![]() A sensor in the chamber knows how many ions are contained within. Though these detectors employ radioactive materials, alpha rays, and other seemingly sci-fi technology, they operate on a fairly simple premise: A chamber fills with tiny particles called ions, held in place by electrical charges. Photoelectric smoke detectors are most effective at detecting smoldering burns-barely burning fires that can, frighteningly, smolder for days before becoming a bigger issue. The instant the sensor detects the beam, the alarm activates. Under normal conditions, the sensor can’t “see” the LED beam, but when smoke enters the chamber, the light reflects off smoke particulates and the sensor detects the beam. The chamber of a photoelectric smoke detector contains an LED light, which shoots a beam across the chamber, and a sensor that sits approximately 90 degrees from the LED. While they all do the same job, they go about it differently. There are three main types of smoke detectors: photoelectric, ionization, and dual sensor. Photo: Tom Scalisi Types of Smoke Detectors ALSO CONSIDER: First Alert Z-Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide.HONORABLE MENTION: First Alert Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide.BEST DUAL SENSOR: X-Sense Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm.BEST VOICE ALARM: Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide, Voice Alert.BEST INTERCONNECTED: Kidde Wireless Smoke Detector, Interconnected. ![]() ![]() BEST IN TECH: Google Nest Protect – Smoke Alarm – Smoke Detector.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Kidde Smoke Detector, Battery Powered.BEST OVERALL: First Alert SA320CN Dual-Sensor Smoke and Fire Alarm.I personally did hands-on tests of the models below to help you choose one that you can trust to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home. Even if you don’t think you’re in the market for a new model right now, you very well might be after reading this article.Īs the first line of defense against a house fire-and, in many cases, a guard against carbon monoxide as well-smoke detectors protect those in your home 24/7. So it’s important to become familiar with the different types of detectors and how each type operates, as well as some of the finer points of smoke detector technology. The National Fire Protection Association recommends installing at least one smoke detector for each floor of your home, as well as one in every bedroom. Simple yet essential heroes of home safety and security, smoke detectors tend to be forgotten until they go off (a good thing) or until they fail to function properly in an emergency (a potential tragedy). Smoke detectors are a lot like income taxes: You need to deal with them once a year, not a whole lot of people understand them, and issues with either can be particularly, well, alarming.
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