It turns out, smoke detector does not necessarily equal smoke detector. As with any technology, the detection of smoke has evolved. The two most-used technologies are ionization and photoelectric. While both technologies sense the presence of smoke, the technologies are quite different. Smoke alarms for home, as well as smoke detectors for fire alarm systems employ these technologies. In this post we will explore the major differences between the two.
Smoke detection history
Many separate inventions ended up forming what we know as a smoke detector today. Fire alarms and smoke detectors used to be reserved for large commercial and industrial facilities, due to their cost and also size. The first affordable smoke detector with a battery was brought to market by the 1960’s. This detector was an ionization type detector. The technologies further advanced and allowed for the cost of the detectors to drop significantly to the levels we know today. The photoelectric smoke detector was invented in 1972, further advancing the smoke detector.
Ionization
As the first invention for fire detection after the heat detector, Ionization minimized the time it required to sense a fire. Ionization uses a tiny amount of radioactive material, which ionizes the air. That is where the technology gets its name. The material used is generally Americium-241. The unit consists of two chambers. One chambers is free to the air and the other is a closed chamber. Both are exposed to the ionization and have two electrodes. the resulting current from the ionization between the electrodes is the same, until smoke enters the open chamber. It interrupts the flow of the current in the chamber and will cause an alarm condition.
Photoelectric
Photoelectric detectors also have a chamber and look for obscuration of the air. That is where the similarities end. This technology employs a a source of light, usually emitted by a small LED and a receiver. This light beam is constant across the chamber. Should smoke enter the chamber, the light beam is interrupted and cannot be seen by the receiver anymore. It then causes an alarm condition within the detector. Photoelectric sensors are generally said to be more effective for smoldering fires, while ionization detectors shine for flaming fires.
What detector should you get?
Photoelectric detectors, being the most popular type detectors do provide adequate response to all types of fires. A recommendation is to purchase a detector that is multi-technology, such as a combination heat/smoke detector or a detector that combines the photoelectric and ionization technologies. While there is nothing wrong with a photoelectric only detector, it increases occupant safety to take it a step further. On that note, the ionization detector, while it contains radioactive material, uses Alpha radiation to ionize the air. This type of radiation has a very low penetration, which means it is stopped by the plastic around the detector and does not present a hazard.
CO Detectors
While on the topic, I would like to touch on carbon monoxide detectors, as they are closely related to smoke alarms. Many smoke alarms come as a combination unit with CO detection. CO detectors are a small chemistry lab. The presence of carbon monoxide causes a chemical reaction with an electrolyte and causes it to conduct electricity. This is an electrochemcial type CO detector. These detectors are highly effective, as they have a 5 to 10 year lifespan and are highly reactive to exact concentrations of carbon monoxide gas.
Detector Lifespan
Most smoke alarms and combination units have an expiry date printed on them. If your unit does not have an expiration date, we highly recommend it be replaced as soon as possible. Smoke alarms become less sensitive over their lifespan and collect dust, insects and other contaminants that can affect the effectiveness of the unit. Smoke alarms usually have a 10-year life, though that may differ for combination units. Most The detectors have a mechanism built in that will chirp the detector when its lifespan has been reached.
Disposal
With Ionization smoke alarms containing radioactive materials, it is a good idea to return the unit to the manufacturer upon its expiration. While the radioactive material is generally not harmful and also considered safe to be disposed of in household waste, it’s a good idea to minimize the potential environmental impact. The manufacturer generally takes the detectors back for their internal recycling programs. Disposal information is usually printed on the back of the unit.
Our Services
We carry a large stock of smoke alarms and combination units. Our team can assist with replacement and the regular inspection of smoke alarms and detectors of all technologies. From new installations to replacement after 10 years, our units are a match for every application and will save lives in the event of a fire emergency.
