Which type of Smoke Alarms do I need?

There are two primary types of smoke alarms: ionisation smoke alarms and Photoelectric smoke alarms.

Ionisation smoke alarms work by ionising the air in the detection chamber, which causes a current to flow between two electrically charged plates. When smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts this current, triggering the alarm.

On the other hand, photoelectric smoke alarms operate using a light source and a light sensor. When smoke enters the chamber, it scatters the light, causing it to hit the sensor and trigger the alarm.

Although ionisation alarms are generally more sensitive to flaming fires, they can be slower to respond to smouldering fires, which produce a lot of smoke and can be just as dangerous. This is why it's recommended to have both types of alarms in your home.

Combination smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors offer an additional level of protection. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that can be produced by faulty or poorly ventilated appliances. It's colourless, odourless and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without a proper alarm.

Lastly, it's important to consider the needs of all individuals in the home. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, there are smoke alarms that use strobe lights or vibration to alert them of a potential fire. These can be a lifesaver in an emergency situation.

Remember, having a working Smoke Alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a house fire. Always test your alarms regularly and replace the batteries as needed. And don't forget to check your local regulations, as they may have specific requirements for smoke alarms in residential properties.