Smoke detectors are vital to the safety of your family and property. With so many options available, you may have trouble determining the best one for your needs. Here are design aspects of various different smoke and fire alarms to keep in mind as you make your decision.

What You Should Know About Smoke Detectors

1. Ionization

The most commonly installed smoke and fire alarm is the ionization model. These kinds are designed to quickly detect flames, or the types of fires that occur when paper, flammable liquid, or wood ignites. All of these are known to cause large, whipping, fast-moving flames with relatively little smoke. Inside the ionization alarm are two voltage-charged plates. When smoke enters this space, an electron will naturally shift and cause the alarm to go off.

2. Photoelectric

A photoelectric alarm is designed to detect smoke when a fire erupts from a smoldering source. A common example may be a cigarette that singes a sofa, for example, and slowly fills the air. The alarm detects this presence and goes off, often before a full fire even has a chance to begin. That said, it won’t react to “normal” smoke, such as that produced by cooking. 

3. Dual-Sensor

Another option is to install a dual-sensor smoke and fire alarm. This product acts as both an ionization and a photoelectric alarm in that it senses the presence of both flaming and smoldering fires. Because they’re designed to detect both with precision, they generally prevent false alarms in the house that could otherwise disturb residents or cause panic.

4. Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide

Every homeowner should be aware of the potential dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. This is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that can be deadly. Installing one is vital to your family’s safety, and a combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector is an ideal choice if you’re low on space and want to combine both benefits in a single package. For best results, make sure that you place a unit on every floor of the house.

Your home deserves only the best. That’s why locals throughout Rochester, NY, trust Action Security & Communications with all of their safety needs. Offering quality smoke and fire alarms, security systems, carbon monoxide detectors, and other innovative products, they’ll effectively protect your home from a variety of hazards. Visit the website for details, or call (800) 445-1410 to speak with a friendly representative.