Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms

Imagine you are in sound sleep and a sudden fire or smoke engulfs your home- Do you have smoke alarm so that you can quickly escape?

Unfortunately most of us don't consider this as one of the major safety aid but the bottom line is smoke alarm can save live. If you have smoke detectors in your home, you have a better chance to get everyone out safely during fire. While any smoke detector is better than none, its quite important to discuss the features of all that are available in the market.

Most of the manufacturers offer two kinds of smoke detectors- Photoelectric and Ionization. An introduction of dual sensor is the recent development in this sector and they . We will briefly explain all three types so its easier for you to understand the dual sensor features

Photoelectric Sensor- They are better at catching the wispy , smoldering fire more quickly. Photoelectric smoke detector has a source of light and the electric sensor are positioned at 90 degree angle. When smoke gets into the chamber, it splits the light and hits the sensor which then starts the alarm

Ionization Detector

They contain americium-21 a radioactive element to ionize the air. An electric current is produced in the middle of the plates and when smoke enters the chamber it produces the alarm. It can detect small particles of smoke that are otherwise not visible to human naked eye.

Dual Sensor

They include both type of sensors -photoelectric and ionization and hence are more effective to alert the homeowner whether its long burning flames or even if its smoldering fire.Dual sensor alarms helps protect against common household fires by detecting both slow smoldering and fast flaming fires. Fast flaming fire spread in minutes and may be seconds to react whereas slow smoldering fire burns long and causes lot of smoke which in turn can cause smoke inhalation.

Since dual sensor alarms include both photoelectric and ionization sensors, it is recommended as the best choice in household smoke detectors. Although it cost a more but in reality you are getting more protection. It also does not require any industry standard sensitivity levels to pass inspection as they simply have to meet the requirement of photoelectric or ionization detectors. For this reason dual sensor will provide you the optimal coverage.

Thing to consider before you buy a dual sensor alarm- Do your homework and check for the following features:

1. Easy Installation- Battery built is much convenient to install than hardwired detectors.

2. Testing- Do a testing to ensure that it is functional and detects smoke and the alarm is functional

3. Battery Backup- Units should function with without electrical power.

4. Hush Feature- Silence button should enable you to quickly deactivate the alarm.

5. Top detectors have generally have 5 to 10 year warranties.

6.Interconnected Units- These smoke detectors are interconnected within home to provide full house coverage and ensure residence wide alert.

Also other important points to note: Replace all your smoke sensors at same time and place carbon monoxide detectors depending on the heating source of your home.

Placement of the Detector

According to a recent report 2/3 of the fire causalities in home is due to improper or malfunctioning of the smoke detectors and one reason is incorrect placement of the smoke detectors. It is recommended by National Fire Protection Association that each floor should have one smoke detector. Ideally they should also be placed in bedroom. Experts also urge consumer that they should place detectors in basement, living rooms for a safest home. Smoke rises and hence place your smoke detector within a foot of the ceiling and 10 feet from the cooking area.

In case there is already a smoke detector placed before you moved into the house take the smoke detector out and look whether it has any of the three sensor alarms. As mentioned earlier ionization detectors has americium-21 and every ionization detector will have a mention of this material. A photoelectric sensor will have the word photoelectric or P embossed on the back and similarly the dual sensor alarm will have similar indication. Any smoke alarm which more than 10 years old should replaced immediately irrespective of the type.

An accident can convert to a tragedy very easily so do take precautionary measures out oh which smoke alarm is one key step to safeguard yourself, your family and home.