Types of Smoke Alarms

Every 23 minutes a fire injury occurs nationwide. What's even more tragic is every two hours someone dies from a fire-related incident, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Working smoke alarms greatly reduce the likelihood of a residential fire-related fatal injury by providing occupants with early warning and giving them additional time to escape. In fact, smoke alarms have contributed to the nearly 50 percent decrease in fire deaths since the late 1970s, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Although most families have at least one smoke alarm in their home, many are unaware that there are different types of smoke alarms that detect different types of smoke, based on the type of fire.

Today, three varieties of smoke alarms are available: photoelectric, ionization and dual-technology.

• Photoelectric Alarms - These detectors quickly sense smoldering, smoky fires, such as those ignited by a cigarette falling between sofa cushions.
• Ionization Alarms - These detectors quickly sense the occurrence of a flaming, fast-moving fire, such as a kitchen fire.
• Dual-Technology (Dual-Sensor) Alarms - These alarms contain both photoelectric and ionization sensors in one unit. This sophisticated technology optimizes detection in multiple fire scenarios.
  
  UL recommends that you use both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms in your home to provide you and your family the best available escape time in residential fires. Install at least one UL-listed smoke alarm on every level of your home according manufacturer's instructions, including the basement and outside each sleeping area.
• Installing interconnected smoke alarms may also be beneficial to your family's safety. These alarms will help alert everyone in all areas of your home, regardless of where the fire starts.

UL recommends that you use both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms in your home to provide you and your family the best available escape time in residential fires. Install at least one UL-listed smoke alarm on every level of your home according manufacturer's instructions, including the basement and outside each sleeping area. Installing interconnected smoke alarms may also be beneficial to your family's safety. These alarms will help alert everyone in all areas of your home, regardless of where the fire starts.

Source: National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org) and U.S. Fire Administration (www.usfa.dhs.gov).