What You Should Know About Smoke and Fire Alarm Sensing Technologies
While all smoke alarms are designed to detect smoke, certain sensing technologiesreact differently to certain types of fires.
In order to provide your family the maximum in fire-safety protection, you need to be sure your smoke alarms use both Ionization and Photoelectric Sensing Technologies. Because not all fires are created equal.
Sometimes a fire can smolder for hours before erupting into flames. Photoelectric Sensing Technology is generally more sensitive than Ionization Sensing Technology at detecting smoldering fires. Sources of smoldering fires may include cigarettes burning in couches or bedding. Other fires can erupt far more quickly. Ionization Sensing Technology is generally more sensitive than Photoelectric Sensing Technology at detecting flaming fires. Sources of flaming fires may include paper burning in a wastebasket or a grease fire in the kitchen. It's important to note that all smoke alarms are designed to detect particles of smoke-regardless of their type.
But-for the earliest possible warning-regardless of the type of fire, you should be sure your smoke alarms use both Ionization and Photoelectric Sensing Technologies.
Photoelectric Sensing Technology
Photoelectric Sensing Technology is generally more sensitive than Ionization Sensing Technology at detecting large particles, which tend to be produced in greater amounts by smoldering fires, which may smolder for hours before bursting into flame.
Ionization Sensing Technology
Ionization Sensing Technology is generally more sensitive than Photoelectric Sensing Technology at detecting small particles, which tend to be produced in greater amounts by flaming fires, which consume combustible materials rapidly and spread quickly.
ALWAYS BE SURE TO:
- Install both Photo- and Ion-sensing types of smoke alarms on every level of your home for maximum protection.
- Test your smoke alarms every month.
- Create and practice a home escape plan at least twice a year.
- Change the batteries in your smoke alarm every 6 months.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
- Have a smoke alarm in every bedroom.
REMEMBER:
What matters is that you provide your family with the maximum in fire-safety protection for all possible conditions.
So be sure your home is equipped with both Photo- and Ion-sensing types of smokealarms.