The importance of smoke detectors in every household

A smoke detector is an appliance that primarily works to detect smoke. Commercial smoke detectors, along with sending an alarm, also issue a signal to the fire alarm control panel. Household smoke detectors which are also referred to as smoke alarms, generally issue an audible alarm from either the specific smoke detector or from multiple small detectors if the devices have been interlinked.

Smoke is detected by the smoke detectors either physically (ionization) or via optical methods (photoelectric). These detectors may use either one or both the sensing methods. In commercial as well as industrial buildings, the smoke detectors are usually connected to the central fire alarm system. Domestic smoke detectors generally range from individual battery-powered smoke detectors to smoke detectors that have been interlinked with a battery backup. In the case of the interlinked units, if one smoke detector sounds the alarm, all of them will sound the alarm. The alarm will sound even if the house is under a power outage. The presence of smoke detectors has reduced the risk of residential fire by 50%.

When selecting smoke detectors, you can either choose to go for the battery-operated smoke detectors all the hard-wired smoke detectors. The battery-operated smoke detectors have to get the batteries installed for them to work. When the battery is close to getting over, this smoke detector will beep or chirp, indicating that the battery needs to be replaced. The hard-wired smoke detectors also have a backup battery option. If there is a power outage in your area, the smoke detector will use the battery back up in such situations to keep monitoring for any smoke in the house.

The ionization smoke detectors

Ionization smoke detectors work by using a radioisotope to ionize the air in the surrounding. When there is high level of smoke in the air, the ionization of the air changes, and the alarm is sounded. The problem with ionization detectors is that they will sound an alarm even if there is a slight amount of smoke which would happen if you are cooking. Therefore, it is advisable that ionization smoke detectors do not be installed in the kitchen.

Ionization smoke directors fall in a cheaper price bracket compared to optical detectors. The unfortunate part of ionization detectors is that they are very slow to respond to house fires. This is why for household purposes; photoelectric smoke detectors are preferred.

Photoelectric smoke director

A photoelectric smoke director or an optical smoke detector uses infrared, visible light, an LED, and a lens to diagnose the smoke. The photoelectric smoke detectors are highly effective and efficient at detecting smoldering fires. Therefore, they provide an early warning system in case of house fires.

Carbon monoxide as well as carbon dioxide detectors

Carbon monoxide sensors are responsible for detecting the concentration of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide buildup can occur due to faulty ventilation in a region where there are large cooking appliances like cookers or gas heaters.

The presence of a high dose of carbon dioxide is indicative of a fire. This can get detected by the carbon dioxide sensor. Such sensors work by measuring the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. If the CO2 levels in the atmosphere region and as high levels, they will sound an alarm. According to some manufacturers, CO2 level-based indicators are the quickest and the most efficient fire indicators. Another advantage of carbon dioxide detectors is that they are not susceptible to false alarms. This makes them perfect for use in dirty and dusty environments as well.

Having a smoke detector is vital for every household. It can prove to make a huge difference between life and death in emergency situations. Fire can start in many ways and in any room of your house. Thus, installing a smoke detector is the first step towards ensuring the safety of your family and home.

In the US, every year, around 2000 people die in residential fires. It is not the actual fire that causes the death, but the smoke and the deadly gas produced due to the fire. The people died due to inhalation of toxic gases and smoke and not necessarily due to burning. Most of the fire hazards occur when the family members are blissfully asleep because the occupants are not aware of the fire until it’s too late. A smoke detector acts 24/7 to diagnose any smoke related to fire. The moment it senses smoke, it will sound the alarm. This will give the family much-needed time to escape to a safe space.

The best smoke detectors in the market available for home fires are photoelectric smoke detectors. As I mentioned, photoelectric smoke detectors are less prone to sounding the alarm is in response to burnt food and thus can be installed in the kitchen regions as well.