This article was published on 11/1/2016 and updated on 1/13/2022
The two most common types of smoke detection
technologies include ionization
smoke detectors and photoelectric smoke detectors. Each type of smoke alarm
detects the presence of smoke differently.
Ionization vs.
Photoelectric Smoke Detection
Ionization
Smoke Detectors
Ionization smoke detectors operate because they have a
small amount of radioactive material which is located in between two
electrically charged plates. This ionizes the air which creates a current to
flow in between the two plates. This flow of ions is disrupted when smoke
enters the chamber. The reduction in the flow of current activates the alarm.
Ionization smoke alarms tend to respond quicker than photoelectric smoke
detectors to smoke that is produced from a flaming fire, although will not
signal an alarm until a fire has become sufficient enough to produce enough
smoke to reach the alarm.
Photoelectric
Smoke Detectors
Photoelectric
smoke detectors operate with a
continuous, focused beam of light onto a mirror from an LED light source that
is aimed directly into a sensing chamber, away from the sensor. If smoke enters
the chamber, the light that is reflected onto the light sensor is interrupted,
scattering light in many directions and triggers the alarm. Photoelectric smoke
detectors tend to respond quicker than ionization smoke alarms to smoke that is
produced by a smoldering fire. Photoelectric smoke detectors can detect smoke
before a fire even begins to appear.
You can learn more about the difference between ionization vs. photoelectric smoke detection from the National Fire Protection
Association, NFPA. Each type of smoke detection technology provides advantages
that may be critical to saving lives in certain fire situations.
Smoke Inhalation Is
the Leading Cause of Death by Fire
The NFPA reports that more fire deaths are caused by
smoke inhalation then by burns. People caught in a fire become incapacitated
quickly when overwhelmed with smoke which prevents them from making it to and
accessible exit. All of the synthetic materials that are common in construction
today create especially dangerous and toxic substances during a fire. As a fire
gains momentum inside of a structure, it quickly consumes most of the available
oxygen, which promotes a slow burning process and results in toxic gases.
Which Type of Smoke
Alarm Is Best?
It is difficult to predict the type of fire that you may
have in your home or business. Whether a
blazing, flaming fire or a smoldering fire, early warning is critical to
prevent injury and save lives. A licensed fire
alarm and life safety system provider
can help you determine which type of smoke detection technology is best for
your property and buildings.
Some buildings benefit from utilizing both
ionization and photoelectric technologies,
although it is recommended that photoelectric smoke detection definitely be
present. . Photo photoelectric smoke
detectors can detect the presence of smoke as soon a fire begins to develop to
alert occupants for quick evacuation. Dual smoke alarms are available that
include both ionization and photoelectric smoke detection technology.
HRSS Explains Smoke Detection Technology
High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, is a leading fire and
life safety system provider in the state of Illinois offering decades of
expertise in commercial fire alarm system design and smoke detection
technology. We help our customers with full fire and life safety system design,
providing the right type of smoke detection technology exactly where you need
it. We are a premier distributor for NOTIFIER™ by Honeywell, which is
recognized as a technology leader in fire detection. NOTIFIER offers
state-of-the-art smoke detection systems, including self-testing smoke
detectors, the first UL listed self-testing smoke alarms on the market.
HRSS offers
fire alarm system design, testing, inspection, repairs, maintenance, and
monitoring 24/7/365. We will review your current fire alarm and smoke detection
system and recommend the best solution for your facility. Contact us to learn
more about the different types of smoke alarms and photoelectric smoke
detection technology.
This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/fire-alarm-systems/photoelectric-smoke-detector-work/
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