Your Ultimate Smoke Detector Guide

The differences in smoke detectors fall into three primary categories: type of sensor, power source and smart features.

Sensor Type

There are two types of smoke detectors available to homeowners. The first is the ionization type. Ionization smoke alarms have a small amount of radioactive material that ionizes the air and creates a flow of electricity between two oppositely charged plates. As smoke enters the smoke detector, it disrupts the flow of electricity and triggers the alarm. These smoke detectors are best for large wild flames known as flaming fires.

The second type is a photo-electric smoke detector. Photoelectric smoke alarms contain a light source and a light detector. During normal operation, the light source does not point at the light sensor. However, when smoke passes through the detector, it bends the light rays so that some hit the light sensor and trigger the alarm. These detectors are best for smoldering fires, which are smaller and slower burning but produce a lot of smoke.

The best way to protect yourself and your home from home fires is to install both types of alarms or dual-sensor smoke alarms. A combination alarm is able to detect fast flaming fires and slow smoldering fires.

Power Source

There are also two primary power sources for smoke detectors. The first is the simple battery-operated option. These fire alarms rely on a battery, usually a 9 volt. The second type is hard-wired. These detectors are powered by the wiring in your home.

The benefit of a hardwired smoke detector is that you never have to replace the battery. However, the flip side is that they won’t work during a power outage. With this in mind, a hard-wired smoke detector with a battery backup is the most reliable.

Smart Features

There are many different smart features available for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Some popular options are alerts sent to your phone, Alexa or other smart devices as well as wireless interconnectivity, location-specific alerts and self-testing.

For example, you can have several smoke detectors connected over WiFi, and in the event of a fire, you could get an alert about a fire in the kid’s bedroom.

One of the most important features is interconnectivity. This is especially beneficial in larger homes. Interconnected alarms will trigger each other so that they all signal at the same time. For example, a basement fire would trigger the basement smoke alarm, which might be heard on the second floor while everyone is sleeping. However, interconnected alarms solve this by triggering the second-floor alarm as well.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends installing “smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.” Smoke rises, so you’ll want to keep your smoke detectors on the ceiling or within 12 inches of the ceiling for wall-mounted models.

You should also keep smoke alarms 10 feet away from cooking zones to reduce the chance of false signals. Placing them in close proximity can be dangerous as some homeowners will remove the battery, creating a dangerous situation.

Finally, if you have peaks in your home, do not install the smoke alarm at the apex of the peak (top 4 inches). Smoke does not always move into these peaks delaying the detection and alarm.

Installing battery-powered, WiFi connected smoke detectors is pretty simple. All you need is a ladder and a Phillips screwdriver. Most smoke detectors come with the appropriate mounting bracket and hardware. So, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the bracket and detector. It’s generally only three to four small screws.

On the other hand, installing new hard-wired smoke alarms is difficult if you don’t already have the wiring in place. You would need to tap into an existing circuit and pull wires through the walls and ceilings. This is substantial electrical work, and you may need to call an electrical contractor for a professional installation.

Smoke detectors require regular maintenance to ensure functionality and reliability. First, press the test button monthly to ensure the alarm is still working. Second, vacuum the detector annually or sooner if needed. Dust and debris can stop the detector from working and, in some cases, cause false alarms. Finally, replace the battery every year unless your model has a long life non-replaceable battery.

Every family should have a fire escape plan. At a minimum, it should include paths of exit and a designated meeting place. Everyone should be aware that belongings get left behind and that searching for hiding pets during an emergency situation could be fatal.

Never assume you have a false alarm. House fires can spread quickly, and every second counts. Immediately look and smell for fires, and take heed of the additional tips below:

• Alert and help any small children in the home.
• Do not collect personal belongings or valuables. Do not search for hiding pets.
• Gently touch doors with the back of your hand before reaching for the handle. A hot door indicates fire on the other side, and the handle may burn you. Slowly open doors and be ready to shut them if the fire or smoke rushes in.
• Follow your emergency escape plan.
• Call 911.