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Home » smoke-detector » Smoke Detector
Smoke Detectors
The ubiquitous smoke detector is an amazing device. Today they can be as cheap as $10 or so and while they cost very little they can save your life. They should be in every home and in fact many states and municipalities require the installation of smoke detectors.
A smoke detector comes with a sensor which detects smoke and alarm to alert people. Many are battery-powered and run off a simple 9 V battery while others can be wired into your house electrical system and also wired into an alarm system notifying a home security company of a possible fire in your home or office.
There are two common types of smoke detectors the first is an ionization detector and the second is a photoelectric sensor to detect smoke.
The photoelectric smoke detector uses a beam of light. The smoke when it enters the detection chamber will deflect the light and activate a sensor which sets off the horn. These types of detectors are better for detecting a smoky fire.
The ionizing smoke detector is more common because it is a little better at detecting small fires that may not have a lot of smoke associated with them. They use an ionizing radiation source usually americium -- 241 which is a good source of alpha particles. The ionizing smoke detector detects smoke particles that have been ionized by alpha particles from the americium -- 241 which disrupts the flow of current between two plates. The drop in current then sets off the alarm.
Smoke detectors are vital to keep your family safe in the event of a fire. Used in conjunction with a thorough escape plan they can get you out of danger should the unthinkable happen.
Fire Safety in the News
Fire's Toll Spurs Action - Long Beach Press-Telegram
Fire's toll spurs actionLong Beach Press-Telegram, CA - 9 hours agoBy Tracy Manzer, Staff Writer Long Beach Fire Department Deputy Chief Mike Garcia displays a smoke detector that the city...
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Scottsdale Apartment Fire Possibly Started By Transients - ABC15.com (KNXV-TV)
Scottsdale apartment fire possibly started by transientsABC15.com (KNXV-TV), AZ - 22 hours ago... monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year. Install a carbon monoxide alarm in a...
Fire Calls: Dec. 13, 2008 - Savage Pacer
Fire Calls: Dec. 13, 2008Savage Pacer, MN - 20 hours agoFirefighters responded to a carbon-monoxide alarm in the 4900 block of Spruce Lane at 2:37 am Firefighters found traces of carbon monoxide...
MUM JAILED FOR ASSAULTING HEAD - Southwark News
MUM JAILED FOR ASSAULTING HEADSouthwark News, UK - 4 hours agoThe defendant then picked up a fire extinguisher and hurled it at the wall. The woman, who had no previous convictions or cautions,...
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Safety Tip
One is definitely NOT enough! Every home should be equipped with smoke detectors on every level, particularly outside of sleeping areas.
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