What is a Smoke Detector? How Does It Work? It is an electronic device that detects smoke caused by fire in the environment it is in and transmits information to the control panel via a communication line. Smoke detectors are divided into two categories according to the detection method: “optical smoke detector” and “ionization smoke detector”. The use of optical smoke detectors is more common than ionization smoke detectors.
Its main purpose is to detect the presence of smoke, which is one of the first signs of a fire, and to protect people and property by alarming this situation. Smoke detectors allow fire to be detected at an early stage and to be intervened quickly.
Importance of Use
We can understand why the use of smoke detectors is so important for the following reasons:
- Early Warning: Smoke detectors allow fires to be detected in their early stages, providing critical time to protect people and animals from the fire.
- Minimize Damage: Fires can grow and spread quickly. Early warning can help minimize damage by quickly bringing the fire under control.
- Life Saving: Smoke detectors help people evacuate safely during a fire. This prevents loss of life.
- Property Protection: Fires not only cause loss of life, they also cause property loss. Smoke detectors protect property from fire damage.
How Do They Work?
Smoke detectors are generally based on two basic operating principles:
In the Optical Smoke Detector, there is an IRLED (infrared light emitting diode) and a photodiode in the chamber. The IRLED emits infrared rays and the photodiode is positioned in such a way that it cannot see these rays when the detector is in its normal state. When particles such as smoke and soot enter this chamber, these infrared rays are refracted and fall on the photodiode. Thus, the resistance of the photodiode decreases and current flows through it. The smoke detector transmits this current change to the panel as an alarm.
Ionization Smoke Detector contains the americium-241 element, which is a radioactive substance obtained from plutonium-239. The americium-241 element, which is located in a chamber inside the smoke detector, ionizes the air when it comes into contact with the air, and as a result of this ionization, small amounts of current are generated. When smoke enters this chamber, it prevents ionization and the current that is generated. In this way, it is determined that the smoke level in the environment has increased.
Where Are They Used?
Smoke detectors are used in many different environments:
- Residences: Smoke detectors in homes protect families from fire hazards.
- Workplaces: Smoke detectors are a mandatory requirement in workplaces for the safety of employees and customers.
- Industrial Facilities: They are used as part of fire alarm systems in factories, warehouses and industrial facilities.
- Public Buildings: Schools, hospitals, airports and other public buildings are equipped with smoke detectors for fire safety.
As a result, smoke detectors are of vital importance for fire safety. Early warning helps to minimise loss of life and property and provides effective protection against fire hazards. Therefore, regular maintenance and inspection of smoke detectors is important and the regulatory requirements must be complied with in the premises where they are used.
