What Type of Fire Alarm / Smoke Detector Should I Buy?
In the U.S., an average of 300,000 residential fires occur each year, but damage is preventable if you install the right smoke detector. Smoke detectors come in many varieties, but some offer more protection than others. Does this Spark an idea?
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Safety Certification
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For optimum safety, your smoke detector should be certified by UL, or Underwriters Laboratory, Inc., an independent safety testing organization. Smoke detectors that are UL-approved will contain the UL-217 mark.
Types
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Commercially available smoke detectors come in three varieties: ionization, photoelectric and dual sensors. Ionization smoke sensors are better at detecting quickly spreading fires, while photoelectric detectors quickly respond to smoldering fires. The U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission and "Consumer Reports" recommend installing a dual sensor, which combines ionization and photoelectric sensors.
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Interconnected Alarms
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In homes with multiple floors or rooms, you may want to consider an interconnected smoke alarm system. With interconnected models, every smoke alarm in the home will sound if one unit detects smoke.
Combination Alarms
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To protect your home from the added danger of carbon monoxide, or CO, poisoning, you can install a combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, which is available in photoelectric and ionization sensor varieties, but not in a dual variety. For optimal protection, "Consumer Reports" suggests purchasing one of each.
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References
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