Fire safety is important for everyone to know, and that includes understanding how smoke detectors work. While most people know that it’s important to have a working smoke detector in their home, not everyone knows exactly how they work. Keep reading to learn more about how these life-saving devices function.
Smoke Detectors: Did You Know Before?
Smoke detectors contain a small chamber that contains a thin wire or plate. Once the device is switched on, an electric current will flow through the chamber. If there is no smoke present, the current flowing through the chamber will cause the wire or plate to heat up and expand. This expansion causes a small metal hammer inside the device to be pushed forward, which hits a pin and creates a spark. The spark ignites a small number of chemicals that create a loud sound, which alerts people in the vicinity that there is a fire.
When smoke enters the chamber, it interferes with the flow of electricity and prevents the wire or plate from heating up. This causes the metal hammer to be released, which strikes the pin and creates the spark. The spark then ignites the chemicals, which create a loud sound that alerts people of a fire.
It’s important to test your smoke detectors regularly to ensure that they are working properly. You can do this by pressing the test button on the device, which will simulate smoke entering the chamber and should cause the alarm to sound. If you don’t hear anything when you press the test button, it’s time to replace your smoke detector battery.
4 Major Types of Smoke Detectors
The following 4 major types of smoke detectors are popular:
1. Ionization smoke detectors
Ionization smoke detectors contain a small amount of radioactive material that ionizes the air in the chamber, creating an electrical current. The sets off the alarm when it enters the room Ionization detectors are more sensitive to smaller, invisible particles produced by fast-burning fires.
2. Photoelectric smoke detectors
Photoelectric contain a light-sensitive sensor that is activated when smoke enters the chamber. The sensor detects the smoke and sets off the alarm. Photoelectric detectors are more sensitive to larger, visible particles produced by slow-burning fires.
3. Dual-sensor smoke detectors
Dual-sensor contain both an ionization sensor and a photoelectric sensor. These detectors are designed to provide the best possible protection against both fast-burning and slow-burning fires.
4. Owl Sensor
Owl Sensor is a Homekit smoke detector in Canada. It uses an ionization sensor to detect smoke and sets off the alarm. owl sensor is more sensitive to smaller, invisible particles that are produced by fast-burning fires.
When it comes to fire safety, it’s essential to be informed about how it work. Now that you know a little bit more about these life-saving devices, you can be sure to keep your home and family safe in the event of a fire.
