Choosing a smoke detector is an important decision, one you’ll need to consider as you move into a new home, start a business, or find yourself renting out a space. Being that these devices can save your life in the event of a fire, you want to make sure you choose the best one for your situation.
What is a Smoke Detector?
A smoke detector is a safety device that emits a loud noise when smoke is present to alert people that there’s a fire.
People often use the terms “smoke detector” and “smoke alarm” interchangeably, but there’s a distinct difference between the two.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a smoke alarm “has both the sensor to monitor for smoke and the speaker that emits the sound to notify the home occupants,” while a smoke detector is “a sensor that monitors for smoke and is connected to a whole building fire alarm system.” However, the detector itself does not emit sound.
Some are battery-powered, while others are hard-wired into the home or building’s electrical system.
Types of Smoke Detectors
The NFPA indicates there are six primary types of smoke detectors:
- Ionization Detector. This type of smoke detector is responsive to flames, and usually less expensive than photoelectric smoke detectors.
- Photoelectric Detector. This smoke detector responds to the presence of smoke or smoldering fires (such as the smoke produced by a burning cigarette).
- Combination Ionization and Photoelectric Detector. This type has dual sensors, so it’s just as effective in detecting actual flames as it is in detecting smolders or smoke.
- Intelligent Multicriteria Detector. This type of smoke detector senses legitimate fires, as well as nuisance or non-emergency flames (while you’re cooking, for example) and knows when to correctly go off as a result. It uses multiple methods of sensing fires, such as ionization, photoelectric, and heat, including an algorithm for fire detection.
- Voice Smoke Detector. These smoke detectors produce an everyday smoke detector’s telltale beeping noise when it detects smoke, but also makes a voice announcement. This voice may tell you where the smoke is located, or if there’s an issue with the detector itself.
- Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector. This detector typically looks like an ordinary smoke detector, mounted on the wall or ceiling. However, as its name indicates, it can detect both smoke and carbon monoxide. This may be a good choice for living spaces such as an apartment or condominium.
How to Decide Which Smoke Detector is Right for You
When deciding which smoke detector is right for your living space, consider the following:
- Product features and specifications
- Lifespan
- Power (battery or hard wire)
- Where it will be placed
- Installation process
The answers to these questions should help you make an informed decision, but if you’re ever in doubt, consult a fire and safety professional.
SERVPRO® is Ready 24/7
The alert from a smoke detector can buy you valuable time in the event of a fire, making it a truly lifesaving device. If you ever find yourself in need of cleanup and restoration services after a fire, SERVPRO can help. We offer everything from fire damage restoration and water damage cleanup to odor removal.
With more than 2,300 franchises across the United States and Canada, there’s a SERVPRO location near you, ready to provide top-tier cleaning, restoration, and construction services at a moment’s notice. And with over 50 years in the industry, it’s no wonder SERVPRO is consistently rated as the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration.