Are Your Smoke Detectors in Need of an Upgrade?

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms need to be updated.

Modern Smoke Detectors

These days it seems like everything's changing. Your phones want to be upgraded every year or two. Familiar logos become less familiar with each new rendition. Even that smoke alarm hanging in your kitchen may be in need of an update. As technology continues to improve, experts have found new and better ways to keep you and your family safe from home fires.

Did you know there are several types of detectors?

• A heat detector is the oldest model. It sounds an alarm when the element inside reaches a specific temperature or when there's a rapid spike in temperature. These are generally not recommended for use in homes anymore because they don't sound an alarm quickly enough for residents to get out of the home.

• The second type of smoke detector is the ionization alarm. This device contains a tiny bit of radioactive material. When smoke passes through the ionization chamber, an alarm sounds. This type of detector works well for fast-moving fires.

• A photoelectric smoke alarm works by using a special light sensor. When smoke moves across the path of light, the alarm is activated. This detector is best for smoldering fires that take a while to develop.

• Happily, there are combination alarms that combine the properties of ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends putting both types of detectors in your home, whether you choose models of each of the combination.

Variations in Battery

There are also differences in where detectors get their power. The most common type of fire detector is the type that runs on 9-volt batteries. These batteries generally last for many years, in some cases up to 10 years, depending on the type of battery. Other alarms are interconnected and are powered through the same source.

Each smoke alarm in your home is a vital component in your family's fire prevention and safety system. Learn more about how and where to install alarms in your home by contacting a fire damage restoration company in Regency, FL.