A photoelectric smoke alarm detects smoke differently than a ionized carbon monoxide or americium alarm. Instead of emitting dangerous gases, photoelectric smoke alarms detect smoke by detecting light. Like a letter T, a photoelectric smoke alarm looks like a tree with a trunk that scatters light down the trunk. Smoke reflects this light and triggers the photoelectric smoke alarm sensor.
X-Sense
The X-Sense photoelectric smoke alarm is a battery-powered alarm that lasts for 10 years. It has a built-in secondary LED that changes color in case the battery runs out. The smoke alarm uses a photoelectric sensor that analyzes smoke three times before it triggers the alarm. This helps minimize nuisance alarms. It also features a screen filter that keeps insects out. Regardless of whether or not your smoke detector will trigger an alarm, it is important to make sure you have a reliable alarm.
There are several types of smoke alarms on the market, and each type offers a different level of security. The First Alert SA320 uses red wall anchors to prevent it from being removed from walls. It also comes with optional locking features that discourage unauthorized removal of the battery and alarm. The X-Sense SC06-W is easy to install. Once mounted, it will switch on automatically. If there is a fire, it will sound an 85-dB alarm.
Kidde P9050
If you are looking for a good photoelectric smoke alarm that can also detect invisible particles, you may want to check out the Kidde P9050. This model operates on a 120 V power source and has a nine-volt battery backup. Photoelectric smoke alarms can detect visible particles, but ionization smoke alarms can identify invisible fire particles. The Kidde P9050 photoelectric smoke alarm is one of the best options for most homes.
This smoke alarm has a single-button design and an LED that flashes every thirty or forty seconds to let you know if it has been activated. The alarm also includes a 10-year battery, but it falls short in a number of states. You should keep this in mind when choosing this model if you live in Oregon, California, Maryland, New York, Washington, or Phoenix. The Kidde P9050 photoelectric smoke alarm comes with a 10-year battery.
Kidde SA511CN2–3ST
If you have a Kidde SA511CN2–3ST Photoelectric Smoke Alarm, you may be interested in a recall for these units. These detectors contain a smoothing algorithm which prevents nuisance alarms caused by dust and smoke. You can contact Kidde here to learn more. Most home fires start while a person is cooking. This is particularly true in the winter months. To avoid this problem, you should keep flammable materials away from a heater or fireplace.
A photoelectric smoke detector has two forms of protection: first, it detects smoke, second, it detects carbon monoxide. Its audio output is 85 decibels. For the hearing-impaired, strobe alerts may be helpful. For those who live alone, a Kidde SA511CN2–3ST Photoelectric Smoke Alarm has two alarm modes: continuous and strobe. It comes with two AA batteries. A 10-year warranty is also provided.
Kidde P1210E
The Kidde P1210E photoelectric smoke and fire alarm uses 120VAC power. It includes a test button and a quick-connect power harness. It features a 10-year limited warranty and uses photoelectric sensing technology. This type of smoke alarm detects visible particles of fire much sooner than ionization sensing models. If you are concerned about the reliability of this smoke alarm, please contact the manufacturer for instructions.
These smoke and fire alarms are designed to detect a wide range of flammable and slow-burning fires. Ionization smoke alarms are less expensive, but they only detect small particles of fast-burning fires. However, they are not as effective against smoky or slow-burning fires. An ionization smoke alarm contains a small amount of radioactive material. This type of smoke and fire alarm produces a tiny electrical current that senses smoke and sounds an alarm when the fire has reached a certain threshold.