it’s everything you need to build an Internet-connected smoke alarm. Smoke alarms, or at least ionization-based alarms with a tiny amount of radioactive americium, are very simple devices.

However, it requires a hardwired connection. All smoke detectors use one of two types of sensors to detect fires. Ionization-type sensors are best at detecting fast-burning fires, while ...

Through my testing, I found the Kidde smoke detector to be better performer for fast detection. It has both sensor types: ionization and photoelectric, which is why it was better able to ...

When smoke enters the detector, it disrupts the flow of current and activates the alarm. Ionization smoke alarms work best on fires with active flames, also called “flaming fires,” McKelvey says.

It’s widely known that a smoke detector is a good ionizing radiation source, as they contain a small amount of americium-241, a side product of nuclear reactors. But what about other sources?

Generally, there are two primary types of smoke detectors: an ionization smoke detector and a photoelectric smoke detector. The International Fire Chiefs Association recommends having at least one ...

The result was the first ionization smoke detector, using a minute amount of the radioactive isotope Americium-241. This led to the 1979 introduction of inexpensive photoelectric detection devices ...

Fire safety company Kidde is recalling 500,000 smoke detectors that could put consumers ... are the Kidde dual-sensor (photoelectric and ionization) smoke alarms, models PI2010 and PI9010.

The response time of a smoke detector or fire alarm depends on factors such as the type of sensor, the fire's characteristics and environmental conditions. Ionization Smoke Detectors (detect fast ...