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Topic: Both types of smoke detectors we should have (Read 831 times) previous topic - next topic

Both types of smoke detectors we should have

We just saw a TV show about smoke detectors that was of great interest.  We have been using combined ionization & photo-electric for many years and now we know why.  We also have several detectors, some on ceiling and some next to electronics in cabinets and under couch.


FOLLOWING ARE SHOW INTERNET LINKS:
Sunday, March 24, 2013  An urgent word to any readers of this page.
Tonight Dateline NBA aired a story that questions the effectiveness of many common smoke alarms. Their investigation indicates that many of the most common types of ionization smoke alarm, though effective at detecting some types of fire are NOT effective in detecting slow burning smoky fires such as those from smoldering furniture. This type of fire is one of the most common and most deadly, yet it may not be detected until too late by many smoke detectors. The suggestion of the investigative team is that ionization smoke detectors be replaced by the newer photoelectric type, or at least supplemented with one of this type on each floor of the home.

<title>URGENT ALERT ! Smoke alarms may not work.

NBC.com - News & Sports - NBC Official Site

Re: Both types of smoke detectors we should have

Reply #1 –
Consumer Reports of which I am a member rated the following combination alarm at 87/100.  This is a combination ionization / smoke type alarm that would work both types of fire.

Kidde PI9000

Be careful as some alarms sold as combination alarms are CO2/smoke alarms.

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: Both types of smoke detectors we should have

Reply #2 –
If you already have an ionization type alarm, and want to supplement (rather than replace) it with the photoelectric type, Consumer Reports recommends the BRK Electronics model 7010B.
The selected media item is not currently available.Pat Hatfield
2000 U295 3600 #5666 WTFE (sold 1/7/20)
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
previously: 2003 U295 3610 #6228 (sold 5/29/14)
previously:  2009 Honda CRV (sold 6/9/14)

Re: Both types of smoke detectors we should have

Reply #3 –
So...How can we tell what kind of smoke detector was installed in the various vintages Foretravels...(read vintages as fine wine... ;D )
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Both types of smoke detectors we should have

Reply #4 –
Pat, I just looked up the BRK and it shows to be a 120V AC hard wired detector. What does Consumer Reports list as a good battery powered photoelectric unit?
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Both types of smoke detectors we should have

Reply #5 –
Like tires most MFG's erecommend  that alarms be replaced at no less then 10 years from date of manufacture. When we first got our rig I replaced all the alarms. Never know how old or how abused better technology.Gam
joseph gambaro
1999 U295 36'

Re: Both types of smoke detectors we should have

Reply #6 –
Quote from: gam –
Like tires most MFG's erecommend  that alarms be replaced at no less then 10 years from date of manufacture.

And 7 years for propane and carbon monoxide monitors.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Both types of smoke detectors we should have

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Kent Speers –
Pat, I just looked up the BRK and it shows to be a 120V AC hard wired detector. What does Consumer Reports list as a good battery powered photoelectric unit?
Kent, the ratings for non-combination units drop (from the 87 for the dual sensor Kidde PI9000) to the mid 50s for either ionization or photoelectric.

The highest rated BRK 7010B rates 55, but as you pointed out, is is hardwired.  Here are the remaining photoelectric-only units (none are hard-wired) rated in descending order:

53 - First Alert SA501CN (smoke; battery; wirelessly interconnected)
53 - First Alert SCO501CN (smoke/CO combo; battery; w/voice)
51 - First Alert SA720 CN (battery; w/escape light)
46 - Kidde PE9N (battery - not available on Amazon)

Glad to help.... I needed to look into this further too, since - after posting - I also discovered the top rated BRK 7010B was hard-wired with battery backup (OK for the wineter sticks-and-bricks, but we also have that rolling summer home to think about, too!  :))  )
The selected media item is not currently available.Pat Hatfield
2000 U295 3600 #5666 WTFE (sold 1/7/20)
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
previously: 2003 U295 3610 #6228 (sold 5/29/14)
previously:  2009 Honda CRV (sold 6/9/14)

Re: Both types of smoke detectors we should have

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Kent Speers –
Pat, I just looked up the BRK and it shows to be a 120V AC hard wired detector. What does Consumer Reports list as a good battery powered photoelectric unit?
I e-mailed my son reference that.  He did a special report for the International Association of Fire Fighters/Pennsylvania on the subject comparing the two different types of smoke detectors.  And sure in his research he has some reviews also.  Will post it when I hear back.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Both types of smoke detectors we should have

Reply #9 –
We have 4 of these battery detectors:
First Alert - Dual Sensor Photo/Ion that we purchase at Lowe's or Home Depot.

These detectors have a great feature to help locate which detector is low battery beeping. It is a "latching" low battery & alarm LED that stays on for 15 minutes.

I would guess that for all smoke detectors sold over the years, it is 1,000 ionization to 1 photoelectric. Always assume an old detector is ionization. Remember you can't have too many of a good thing. Just buy a new detector and install it in addition to an old detector.

We never use a combined smoke and CO detector as they each need to be installed at different heights.

Re: Both types of smoke detectors we should have

Reply #10 –
Quote from: PatC –
I e-mailed my son reference that.  He did a special report for the International Association of Fire Fighters/Pennsylvania on the subject comparing the two different types of smoke detectors.  And sure in his research he has some reviews also.  Will post it when I hear back.
He referred me to this:  http://www.firesafetycouncil.com/pdf/review_on_best_sensor_type_for_kitchens.pdf.  Says it is the best he has seen on the subject.  He also said that with RV fires, there is always heavy dense smoke and that he would prefer photoelectric sensor type smoke detector.  The photoelectric detectors respond slightly faster to smouldering fires, while ionization alarms respond slightly faster to flaming fires.  If you were to place a smoke detector in the LP reefer compartment, you might prefer the ionization detector.

The most important thing is to insure that the detectors, either type, are in conformance to a recognized standard such as CAN/ULC-S531.  If it is Underwriters Laboratories marked, it should be tested that that standard. 
1994 U225
build #4514