Saturday, January 30, 2010

Photoelectric vs. Ionization Smoke Alarms - What is the difference?

Photoelectric Smoke Detector In short, a sense of photoelectric smoke detector smoke with a camera specially designed optics. In fact, the photoelectric smoke detector is often referred to as an optical smoke detector. If you were to hide one of these smoke detectors, what you find is an infrared LED (light emitting diode) on one side of the camera and the other side would find a light detection device called a photo diode . How does a photoelectric smoke detector work? In his lack of alarm, idle state, the LED emits a small beam of infrared light to the receiver. When the invisible beam of light is partially blocked or scattered by smoke particles, changes circuit (voltage drop state) and therefore provides the smoke detector in alarm condition. Photoelectric smoke detector is best used in applications where it goes, thicker smoke in a fire could occur. Ionization Smoke Detector The ionization chamber smoke is different in that the detector has a small amount (about
a milligram) of the radiation contained within the unit. This alpha radiation used is called americium-241 and determined that it is safe for the environment. The detection portion of this unit is called the ionization chamber. Within this chamber are electrodes that are a constant amount of current flowing between them. How does a smoke detector, ionization smoke effect? As already indicated, in its normal state, the electrodes to maintain a constant amount of current. When smoke enters the chamber, reducing the ionization of radioactive alpha particles between the electrodes. In turn, this also reduces the electrical current, thereby setting the detector in alarm condition. It is recommended that ionization smoke detectors are commonly used in applications where there is very little smoking. In other words, this type of fire would be more of a fire, smoke from fires low in nature. How these two smoke detectors differ in their sensitivity and reaction time? Tests have
shown that the ionization detector is faster to react as they do not have to wait until the smoke enters the chamber. The drawback is that it has a tendency to cause more false alarms than the photoelectric type. Because of these problems of sensitivity, ionization smoke detectors are being installed less than usual. Not tested yet, but I have heard that some manufacturers are discontinuing the production of ionization smoke detectors. I should note that because the photoelectric smoke detectors are a bit slower in response, many manufacturers make available to the units that have incorporated a thermal (heat) detectors in them. Can you tell the difference looking at one of them? Most times, manufacturers use the same property for both the photo detector and the ion. The best way to know what a smoke detector you have is reading the label on the bottom of the smoke detector. If not specifically say what type of smoke detector, then you may have to find the model number
for verification.

View this post on my blog: http://madeinhome.info/photoelectric-vs-ionization-smoke-alarms-what-is-the-difference

0 comments:

Post a Comment

About this blog

Site Sponsors