The fire department favors photoelectric smoke detectors but recommends both. Most builder grade smoke alarms are Ionization smoke alarms but we typically install photoelectric fire detectors. The photo detector will avoid more of the nuisance alarms and notify the occupants when smoke enters the chamber. Most fire deaths are not caused by burns, but by smoke inhalation. Often smoke incapacitates so quickly that people are overcome and can’t make it to an otherwise accessible exit. See below for the difference on how each device works and why you should never tell your customer that the only fire protection they need is the fire protection we offer. The local alarms are great for added protection!
Ionization smoke alarms are generally more responsive to flaming fires.
How they work: Ionization-type smoke alarms have a small amount of radioactive material between two electrically charged plates, which ionizes the air and causes current to flow between the plates. When smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts the flow of ions, thus reducing the flow of current and activating the alarm.
Photoelectric smoke alarms are generally more responsive to fires that begin with a long period of smoldering (called “smoldering fires”). How they work: Photoelectric-type alarms aim a light source into a sensing chamber at an angle away from the sensor. Smoke enters the chamber, reflecting light onto the light sensor; triggering the alarm
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