Its pure and simple,
Smoke
Detectors Save Lives.
This page will form a basis of what the smoke detector does and how you
should use it. Smoke detector information provided from the
International Fire
Service Training Association.
Photoelectric versus Ionization
Detectors
Ionization detectors
use a small amount of radioactive material to make the air within a
sensing chamber conduct electricity. Smoke particles even smaller than the
eye can see will enter the detector chamber and trigger the alarm. The
greatest number of these small particles are produced by flaming fire
resulting in the ionization detector to respond faster to open flaming
fires than photoelectric detectors.
Photoelectric detectors use a small light
source which shines its light into a dark chamber not normally exposed to
light. This dark chamber contains a photocell to detect light. When smoke
particles enter the sensing chamber, light is reflected off of them and
into the sensing chamber. This causes the alarm to trigger. This method
needs bigger smoke particles than ionization detectors which is usually
formed from smoldering fires.
Now which should I use?
Even though the average particle size changes considerably with
temperature, fires usually produce a broad range of particle sizes.
Therefore, both types of detectors will detect most fires.
Installing Smoke Detectors
Since smoke rises, smoke detectors should be
installed on ceilings or walls between six and twelve inches from the
ceiling. Avoid placing detectors high in corners where the wall and
ceiling meet. Also, avoid installing detectors within three feet of an air
supply register or return. Smoke could be pushed or pulled away from the
detector by air flow. For further information, follow the manufacturer's
instructions.
Escape Plan
This provides a brief overview of smoke
detectors. However a smoke detector cannot put out a fire or get people
out of a fire. All family members should know two exits from their home
and preplan where you should meet once evacuated. Escape planning must be
part of your smoke detector protection. The alternative is a false sense
of security which can lead to tragedy.
