How Do Photoelectric Smoke Detectors Work?

Is a photoelectric smoke detector better?

It’s safe to say every home should have a photoelectric smoke detector. While the ionization smoke detector has been proven more effective in detecting flaming fires, photoelectric alarms outperform it when it is a smoldering fire.

What is photoelectric smoke detector?

A photoelectric type smoke alarm consists of a light emitting diode and a light sensitive sensor located in a sensing chamber. The presence of suspended smoke particles in the chamber scatters the light beam. This scattered light is detected by the light sensitive sensor which sets off the alarm.

Where do you put photoelectric smoke detectors?

According to the NFPA, smoke alarms should be placed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home. In addition, industry experts recommend having both photoelectric and ionization alarms for optimal protection against flaming and smoldering fires.

How long do photoelectric smoke detectors last?

Most smoke alarms have a lifespan of eight to 10 years, and again, replace the batteries every year. A smoke detector with a lithium battery or a hard-wired smoke detector can last 10 years, at which time you would just replace the whole unit. Carbon monoxide detectors last between five and seven years.

Should I buy ionization or photoelectric smoke detector?

Ionization smoke alarms tend to respond faster to the smoke produced by flaming fires than photoelectric smoke alarms. Photoelectric smoke alarms tend to respond faster to the smoke produced by smoldering fires than ionization smoke alarms.

Do photoelectric smoke detectors detect cigarette smoke?

Yes, smoke detectors can detect even cigarettes because they produce smoke and any smoke that is detected by the smoke detector, this will set if off. While smoke detectors can detect smoke from a cigarette, they may not always detect it if it too little. A good smoke and CO detector would be the Nest Protect.

Which smoke detector is better optical or ionisation?

While ionisation sensors will usually respond quicker to ‘flaming’ fires, optical sensors will almost certainly respond quicker to the ‘smouldering’ type of fires. Ionisation is the more sensitive of the two and will provide an earlier alarm to an impending fire condition.

Do I need a photoelectric smoke detector?

It’s safe to say every home should have a photoelectric smoke detector. While the ionization smoke detector has been proven more effective in detecting flaming fires, photoelectric alarms outperform it when it is a smoldering fire.

What is the difference between ionisation and photoelectric smoke alarms?

Ionization smoke alarms are the most common type of smoke alarm and are quicker at sensing flaming, fast moving fires. They are quicker at sensing smoldering fires than Ionization smoke alarms. A photoelectric type smoke alarm consists of a light emitting diode and a light sensitive sensor located in a sensing chamber.

Where should smoke alarms not be placed?

Do not place smoke alarms closer than 3 feet from any furnace or A/C supply and return grills or registers. Do not place them in areas of turbulent air, where the airflow may prevent the smoke from reaching the alarms.

How much does a photoelectric smoke detector cost?

A basic ionisation alarm can be very cheap – from under $10. A fancier model can be closer to $50. Photoelectric alarms can be found for less than $20, but can cost up to $100. Most smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

What type of smoke detector is best for kitchen?

Photoelectric Smoke Detectors are best at detecting the large particles typical of smoky, smoldering fires but poor at detecting fast, flaming fires. Photoelectric units are less prone to false alarms from burnt food, so they may be a better fit in kitchen areas.