what is a smoke detector? A smoke detector is an electrical device that has a little amount of radioactive material inside it. A smoke detector is used to detect smoke in buildings or apartments to prevent an unfortunate accident like a fire. It is also used to restrict people from smoking in non-smoking areas. Smoke detectors alert the alarm as soon as it detects smoke and let people evacuate on time without any major loss.
how does a smoke detector work?
Different components work in harmony to make this genius act possible. This action is called ionization type because it uses ionization to carry out the activity.
There is a little amount of radioactive in the smoke detector and it’s placed between the charged plate. When the air with indulged smoke in it passes through the ionization occurs the air is ionized by the radioactive element which produces current between the plates and that get the light sensor on along the alarm to alert the staff or the people who installed it.
The best smoke detector.
Photoelectric smoke detectors are the most reliable and perfect for the houses or kitchens because of its unique qualities as it is sensitive to high fire flames and bulky smoke so the unique property of this smoke detector is that it avoids false alarms caused by burnt food or cigarette smoke. The photoelectric units of this detector are less sensitive to a small amount of smoke. That is why it is advisable in the kitchens.
Types of smoke detector.
There are three types of smoke detectors.
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Ionization type.
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Photoelectric type.
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Dual.
The third type of smoke detector has both ionization and photoelectric qualities that is why it is called dual.
Working temperature for smoke detector.
| Smoke detector | Temperature in Fahrenheit | Temperature in Celsius |
|---|---|---|
| Ionization type | 166.6 F | 47 C |
| Photoelectric | 135 F | 57 C |
| Dual | 39.2 to 100 F | 4 to 38 C |
Summary.
Smoke detector is the most genius invention of mankind because it helps people from the casualties during the fire because where there is smoke there is fire and before the fire take over it alerts the people to evacuate and save their lives on time.
To attain the protection level the smoke detector must be connected to a fire alarm for the alert without it. it’s just a detection device that produces the only sensation to the lights on it.
Do I need an electrician to install the smoke detector?
when it comes to the safety of the house and family it is better to hire a professional for the installation because he would know about everything, suppose if there is a fault he would know what is causing the problem and why he will also make sure to solve the problem whether it is in the device or wiring.
A professional person knows the perfect spots which should cover your house entirely he would choose a better place than you could ever because he has been doing this for long so let them do the job who knows it better.
Merits and demerits of smoke detector.
Everything has its merits and merits so does the smoke detector, but it has the most advantages in its favor.
Merits of smoke detector.
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Prevents huge fires.
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Save lives.
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Alert on time to evacuate
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- Helps you locate the fire.
Demerits of the smoke detector.
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False alarms,
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It must be connected to a fire alarm without that it is just a detector.
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Some of them are costly.
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It’s hard to find an accurate spot for the smoke detector to prevent false alarms.
Placement of smoke detector
.A smoke detector should be placed where the temperature is above 4 degrees centigrade and lower than 38 degrees centigrade.
The places include unheated buildings, Outdoor rooms, porches, and basements. you must never set the smoke detector directly above the cooking stove or cooking rang because that may cause false alarms more frequently than normal.
The difference between smoke detector and alarm?
The main difference between the two is smoke alarm is mostly placed in residential areas like building and apartments where they are meant to produce sound through the alarm to alert the people for safe evacuation. A smoke detector on the other hand is used mostly for the signal in case of smoke or fire detection.
Summary
Put simply, it requires hiring a professional for the installation of the smoke detector as well as the selection of place is also an important factor in the installation process.
It’s better to install an alarm as well if you are installing it in a residential area.
FAQ (Frequently asked questions) .
People also ask many questions about a smoke detector. We discussed some of them below.
1 why is smoke alarm important?
A smoke detector is the most important appliance for the house especially for the kitchen because it saves lives before the fire takes over the building.
2.Does the smoke detector play the alarm when there is smoke?
No! it does not play any alarming sound unless it is connected to the fire alarm.
3. why the smoke alarm is required to be above 4 and below 38 degrees C?
Because it is the working window for a smoke detector it can perform well when it is between the working temperature window if you put it below you might not notice the smoke or if you place it in the place which exceeds the working window it may give you a false alarm.
4. Do people use smoke alarms apart from the kitchen?
Yes! A smoke alarm is a necessity for modern buildings it can be settled in the apartments corridors or other parts of the building where there is a fire threat.
5. why are there false alerts in a smoke alarm?
False alarms are due to the change in temperature if there is a constant temperature it will not give any false alarm.
6. how smoke detector ionizes the smoke?
smoke detector ionize air which carries the smoke into the detector, there is radioactive material in the detector which activates when the smoke hits and produce current through the electric plates on either side and then it activates the sensor and the alarm as well if connected to.
Conclusion.
Smoke detectors can save people from major incidents if it is used properly in the proper areas of the house. Always get help from a professional even if you are doing it yourself, Moreover, a smoke detector should be in contact with the alarm to prevent the massacre and material damage.
There are several types of smoke detectors you should choose the one which seems efficient and worthy of use to you. A photoelectric smoke detector might be a good choice for you it prevents false alarms and is efficient and safe as compared to ionization type.
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