A small fire in your home can quickly fill your home with noxious smoke. It is important that you choose the right smoke detectors for your home, put them in them correctly, and test them at regular intervals.
Residential smoke detectors come in two types, one is photoelectric, and the other is an ionization detector. In a photoelectric detector a beam of light is aimed into a chamber containing a photocell. Smoke goes into the chamber, which then scatters light, allowing some of the light to reach a photocell and set off the alarm. A smoky fire will normally set off a photoelectric detector sooner than a flaming fire.
Ionization detectors use radiation that ionizes (breaks up) the air inside the unit, and gives it a small electrical charge. Smoke particles reduce this flow of current, and set the device into alarm.
Which type of detector works best? There are advantages and disadvantages to both. A majority of photoelectric units these days are hardwired into your home's electrical system meaning you will not be protected during a power outage. Units that use ionization normally run on house current and have a battery for backup. They do however have a somewhat higher number of false alarms. The best of both worlds is to use ionization and photoelectric in different areas of your home.
A general rule is to have a minimum of one smoke detector for every level of your home. You should also keep these guidelines in mind:
Do not install smoke detectors close to the kitchen, furnace, garage, or just outside a bathroom door. Do not install smoke detectors in areas where the air circulation is poor, i.e. corners. Attach each detector to the ceiling, or high on a wall about 8 to 10 inches below ceiling level.
Detectors should be tested on a monthly basis. The vast majority of models have a simple button to push that makes this a cinch. some smoke detectors may not have a test button to test them simply light a candle, blow it out and hold the smoking candle about 6 inches below the detector. The smoke should set off the alarm.
Batteries should be replaced annually. An easy to remember dates such as a birthday or the beginning of daylight savings time makes it simple to remember to do this. While replacing the batteries, use a soft brush to clean the inside of the detector and its vents to ensure the unit's reliability.
Author Resource:-
Is home safety at the top of your to do list? Smoke detectors are your first line of defense.
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