Every year there are more than a million fires in the United States. Tragically, they claim the lives of about four thousand people. However, that figure would be a heck of a lot larger were it not for a simple, yet essential piece of household technology known as the smoke detector. Since the product came to market in 1969, it has saved hundreds of thousand of lives and is a staple in most homes and apartment building. In fact, according to recent statistics, smoke detectors have been installed in more than 93 percent of US homes.

Like most electronic devices, smoke detectors have come a long way since they were first introduced. These days the most popular smoke detectors are either ionization detectors or the photoelectric smoke detector.

Many modern smoke alarms use both methods and sometimes even include a heat detector to alert homeowners to a fire. These detectors are often powered by a lithium or 9-volt battery.

In the next few paragraphs we are going to take a look at both kinds of detectors in an attempt to decide which one is right for you.

Ionization Smoke Detector

Ionization smoke detectors have an ionization chamber. When smoke comes in contact with and enters this chamber the particles attach themselves to ions and neutralize them. The drop in the current that is runs between a positive and negative plate within the chamber then triggers the alarm.

Photoelectric Smoke Detector

Unlike the ionization smoke detectors, the photoelectric devices have a few different types. In one kind of photoelectric detector smoke can block a constant beam of light, which then triggers the alarm. In the most common device, however, a light is disrupted by the smoke particles on the photo cell, setting off the alarm.

Which is better?

Before we begin it must be said that both the ionization and photoelectric detectors are extremely effective. Both must pass a battery of rigorous tests before they are certified and put up for sale. That said each detector has a number of strengths and weaknesses. Ionization detectors are known for responding more quickly to fires that produce smaller combustion particles. A photoelectric smoke detector, on the other hand, will react more quickly to smoldering fires.

In either detector, steam from the kitchen or even high levels of humidity can form condensation on the circuit board or the sensor and can cause the alarm to go off. When it comes to price, an ionization detector is slightly more affordable than a photoelectric smoke detector. But ionization detectors are also far more sensitive than photoelectric ones and they are known to sound when even a small amount of smoke or steam is produced during normal cooking. That is why many people end up disabling their ionization detectors in and around the kitchen area.

Conclusion

So which smoke detector should you choose? As we mentioned, each method has its strengths and weaknesses. But it seems to us that one is a better suited for normal home use, and that is the photoelectric smoke detector. Sure, it is a bit more expensive, but it is designed to respond to real fires and it will not cry wolf and sound when it is not warranted.