How Do Smoke Alarms Work?
Most of us do not know exactly how smoke alarms work, so we may not understand what to look for in a suitable alarm. You don't have to be an expert to select the right smoke detector for your home, though - all you need is a bit of information to guide you.
Fitting a smoke alarm in your home only costs a few pounds and could save, not only your life, but your children, spouse, visitors and pets. Read on and order one today.
Smoke alarms fall into two major categories - ionisation and optical. They each work in a slightly different way to detect smoke, so naturally each has different advantages and disadvantages.
An ionisation type of detector is usually the least expensive to buy, and it is the best type of detector for alerting you to fires that burn quickly and with many flames. Chip pans are a prime source of this kind of fire.
Ionisation detectors can detect and alert you to a flaming fire before the smoke gets extremely thick, but they are prone to false and accidental alarms. This is why they should not be in or too near a kitchen.
Optical smoke alarms are a bit more expensive but are less likely to be triggered accidentally. They are excellent for detecting smouldering and slow burning fires such as couches, carpets, electrical wiring, and the like.
Which type is best? The answer is both. Your home can quickly fall victim to both slow smouldering fires and fast flaming fires, so your best choice is to use both types of alarms in your home.
The best smoke detector on the market does you no good if it does not have the right kind of power to trigger an alarm. You can choose battery powered, mains powered, mains powered with battery back up, linked alarms, extended life batteries, and more. How then are you to decide what is best for your home?
Battery powered detectors are easiest to install on your own, but the require you to adhere to a strict schedule of regularly checking and replacing batteries.
As the batteries need replacing once a year we suggest doing it on an annual day, odd as it may sound, like your birthday or Christmas day, and whether the battery is still good or not.
For greatest reliability and less maintenance, opt for mains powered detectors with battery backup.
When you know how smoke alarms work and what to consider, it is easy to decide on the best detectors to protect your family and your home.
Fitting a smoke alarm in your home only costs a few pounds and could save, not only your life, but your children, spouse, visitors and pets. Read on and order one today.
Two Types Of Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms fall into two major categories - ionisation and optical. They each work in a slightly different way to detect smoke, so naturally each has different advantages and disadvantages.
An ionisation type of detector is usually the least expensive to buy, and it is the best type of detector for alerting you to fires that burn quickly and with many flames. Chip pans are a prime source of this kind of fire.
Ionisation detectors can detect and alert you to a flaming fire before the smoke gets extremely thick, but they are prone to false and accidental alarms. This is why they should not be in or too near a kitchen.
Optical smoke alarms are a bit more expensive but are less likely to be triggered accidentally. They are excellent for detecting smouldering and slow burning fires such as couches, carpets, electrical wiring, and the like.
Which type is best? The answer is both. Your home can quickly fall victim to both slow smouldering fires and fast flaming fires, so your best choice is to use both types of alarms in your home.
Powering Your Smoke Detector
The best smoke detector on the market does you no good if it does not have the right kind of power to trigger an alarm. You can choose battery powered, mains powered, mains powered with battery back up, linked alarms, extended life batteries, and more. How then are you to decide what is best for your home?
Battery powered detectors are easiest to install on your own, but the require you to adhere to a strict schedule of regularly checking and replacing batteries.
As the batteries need replacing once a year we suggest doing it on an annual day, odd as it may sound, like your birthday or Christmas day, and whether the battery is still good or not.
For greatest reliability and less maintenance, opt for mains powered detectors with battery backup.
When you know how smoke alarms work and what to consider, it is easy to decide on the best detectors to protect your family and your home.
Copyright Fireline Health & Safety 2010
