Hashtag
Men's Weekly

How to Choose the Right Smoke Detector for Your Home


How prepared is your home for fire? A lot of people think of an engulfing house fire as a killer but it’s really important to remember that smoke is just as dangerous. Smoke from a fire can render someone unconscious by limiting their oxygen supply, making it impossible to escape without assistance. A smoke detector is your early warning system to wake up, take your loved ones and get out of a property before the flames take hold.

What a smoke detector does

All Australian standard home smoke detectors come with two functions; a smoke detection system and a very loud alert to wake people up and draw attention to danger.

While typical home smoke detectors are connected to an internal 9-volt battery, these will need regular changing in order to get a fast and reliable response. Unfortunately, many cases of fatal home fires have been because smoke detector batteries were allowed to run flat or had been disabled. A way to avoid the constant need to refresh batteries is to have an electrician hard-wire smoke detectors to your home electricity current.

The two types of smoke detectors

Some fires smoulder and some flame. To cater to these different types there are two types of smoke detector technologies that are specialised to detect different fire types, photoelectric smoke detectors and ionisation smoke detectors.

How a photoelectric smoke detector works

Usually, photoelectric sensors use a light beam and sensor to trigger a sound when there is a disruption to the light. When no light reaches the sensor, even momentarily, it can sound and alert, however, for smoke to be able to cut off a light beam, you’d need a significant amount of it before getting a result, which might be too late to limit damage or save lives.

Rather than having continual contact with a light source, photoelectric smoke detectors have an internal chamber that sets a light source and sensor at 90-degree angles to each other. Rather than hit the sensor, the job of the light is to miss, leaving the sensor in the dark. This distance enables the chamber to sense even small changes in the atmosphere. Any smoke, even small amounts, in the chamber will cause the light to scatter in different directions, alerting the sensor and triggering the alarm.

The technology is simple and cheap to produce and very effective as an early warning system for smouldering fires.

How an ionisation smoke detector works

Ionisation detectors have an ionisation chamber that works with two plates (one positively charged, the other negatively charged). A minuscule amount of radiation is used to offset the electron particles and start a current. Any smoke entering this space disrupts the process and reduces the current, setting off the alarm.

Pros & cons

A photoelectric is best suited to slow fires that fester without much flame, while the ionisation smoke detector is best for times when there is very little smoke and a raging flame. To cover both these scenarios it’s best to choose a smoke detector that offers both technologies in one. You can find out what type of smoke detector works best for you by talking to a professional electrician about types, installation and benefits.

Having a smoke detector on its own is not enough, the smoke detector you have needs to be reliable. The wrong location, a flat battery, removed battery or faulty device offers a false sense of security and no protection to you or your home. Make sure you test the alarm frequently, keep the sensor free from dust and change the battery once a year.

House & Garden

Everything You Need to Know About Evaporative Cooling Installation in Melbourne Homes

Keeping your home comfortable during Melbourne’s warmer months can be a challenge, especially when energy bills keep rising. One of the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling opt...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

The Role of Fencing Contractors in Residential and Commercial Projects

When it comes to improving the safety, privacy, and curb appeal of a property, few elements are as effective as a well-built fence. This is where professional fencing contractors come into play. Whe...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

From Eco to Eyesore – Brisbane's Water Tanks Are Due for Replacement

Way back in 2002, Brisbane City Council introduced a rebate scheme to encourage local homeowners to invest in rainwater tanks, in response to severe drought affecting southeast Queensland. The local...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Renovating an Old Home? Here’s What You Should Fix First

Restoring an old house comes with flair and a few surprises. Although the temptation to jump straight into design improvements is strong, some necessary repairs should not be overlooked, as they cou...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Are Home Solar Panels Worth the Investment Today?

Solar panels offer the promise of significant energy savings and a smaller carbon footprint. Homeowners are increasingly aware of the impact of rising utility costs, pushing many to explore sustainabl...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Smart Homes, Smarter Living: How Automation is Redefining the Aussie Lifestyle

From voice-controlled lighting to electric gates that open with a tap on your phone, smart home technology is no longer a glimpse into the future—it's here, and it's transforming the way Australians...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Health & Wellness

Why Regular Visits to a Trusted Dentist Matter More Than You Think

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Seeing a dentist is often associated with pain or emergency situations. However, routine dental visits play a much larger role in maintaining not only oral health but your overall wellbeing. Whether...

5 Signs Your Loved One Might Benefit from In-Home Therapy Support

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Living with a disability or health condition can present daily challenges, especially when accessing regular therapy support outside the home. That’s why many individuals and their families are turn...

Connecting You to Community: The Role of Your NDIS Disability Services Provider in Inclusion

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

(Source)When discussing disability services, it is tempting to focus on the practical aspects, such as daily routines, mobility aids, and support workers. However, after all that, there is another thi...