What you need to know
Most fatal home fires occur at night when people are asleep. Instead of waking you, smoke and poisonous gases from a fire quickly numb the senses and put you into an even deeper sleep. Seconds can make the difference between life and death. Are you and your loved ones protected? Smoke alarms that are properly installed, maintained and tested in the home can save lives.
What Does a Smoke Detector Do?
The purpose of a residential smoke detector is to sense the presence of smoke in the home, to sound an alarm and alert the occupants, giving them time to escape.
What Types Are Available?
There are two main types: Ionization and Photoelectric
Ionization smoke alarms contain a small chamber that produces electrically charged air molecules called ions.
When smoke enters the chamber, it causes a change in the flow of ions, triggering the alarm.
Photoelectric smoke alarms contain a light source whose beam is deflected by smoke into a photo-cell, thereby causing an alarm to sound.
Both types provide effective protection. Smoke alarms can either be wired into the household electrical system or be battery operated.