With the discovery of smoke detectors the risk of occupants dying in a fire outbreak or a high level of damage has been reduced by half in houses that have smoke detectors installed.
Smoke detectors are installed in buildings and they usually come in plastic containers with a disk-like shape. Although they vary in shape and size, they are mostly about 150 millimetres (6 inches) in diameter and 25 millimetres (1 inch) thick.
Smoke detectors can detect smoke in two ways; either optically which is through a photoelectric process, or physically which is through an ionisation process. Thus, there are basically two types of smoke detectors. However, there is a third classification which is the combination of photoelectric and ionisation and it is known as the Dual Sensor Smoke Detectors.
Photoelectric Smoke Detectors (Optical): The photoelectric detector is designed in such a way that it can sense unexpected dispersion of light immediately after smoke comes in contact with the detector compartment, provoking the alarm system. There are some dual optic models for this type of smoke detector. Photoelectric smoke detectors have a quick response mechanism. They react within an average of 15 to 50 minutes and this is faster than the ionisation smoke detectors. They detect fire in their early stages even before they start producing flames. They are installed anywhere around the building, but especially in strategic places such as close to electrical control rooms, kitchens, etc.
Ionisation Smoke Detectors (Physical): Ionisation smoke detectors are very sensitive to fast flaming fires, hence, they have a quicker reaction to flames than they do with smoke. They generally react within 30 to 90 seconds to flaming fires than the photoelectric smoke detectors. Ionisation smoke detectors have some amount of radioactive substance between two electrically charged dishes, which sends out ions into the air resulting in the flow of current between the two dishes. When smoke enters the dishes, it will hinder the flow of ions, thereby curtailing the flow of electrical current and this will trigger the alarm system. They are easily triggered if they are installed very close to kitchens or garages.
The preferred smoke detector must be installed to prevent them from being triggered falsely. Morven Industrial is your one-stop shop for quality engineering products and safety equipment. For smoke detectors, we have just any type you will be needing and at affordable prices. Place your order now and have us deliver them to you.