Types of Residential Smoke & Heat Detectors

Benefits

• According to nasdonline.org, deaths in residential fires could be reduced by 50 percent if all homes had fire detection devices and an evacuation plan.

Smoke Detectors

• Ionization smoke detectors are triggered by a reduction in an electrical current's internal flow when smoke passes through the unit. Photoelectric units are triggered when their light beam is interrupted by smoke. A smoky fire is detected faster with the photoelectric unit; an ionic detector reacts faster to flames. For this reason, nasdonline.org recommends using at least one of each type, or combination units.

Heat Detectors

• Fixed-temperature heat detectors are triggered when the air temperature rises above a preset temperature, usually around 135 degrees Fahrenheit. For attic use, a heat detector with a preset of 200 to 225 degrees is best, says nasdonline.org. Rate-of-rise units go off at a preset rate of rise in temperature per minute.

Location

• Use electric and battery-powered units, putting one outside each bedroom and one on each level of the home---including basements and attics.

Considerations

• Residential fires kill 4,000 to 5,000 Americans each year, reports the National Fire Protection Association. Test your units regularly, and replace the batteries at least once a year.