There are two main types of smoke detectors: ionization smoke detectors and photoelectric smoke detectors.
Ionization Smoke Detectors: Ionization smoke detectors are the most common type of smoke detector used in households. They work by ionizing the air inside the detector using a small amount of radioactive material. This creates a small electrical current that is interrupted when smoke enters the chamber. When the current is interrupted, the detector sounds an alarm.
Photoelectric Smoke Detectors: Photoelectric smoke detectors use a beam of light to detect smoke. Inside the detector, there is a light-emitting diode (LED) that emits a beam of light. There is also a photodiode that detects the light. When smoke enters the chamber, it scatters the beam of light, which is detected by the photodiode. This triggers the alarm.
Dual-Sensor Smoke Detectors: Dual-sensor smoke detectors combine the technology of both ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors. This means that they are able to detect both fast-burning and slow-burning fires. Dual-sensor smoke detectors are considered the most reliable type of smoke detector.
Smart Smoke Detectors: Smart smoke detectors are becoming increasingly popular. They are connected to Wi-Fi and can send alerts to your smartphone if they detect smoke. Some smart smoke detectors can also be integrated with other smart home devices, such as smart thermostats or smart lights.
Heat Detectors: Heat detectors are designed to detect high temperatures rather than smoke. They are commonly used in kitchens and garages where smoke is expected during normal cooking or vehicle use.