to the discussion of the types of smoke detectors available. From the below outline of detectors, you can then choose the best type of smoke detector for your home.

There are three common types of smoke detectors, which are photoelectric, ionization, and dual-sensor detectors. The dual type of smoke detector is fitted with both ionization and photoelectric sensors.

Photoelectric Smoke Detector

Photoelectric smoke detectors are effective in detecting smoldering fires. Their sensing chamber is fitted with light-sensitive sensors and light-emitting diodes. When smoke particles enter the sensing chamber, they deflect and scatter light from the diodes. The deflection causes the alarm to go off hence notifying you of the presence of fire.

X-Sense XS01-WR Wireless Smoke Detector

1. Wireless technology uses radio frequency to transmit and receive messages.
2. If one alarm goes off, the rest of the interconnected alarms will alert as well.
3. 5-year replaceable battery and 10-year sensor life.
4. Advanced photoelectric sensor is more sensitive and reduces false alarms.

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$35.99

In the recent past, the popularity of these smoke detectors has decreased, and their manufacturers have shifted to producing the popular types of smoke detectors.

Ionization Smoke Detector

Ionization smoke detectors are effective in detecting fast flaming fires. In their sensing chambers, there are two electrodes a radioactive material. The electrodes are charged and hence allow the follow of current between them. When smoke enters the sensor chamber, they slow the flow of current and reduce conductivity. A reduction of conductivity to a particular threshold triggers the alarm.

Dual Sensor Smoke Detectors

This is the most recommended type of smoke detector because it has both photoelectric and ionization sensors in a single unit. Both of the sensors make it effective in detecting both fast flaming and smoldering fires.

Despite its effectiveness, it’s not recommendable to use in the kitchen but in all the other areas of your home. When used in kitchens, it triggers false alarms from the smoke particles arising from cooking appliances.

How to Choose a Right Smoke Detector

Are you looking forward to installing or replacing the old detectors in your home and aren’t sure how to go about it? Here is a stepwise guide on how to choose a smoke detector right for your home.

There are three important considerations to have in mind for you to make the right choice. They include the primary application of the detector, the battery type and the sensor type. These three will enable you narrow down your options and hence making it easy to make a choice.

Type of Sensor

The most common types of sensors used in smoke detectors are photoelectric and ionization smoke detectors. However, there are smoke detectors with both sensors and some with sensors that can detect carbon monoxide gas.

Ionization smoke detectors are mostly preferred because their sensors detect small smoke particles from fast flaming fires.

On the other hand, photoelectric smoke detectors are commonly in use in kitchens because they large particles of smoke from smoldering fires. Due to this reason, they help reduce nuisance alarms in shower areas and kitchens.

The other type of smoke detectors with dual sensor alarms are more effective in detecting both types of fire. These detectors are either battery operated, wired-in or wireless. Thus you have to make a choice that will suit you best.

Primary Application of the Detector

For the battery-operated type of detectors, you don’t require interconnected smoke alarms. They are available in multi and single-family use and can be applicable in replacing the old smoke detectors in your home.

The wired-in type of detectors is applicable in replacing the similar ones and are code-driven. You can have them interconnected either by choice or required code.

The wireless type of detectors is applicable in many ways, including acting as bridges in old to new constructions, between floors, and battery-operated to wired in detectors. There are types with both wired-in and wireless features with no code for the wired types.

They are generally costly during their initial purchase but will save you costs during installation.

The Battery Types

The battery-operated smoke detectors are available in standard, extended, long life and true 10-year detectors. The Carbon Zinc type lasts a year, Alkaline 2 years, Lithium 6 to 10 years, and Sealed Lithium lasts 10 years. The number of years each detector lasts indicates its battery life as earlier on respectively classified.

For the wired-in type of detectors, they are available in AC only or AC combined with battery backup. Those with battery back are the most required by many state codes.

The wireless types are available in either battery-operated or wired-in with backup batteries.

In addition to the above, there are other factors to consider. They include the size of the area to be protected, environmental factors, minimizing nuisance alarms, type of fire hazard, and finally, effectiveness in fire detection.

FAQs on Choosing a Smoke Detector

Which Type of Smoke Detector Is Best?

The best type of smoke detector is the dual sensor technology type of smoke detector. This is because it’s fitted with both photoelectric and ionization smoke sensors. For this reason, it detects both fast flaming and smoldering fires. When this is the case, your home is fully protected because you cannot predict with certainty what type of fire may arise in your home.

Which Is Better Ionization or Photoelectric Smoke Detector?

It is important to note that between the two types of detectors, not one is better than the other. While ionization detectors are better in detecting fast flaming fires, photoelectric smoke detectors are better in detecting smoldering fires. Therefore, each detector is better in its specific fire detection.

However, depending on the location of the detector, one may be better than the other. For instance, photoelectric detectors are better when placed in the kitchen because they’re less likely to trigger false alarms from cooking fires.

Are 10 Year Battery Smoke Detectors Good?

There are a number of benefits you get from installing 10-year smoke detectors. First, you get 10 years of protection without the need to replace batteries or the unit itself. You eliminate the disturbance of low battery alert chirps for 10 years. In addition to that, you get an end of battery life warning to ensure you replace the whole unit and keep your home safe. Therefore, 10-year battery smoke alarms are good to use in your home.

Final Words

In conclusion, the question of how to choose a smoke detector should not be a bother anymore. You only need to narrow down to the sensor types, battery options, and the primary function you need it for. However, choosing a smoke alarm with dual sensor technology is better because it is effective in detecting both types of fires, hence keeping your home safe at all times.