A smoke detector or a smoke alarm are used for detecting smoke in houses or offices whereever the device is installed. It is a device used as a precaution against fire. Smoke detectors issue alarms so that it can alart the people against the chance of a potential fire. Smoke detectors across the globe have been extremely helpful in identifying fire and has saved property as well as people’s lives. A regular household smoke detector is mounted in a disk shaped plastic enclosure. The diameter is about 150mm and the thickness is about 25mm. However smoke detectors are available in various shapes and sizes to suit the needs or th requirements of people. For the deaf or hearing impaired people, smoke detectors with flashing lights are also available so that they can see the lights to avert the possibility of a fire.
Usually, smoke arises from a ceiling or a wall. A smoke detector is typically mounted at the same place so that it can easily identify the smoke and alart the people immediately.
Incase of houses, it is important that smoke detectors are instilled away from the kitchen so as to avoid the nuisance of false alarms. It is recommended that one of the smoke detectors is mounted near the bedroom to wake up sleeping occupants of the house.
Most of the smoke detectors are powered by batteries.There are some detectors that can also directly connected to household wiring. Such detectors have a battery as a power supply backup in case the household wiring goes out. Batteries need to be replaced once a year to ensure desired protection. Smoke detectors work by optical detection or by ionization. To increase sensitivity to smoke some of them use both. Smoke detectors can be interconnected to other detectors as well such as the fire alarm and security systems.
