two types of smoke sensors used in smoke detectors

Our team here at Mister Sparky by Wise Electrical Control Inc. knows that you want to protect your home. One essential tool to help you do this is a smoke detector. Although the state of North Carolina requires smoke detectors to be installed “inside each sleeping room, outside each sleeping room, and on all habitable floor levels,” the average homeowner does not know much about how these devices keep a home safe. We believe in giving customers like you all the information they need in order to make the best decisions for their homes, so in this article, our team at Mister Sparky by Wise Electrical Control Inc. will go over what you need to know about smoke detectors.

The first thing you need to know is that there are two types of smoke sensors used in smoke detectors, known as photoelectric or ionization sensors. Photoelectric sensors are best at detecting slow-burning fires that don’t produce much of a flame, while ionization sensors are best at the opposite, sensing quick-burning fires with lots of flames. It’s best to choose a model that uses both types for maximum protection.

Another thing to know about smoke detectors is that you should always choose wired models with battery backups. Wired alarms are great because you won’t have to worry about changing batteries, and because all the alarms are connected, so the whole house will be alerted in the event of danger. Battery backups are a failsafe in case the power goes out.

Finally, you should know that smoke detectors eventually expire, as the sensors gradually degrade until they are no longer effective. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that you replace your detectors every ten years. If you are at that point with your smoke detectors, you can call our team at Mister Sparky by Wise Electrical Control Inc. to take care of it for you.