According to a 2021 report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 353,100 home-structure fires occurred yearly between 2014 and 2017 in the United States, with approximately three of every five home fire deaths resulting from fires in properties with no smoke alarms (41%) or with smoke alarms that did not function (16%). The American Red Cross also reports that "an estimated 890 lives could be saved each year if all houses had working smoke alarms." All of these figures serve to underline the importance of installing smoke detecting systems in homes and places of business.
To keep your home safe, you need a reliable, quality smoke detector. Here is a guide of helpful tips to make sure you purchase the best one.
What are smoke detectors?
A smoke detector is an electronic fire-protection device. Smoke is an important indicator of fire, the presence of smoke in a building is automatically detected by the smoke detector which then sounds a warning to a building's occupants.
Smoke detectors can be the commercial or industrial sort that functions as a part of a building's central fire alarm system; when triggered, they send signals to the fire alarm control panel. They can also be household smoke detectors, also called smoke alarms. These give off an audible or visual alarm, or both, from the detector itself when triggered. Sometimes, multiple household detectors are interlinked, when this is the case, all the interlinked detectors will trigger if any of them detects smoke.
What are the types of smoke detectors available?
Smoke detectors can be classed according to the method of smoke detection adopted. The detectors may sense smoke optically (photoelectric) or by physical process (ionization). Some detectors, called dual-sensor smoke alarms, combine both methods.
Ionization smoke detectors work by ionizing the air between two electrodes, one positively charged and the other negatively charged. This ionization creates a small current inside the chamber whose flow can be altered by smoke particles. When this current is altered, a signal is sent to the integrated circuit and the alarm sounds.
The optical or photoelectric smoke detectors make use of an LED light to detect smoke. They are triggered when smoke particles enter the sensor chamber and disrupt the beam of light.
Why should I buy a smoke detector?
Smoke detectors function to detect fires early, to allow for early intervention and/or evacuation, reducing morbidity, mortality, and property damage. According to statistics from the NFPA, the risk of dying in a home fire is cut by more than half when a functioning smoke alarm is installed in a building.
What factors should I consider before choosing a smoke detector?
Smoke detectors are very important pieces of equipment in any home or office space. They are devices with potentially life-saving capabilities, and as such, choosing one that not only works well but is appropriate for the area where it's meant to function and caters to your particular needs is of great importance. Earlier, we gave you a list of the best smoke detectors on the market, and now, to help guide your choice, we'll run you through the important factors to consider before making a choice.
Sensor Type
The type of sensor a smoke detector employs is an important factor to consider. It determines how appropriate the smoke detectors are for a given space.
- Ionization Smoke Detectors
Ionization alarms are designed to quickly detect tiny smoke particles typical of fast-burning fires that usually originate from materials such as paper and clothing. These fires typically produce little or no smoke. However, ionization smoke detectors can be easily triggered by cooking and steam, resulting in false alarms. This makes them unsuitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms.
These are highly sensitive to the presence of large particles in the air and work better to quickly identify slow smoldering fires that usually produce a lot of smoke. These fires typically originate from overheated wiring or upholstery-type materials, and as such, optical smoke detectors are more suited to areas where these are common such as bedrooms and living rooms. The optical models are less prone to false alarms than the ionization models and can be used installed close to kitchens as they are less likely to be triggered by cooking fumes. They are not suitable for areas that are dusty or open to the elements.
- Dual-Sensor Smoke Detectors
These are the safest type of smoke detectors. They combine the properties of ionization and optical models and are suitable for detecting both fast-burning and slow smoldering fires.
Power Source
Smoke detectors could be hardwired into your home's electrical system and require professional installation. They usually have backup batteries in case of power outages. The battery-only smoke detectors are much easier to install but typically require more maintenance. Plug-in models are also available.
Smart or Not
Smart smoke detectors can send alerts to your smartphone when they are triggered so you are aware of fires that start even when you are not at home. They are more expensive than the regular models but can be worth the extra peace of mind.
Interconnection
A lot of smoke detector models these days come with interconnection capabilities. This means that when one detector is triggered, the alarm sounds from that particular detector and all the other interconnected ones, ensuring that everyone in the building is alerted as soon as a fire is detected.
Additional Features
Other features like LED lighting, carbon monoxide detection, insect screens, ultra-loud alarms, and vibrating pads for your bed can be helpful.
- LED lighting can provide useful lighting for night emergencies.
- LED strobe lighting, ultra-loud alarms, and vibrating pads help alert the hearing impaired.
- Models with carbon monoxide detection capabilities help protect you from carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Insect screens serve to prevent insects from triggering false alarms.
How Much Do Smoke Detectors Cost?
Smoke detectors can cost as little as $10 or as much as $250 for the smart models, so there is something for every budget.
FAQs
Q. What sensor type is best for a smoke detector?
A. Dual-sensor smoke detectors combine the features of both the ionization and the optical models and are the safest option.
Q. Where should I install my smoke detector?
A. The NPFR (National Fire Protection Agency) recommends installing dual-sensor detectors inside and outside every bedroom, on every floor of your building, including the basement. You should also have one near your kitchen. The Arizona Burn Foundation recommends that you install smoke detectors at least 10 feet away from the stove to reduce the chances of false triggering.
Q. How often should I test my smoke detector?
A. It is recommended that you test your smoke detector once a month. Smoke detectors usually come with a test button for this purpose. The test lets you know whether or not it's time to change the batteries. It is advised that you change the batteries of your smoke detector after every 6 months regardless of the result of your testing.