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Photo-electric (PE - as opposed to the ionization type of) smoke detectors do indeed use the reduction of light energy at the receiving end to "Sound The Alarm". Whether or not this is IR energy, I can't say. Might someone else please fill this in? Thanks.

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What other household appliances use radiation and why?

Some other household appliances that use radiation are microwave ovens and smoke detectors. Microwaves use non-ionizing radiation to heat food quickly and efficiently. Smoke detectors use a small amount of ionizing radiation to detect smoke particles in the air and trigger an alarm.


Why would carbon 14 not be a good choice to use in household smoke detectors?

Carbon-14 is not a good choice for household smoke detectors because it has a long half-life of about 5,730 years, making it unsuitable for detecting the rapid changes in smoke levels that occur during a fire. Additionally, carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope, which poses safety and regulatory concerns for consumer products. Smoke detectors typically use ionization or photoelectric sensors that respond quickly to smoke particles, providing a more immediate and effective safety solution.


Do wired smoke detectors mount on electrical boxes?

Hard wired smoke detectors have to have a junction box behind them. These detectors use 120 volts as a working voltage. These types of detectors should be wired with 3 conductor #14 wire. The detector uses the black and white wires for the 120 volt source. Detectors these days have an output signal wire that can be connected to other detectors so that if one trips it will sound the alarm in other detectors that are on the same circuit. This output wire can be connected to other detectors by the third red wire in the 3 conductor cable.


Can ion and photoelectric smoke detectors be connected together?

No, ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors should not be interconnected because they use different technologies to detect fires and may not detect all types of fires equally. It is recommended to have a combination of both types of detectors within a home for comprehensive fire detection coverage.


Why the Americium is used in smoke detectors?

In the smoke detector, the fast - moving alpha particles enable the air to conduct an electric current. As long as the electric current is flowing, the smoke detector is silent. The alarm is triggered when the flow of electric current is interrupted by smoke entering the detector.

Related Questions

What kind of nuclear decay occurs within most smoke detectors?

Many smoke detectors use Americium-241, which emits alpha rays, to keep air ionized.


Is gamma ray present in a smoke detector?

No, gamma rays are not present in typical smoke detectors. Most smoke detectors use ionization or photoelectric technology, which involves the detection of smoke particles using alpha particles or light, respectively. However, some specialized types of smoke detectors, such as those that use americium-241 as a source, emit alpha radiation, not gamma rays. Gamma rays are associated with nuclear reactions and radioactive decay, which are not involved in standard smoke detector operations.


Did NASA invent smoke detectors?

No, NASA did not invent smoke detectors. Smoke detectors were actually invented by George Andrew Darby in 1902. NASA has, however, improved smoke detectors for use in spacecraft and space stations.


What are the differences between photoelectric and ionization smoke detectors?

Photoelectric smoke detectors use a light beam to detect smoke particles, while ionization smoke detectors use radioactive particles to detect smoke. Photoelectric detectors are better at detecting smoldering fires, while ionization detectors are more sensitive to fast-flaming fires.


What form of electromagnetic waves are used in smoke detectors?

There are two types of smoke detectors:Alpha particle - these do not use electromagnetic wavesPhotoelectric - these use a beam of either visible lightor near infrared electromagnetic waves


What do people use everyday that have infrared rays in them?

Infrared rays are used in television remote controls


What gauge wire is used to run smoke detectors?

14-3 Is the standard wire use for residental smoke detectors.


What are the differences between ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors?

Ionization smoke detectors use a small amount of radioactive material to ionize the air, while photoelectric smoke detectors use a light beam to detect smoke particles. Ionization detectors are better at detecting fast-flaming fires, while photoelectric detectors are more sensitive to slow-smoldering fires.


What are the differences between photoelectric and ionization smoke detectors in terms of their detection mechanisms and effectiveness in detecting smoke particles?

Photoelectric smoke detectors use a light beam to detect smoke particles, while ionization smoke detectors use radioactive particles. Photoelectric detectors are better at detecting smoldering fires, while ionization detectors are more sensitive to fast-flaming fires. Overall, photoelectric detectors are considered more effective in detecting smoke particles.


Using BRK Smoke Detectors to Protect Your Investments?

BRK Smoke Detectors have long been recognized as one of the top brands when it comes to smoke detectors and many other types of gas detectors. Because of their tried and tested construction, BRK smoke detectors are able to stand up to years of abuse without having to undergo a whole lot of maintenance to stay in working order. This is why many companies tend to use BRK smoke detectors when they need to cover a large area of industrial use with a smoke detector that is guaranteed to provide years of carefree service. If BRK smoke detectors are trusted for this, they can be trusted for anything.


What are the differences between a photoelectric smoke detector and an ionization smoke detector?

The main difference between a photoelectric smoke detector and an ionization smoke detector is the way they detect smoke. Photoelectric detectors use a light beam to detect smoke particles, while ionization detectors use radioactive particles to detect smoke. Photoelectric detectors are better at detecting smoldering fires, while ionization detectors are more sensitive to fast-burning fires.


How do smoke detectors detect smoke?

Smoke detectors detect smoke by not detecting it. They sense not the smoke, but the oxygen levels surrounding it. when the oxygen levels drop, or when smoke replaces the oxygen, the alarm goes off.