Smoke Detector Testing

 

While smoke alarms may all look very similar, they may be quite different in the way they work.

 

There are essentially two types of Smoke Alarms, Photo Electric and Ionisation, and both are designed to detect fires differently to each other. They operate at either end of the spectrum of fire detection.

 

Additionally, there are special alarms for specials needs, such as for the hearing impaired or for particular parts of buildings.

 

Photo-Electric Smoke Alarms

 

They detect visible particles of combustion, eg. smouldering cigarette smoke. They respond to a wide range of fires, but they are particularly responsive to smouldering fires and the dense smoke given off by foam filled furnishings or overheated PVC wiring.

 

Ionisation Smoke Alarms

 

They detect invisible particles of combustion, eg. from cooking toast. They activate more quickly for fast, flaming fires with little visible smoke.