Determining which type of smoke alarm you currently have can be difficult. If you find anything mentioning radioactive materials, a model number with an “I” or any mention of Americium-241 on the alarm's label, it is an ionization alarm. If you find a “P,” it is a photoelectric alarm.
You can do so by taking the smoke alarm down and look at the back for either “Photoelectric” or “Ionization,” or a symbol with the letter “P” or “I” on the back. Once you figure out which type you own, purchase the other type and install one next to each unit.
Although ionization smoke detector has more advavantages compared to photoelectric smoke detector it is now being discontinued. The reason is that it contains radio active material. If you already have one that you need to replace, you are required to dispose it properly.
Optical detect smoke and are better as detecting smouldering fires while ionization detect heat and smaller smoke particles. Ionization are more prone to false alarms than Optical.
Ionization sensing alarms may detect invisible fire particles (associated with fast flaming fires) sooner than photoelectric alarms. Photoelectric sensing alarms may detect visible fire particles (associated with slow smoldering fires) sooner than ionization alarms.
An ionization smoke detector can be identified by its components and operation. It consists of two metal plates spaced a certain distance apart, a battery, and a small disk containing americium.
Since no one can predict what type of fire might start in their home, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends that every home and place where people sleep have: Both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR. Dual-sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.
The label on each smoke detector should clearly state whether it is an ionisation or a photoelectric smoke alarm. Failing that, there will be a bright yellow “radiation” symbol inside or on the back of all ionisation alarms.
This is why the National Fire Protection Association recommends the use of both ionization and photoelectric technologies in all smoke detectors. NFPA 72 advises having both photoelectric and ionization alarms for optimal protection against different types of fires.
Test smoke alarms every month by pressing their test buttons. If your alarms use regular batteries, swap in fresh batteries at least once a year. A “chirping” sound means that it's time to change batteries. Because alarm sensors wear out, replace each alarm at least every 10 years.
Ionisation smoke detectors.
Despite their effectiveness, there is an issue with these types of smoke detectors and how they work: They are gradually being phased out due to concerns about their use of radioactive material.
Difficulty Detecting Quick-Burning Fires
One of the primary limitations of photoelectric smoke detectors is their reduced sensitivity to quick-burning fires. These types of fires, often ignited by fast-acting sources such as sparklers or electrical sparks, produce less smoke but more intense flames.
For example, sudden changes in temperature can disrupt the ionization process and trigger an alarm. This is especially common in homes with central heating and air conditioning, where the temperature can fluctuate throughout the day. Malfunctioning sensors or other components can also cause false alarms.
By using both photoelectric and ionization technology, this 10-Year Battery Dual Sensor Smoke Alarm can help provide the earliest possible warning, regardless of the type of fire.
Can I install a hardwired smoke detector myself? While it is technically possible, it is not recommended. Working with your home's electrical system can be dangerous and complex, best left to a qualified electrician.
An Alarm Chirps -- Which Alarm Is It? Often, the smoke alarm is sounding a low-batterychirp every :30 seconds or so, but the chirp could also be coming from the Carbon Monoxide Detector or Furnace Alarm. The only way to tell is to put your ear next to it and listen for the chirp.
Ionization models are best suited for rooms that contain highly combustible materials that can create flaming fires. These types of materials include flammable liquids, newspapers, and paint cleaning solutions. Photoelectric models are best suited for living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens.
Ionization sensing technology is generally more sensitive than photoelectric sensing technology at detecting small particles, which tend to be produced in greater amounts by flaming fires. These types of fires consume combustible materials rapidly and spread quickly.
Kidde offers photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms as well as a dual-sensor alarm that combines both technologies in one unit, all of which meet the current UL standard for smoke alarms and can be purchased nationwide at retailers or online.
Determining which type of smoke alarm you currently have can be difficult. If you find anything mentioning radioactive materials, a model number with an “I” or any mention of Americium-241 on the alarm's label, it is an ionization alarm. If you find a “P,” it is a photoelectric alarm.
For hardwired smoke detectors, random beeping may result from electrical interference, loose connections, or power fluctuations. Wireless devices, such as Wi-Fi routers or baby monitors, can also disrupt the detector's signal, causing unexpected beeping.
How to Tell If Your Smoke Alarm is Working. Hardwired units will have a steady green LED light to show that it's receiving AC power. Battery-operated units will have a quick flash every 30-45 seconds. This does not necessarily mean the alarm is working.
Overall, we recommend the First Alert SA3210 because it combines photoelectric and ionization sensors that detect low and smoky fires as well as high flames. It's also battery-operated, so it's easy to install. If you're looking for a bargain, the Kidde I9030 is a basic smoke detector that does the job at low cost.
The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms. There are two types of smoke alarm technologies on the market, ionization and photoelectric. The most commonly available is the inexpensive battery-powered ionization-type smoke alarm.
According to the United States Department of Homeland Security, and the California Building Code, at least one smoke detector needs to be placed in each of the following areas of your home: On Every Floor Level. In Every Bedroom. In Every Hallway Outside of a Bedroom.