Ionization Smoke Detectors.

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JohnE

JohnE

Senior Member
Location
Milford, MA
Does anyone/ everyone outside of MA install ionization smoke detectors?

I just attended a seminar which provided some insights on deadly fires and ionization detectors. Long story short is that most deaths occur due to smoldering fires, and by the time an ionization detectors detects, there may be no escaping. On a smoldering fire ionization detects 15 - 60 minutes after a photo type.

I believe that only MA has a requirement for photoelectric smokes, everywhere else, ionization is legal.

Extremely credible seminar instructor formerly and possibly currently part of state fire marshall's office. I didn't get credentials in writing, as it was only a 90 minute seminar which ran late and another seminar rushed in afterward. I do have his name and can follow up.
 
We install PE's only. Not much call for ionization types. Each has it's place, though. The PE's typically respond faster to slow, smoldering events, while the ionization types react faster to the flaming fires. By the time you have flames, you probably have dead, dying or trapped occupants.
 
When smoke detectors are applicable, I always prefer photos. Recent technologies have made photos great for what they used to be used for, and just about as good as what I used to specify ions for. So now, universally photos for smoke detection for me.
 
There is certainly a price difference. Probably $10 - $15. Again the evidence presented in this seminar proves ionization detectors useless in a smoldering fire. If anyone has them in their own house, I'd recommend replacing them immediately.
 
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