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 I need ionization or photoelectric smoke detector?
Ionization smoke alarms are generally more responsive to flaming fires. …
Photoelectric smoke alarms
are generally more responsive to fires that begin with a long period of smoldering (called “smoldering fires”).
What type of smoke detector is best?
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.
Are ionization smoke detectors banned?
They travel the United States educating the public and promoting laws which
prohibit the
use of ionization smoke alarms unless supplemented by photoelectric alarms. Three states (Iowa, Massachusetts and Vermont) and several communities have banned ionization smoke alarms as standalone smoke detectors.
Can you mix ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors?
You can create the
safest environment
possible for your family by installing a mix of photoelectric and ionization smoke detectors. It’s too risky to go with one and not the other because there is no way to predict what type of fire threat your home may experience.
How many smoke alarms should you have in your house?
Fire detectors should also be installed inside of every bedroom and outside of each sleeping area. For example, a two-story home with three
bedrooms should have at least seven smoke alarms
. Homes that have a set number of hardwired alarms can still place additional battery-operated smoke alarms throughout the house.
Do hardwired smoke detectors have to be the same brand?
Absolutely
! You can mix and match hardwired First Alert, BRK, and Onelink models. All of our current models use the same wiring harness and connector. We do not recommend mixing different brands since we can only guarantee the performance of First Alert and BRK alarms.
Why are ionization smoke detectors banned?
Whilst perfectly safe to residents, ionisation fire alarms are banned in several countries as they
contain small quantities of radioactive material (Americium 241)
meaning there are storage and disposal issues.
What are ionisation smoke detectors most suitable for?
The two most commonly recognized smoke detection technologies are ionization smoke detection and photoelectric smoke detection. Ionization smoke alarms are generally more responsive to
flaming fires
.
Do ionization smoke alarms detect carbon monoxide?
Just like the photoelectric combo unit, these detectors
will detect CO
2
as well as smoke
. Ionization smoke alarms are good at detecting kitchen fires or fast flaming fires. The drawback to these units is that they are prone to false alarms.
How long do ionization smoke detectors last?
Next time you change the battery in your smoke detectors, be sure to check its age, as well. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, most alarms have a life span of
8-10 years
. After this time, the entire unit should be replaced.
Can steam set off a photoelectric smoke detector?
Smoke from cooking or even shower steam can sometimes set off
a smoke alarm
. The photoelectric sensor on the First Alert Dual Sensor Smoke Alarm is sensitive to smoldering fires while reducing false alarms.
Which has more false alarms ionization or photoelectric?
During fast-flame fires,
ionization alarms
failed to provide sufficient egress time more frequently than photoelectric alarms failed to do so. Ionization alarms are responsible for 97% of “nuisance alarms” – false alarms – and are thus much more likely to be disabled all together than other types of smoke alarms.
Should smoke detectors be on wall or ceiling?
Smoke alarms should be installed at least 10 feet (3 meters) from a cooking appliance to minimize false alarms when cooking. Mount smoke alarms
high on walls or ceilings
(remember, smoke rises). Wall-mounted alarms should be installed not more than 12 inches away from the ceiling (to the top of the alarm).
Where should you not put smoke detectors?
- On windows or sliding doors as the winds and air may not pick up the heat of smoke or fire.
- In humid or moist areas including the bathroom.
- In areas that easily collect dust and dirt including unfinished attics.
- In cooler rooms such as sunrooms or porches.
- Near ceiling fans or air vents.
Where should smoke alarms not be placed?
Where the temperatures are regularly below 40°F (4° C) or above 100° F (38° C) including unheated buildings, outdoor rooms, porches, or unfinished attics or basements. In very dusty, dirty, or greasy areas. Do not install a Smoke Alarm directly over the
stove
or range.
