Types of Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are an important way to protect not only your home, but your life and the lives of your family members. If you haven't replaced your smoke detector in 10 years or longer you'll want to consider getting a new one. Before making a purchase, decide what type of smoke detector is best for your home.

Ionization

Ionization detectors are a type of smoke detector that responds quickly to flaming fires. It is triggered when smoke disrupts an electric current that's located inside the alarm.

Photoelectric

Photoelectric detectors are a type of smoke detector that uses a light beam and light receptor to detect smoke. The alarm is triggered when smoke comes between the light and the receptor. This type of alarm responds more quickly to fires that are smoldering.

Combination Smoke Detectors

This type of detector is a combination of both ionization and photoelectric and is often called a dual sensor smoke alarm. This type of alarm may also have a heat detector.