The following fire safety information is the third in a series that will be included in future Safety Corner editions provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Which smoke alarm type is better?

Although there are several choices to make in selecting the right smoke alarms to buy, the most important thing to remember is that smoke alarms save lives.

For that reason, you should install a smoke alarm if your home does not have one.
There are two main types of smoke alarms, which are categorized by the type of smoke detection sensor, ionization and photoelectric used in the alarm.

A smoke alarm uses one or both methods, sometimes with a heat detector, to warn of a fire.
Ionization detectors contain a chamber with two plates that generate a small, continuous electric current.

When smoke enters the ionization chamber, the smoke particles disrupt the current flow, which triggers the alarm.

Photoelectric detectors use a light beam and light receptor (photocell).

When smoke is present between the light and receptor, depending on the type of smoke chamber configuration, the reduction or increase of light on the photocell sensor triggers the alarm.

Both ionization and photoelectric detectors are effective smoke sensors.

Even though both types of smoke detectors must pass the same tests to be certified to the voluntary standard for smoke alarms, they can perform differently in different types of fires.
Ionization detectors respond quickly to flaming fires with smaller combustion particles; photoelectric detectors respond more quickly to smoldering fires.

There are combination smoke alarms also that combine ionization and photoelectric detectors into one unit, called dual sensor smoke alarms.

• Install a working smoke alarm on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas and inside bedrooms.

• Replace smoke alarm batteries at least annually, such as when resetting clocks in the fall or spring.

• Test all smoke alarms in your house once a month.

• Do not place a smoke alarm too close to a kitchen appliance or fireplace, as this may result in nuisance alarms.

• Avoid locating alarms near bathrooms, heating appliances, windows or ceiling fans.
• Replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old. Smoke alarms don’t last forever.
• Develop and practice a fire escape plan, because working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan will increase your protection in case of a fire.

If you have questions or suggestions for future Safety Corner articles, please contact Patty Klug at the Dowagiac Police Department, (269) 782-9743, ext. 301.