Smoke Detectors

Reviews show that units equipped with only one type of sensor are not nearly as effective as those with dual sensors. Ionization models - the most popular (and cheapest) kind - are very good at signaling the presence of a fire with high flames, but are much slower to detect smoky blazes. Photoelectric smoke detectors are much more effective with smoky fires, but are not as effective with high-flame fires.

An ionization smoke detector uses a harmless radioactive source that sets up an electric current in the detector chamber; when smoke enters the chamber, the unit senses the change in electric current and sets off the alarm. Photoelectric alarms sound when the smoke is dense enough to deflect a beam of light. The best smoke detector, reviews say, has a combination ionization/photoelectric sensor that can detect both flaming and smoldering fires with equal speed and accuracy. This is no small matter: Smoke detectors are meant to save lives and protect your home, and experts say they improve your chances of surviving a fire by 50 percent.

The best solution in most situations is a dual sensor model like the First Alert SA302CN or the similar Kidde 44207 (*est. $25), but there are some reasons you might choose a different model. Most alarms require a battery change at least yearly, but the First Alert 10-year Smoke Alarm with Lithium Battery SA340CN (*est. $30) has a permanently installed lithium battery, which is claimed to last ten years. This unit lacks a dual sensor, however, and is therefore less effective with a smoky fire. We also found comments from two owners of the First Alert smoke detector at Amazon.com who said theirs only lasted a few months to a couple of years.

In many states, AC wiring is now required for new home construction so that smoke detectors are connected to the house wiring and to each other. With interconnected alarms on each floor, all smoke alarms will sound when one detects fire or smoke. Most models that use house wiring for power are also equipped with battery backup in case of a power failure. Kidde, First Alert/BRK and other companies offer hardwired detectors of various types, but we didn’t see these models tested in reviews. Amazon.com consumers poorly rated several hardwired models, including the Kidde 1275 (*est. $19) ionization alarm and the BRK 9129B (*est. $12) ionization alarm, complaining of frequent false alarms and chirping.

In a recent informative article, Consumer Reports identifies some of the best of both dual sensor and hardwired smoke detectors. They review the pros and cons of each, including power failures and the current inability to wirelessly connect battery-powered dual sensor models, and give solid suggestions on the best buys in each category. One plus is that this article is available on the Consumer Reports websites to non-subscribers.

If you or someone in your home is hearing impaired, and your home is equipped with AC wiring for interconnecting smoke alarms, experts recommend a model with a strobe light, like the First Alert Strobe Light SA100B (*est. $75) . These types of models are ionization sensors, making them good for flames but not smoke; separate photoelectric detectors should also be installed. The First Alert SA100B contains a flashing light powerful enough to wake up a sleeper who may not be able to hear an audible alarm, although an 85-decibel alarm is also included.

Another concern is children who sleep through smoke alarms; experts say that more than half of children under five years old who die in fires are asleep at the time. In response, SignalONE’s KidSmart Corporation has developed a smoke alarm that uses a parent’s voice to wake the child through a recorded message. A study of this technology was performed at the Columbus Children’s Research Institute with a test group of six to twelve year old participants. In the test, 96% of children woke to a parent’s voice and 83% were able to escape their homes in a three-minute window. In contrast, only 58% woke to the tone of a traditional smoke detector and only 38% were able to safely escape their homes. This study indicates that in homes with small children, vocal smoke detectors help ensure safety, especially during sleeping hours.

The KidSmart Vocal Smoke Detector (*est. $70) – by far the most popular and well-reviewed vocal smoke detector – is a photoelectric smoke detector; it does not have an ionization alarm, so you may also want to install an inexpensive ionization detector like the Kidde Basic (*est. $7) . The company says that the KidSmart is most effective when you install a separate alarm in each child's bedroom, with a personalized message for each child, as children are much more responsive when they hear their name spoken. In an interesting side note, vocal smoke detectors have not proven any more effective than traditional tone alarms in waking adults.

Other smoke detection options include professionally installed systems, such as MasterGuard and Triad, companies that market fire safety equipment only through private salespeople and distributors. Although most experts agree the products marketed by these companies are as effective as other smoke detectors, there are numerous complaints both on the Internet and with the Better Business Bureau regarding the sales practices of these companies. Many use high-pressure, in-home sales tactics or offer prizes or gifts with purchases or presentations.

These companies specialize in integrated systems for the whole home, professionally installed and maintained. While some homeowners swear by the quality of the high-priced equipment these companies offer, other customers and experts claim that the products are overpriced and the sales tactics are unethical. If you choose to have one of these companies install equipment in your home, check your local distributor’s record with the Better Business Bureau in your area.

Many national security companies, such as Brinks and ADT, also offer fire alarms. Because these are generally included as part of a security system package and are not available to independent consumers, they are not specifically covered in this report. They remain, however, an option for fire safety, especially if you get them free or at low cost with your home-security system. Just be sure to check the literature and ascertain whether you are getting ionic, photoelectric or dual-sensor equipment.

With a house fire occurring approximately every 83 seconds, it is vital to have working smoke detectors in your home. A smoke detector interactive tool at Consumer Reports and an article called "How Smoke Detectors Work" on HowStuffWorks.com can both help you determine your personal smoke detector needs, including which types and how many are needed for your personal situation.

Important Features: Smoke detectors

Experts say you should look for the following when choosing a smoke detector:

• Choose a smoke detector that uses a combination ionization/photoelectric sensor and is able to detect both flaming fires and slow, smoldering fires with equal speed and accuracy. If you choose not to use a dual sensor model, you need both ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors installed in your home.

• Only consider a smoke alarm that meets UL (Underwriters Laboratory) standards. Most, but not all, models do.

• Smoke detectors should have a test button to ensure that alarms and sensors are operating correctly. This test button should be used at least monthly to test an alarm’s electrics and battery.

• Make sure the smoke alarm has a hinged or removable cover for easy cleaning; too much dust can cause a sensor to fail. Most smoke alarms can be vacuumed out to prevent dust buildup.

According to experts, all smoke detectors have a unit life of about ten years, so it's important to replace old units each decade. Units that use 9-volt batteries should have fresh batteries at least yearly. Experts suggest replacing the batteries when you change your clocks each year for the start of daylight savings time.

Experts recommend a smoke detector on each floor of your home and outside each bedroom, or inside the bedroom if you sleep with the door closed.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (With Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
3	First Alert Dual Sensor SA302CN (*est. $25)	details
2	First Alert SA340CN (*est. $30)	details
1 each	First Alert SA710CN , Family Guard FG888DCAUS, Kidde Basic , Kidde 0914 , Kidde 0910 , Kidde PI9000 , Kidde PI2000 , KidSmart Vocal Smoke Alarm

Safety experts most often recommend dual-sensor smoke detectors like the First Alert Dual Sensor SA302CN. The First Alert SA340CN uses a non-replaceable 10-year lithium battery and a photoelectric sensor that detects smoke well, but doesn’t detect flames as quickly as a dual detector or ionization model. The other options all offer benefits, but have not been as widely tested or recommended. The KidSmart Vocal Smoke Alarm has been widely acclaimed by experts, but has not been tested in any simulated or controlled fire situations that we could find.

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