6 Expert Reasons to Add a Photoelectric Smoke Alarm to Your Home

Smoke alarms are an integral part of your home fire safety systems. Since you’re going to be relying on this innovative little gadget to keep your family and home contents safe, you wouldn’t want to skimp on quality. With so many models currently on the market, it can be challenging to find the best type for your home’s needs.

In addition to being able to install and repair smoke alarms in your home, the emergency electrician Melbourne residents use can also suggest the best option. In many instances, the smoke alarm that has proved to be the most reliable is the photoelectric alarm. This post takes a look at what this alarm is, how it differs from others and why you should invest in this option.

What is a Photoelectric Alarm?

As one of the more reliable types on the Australian market, photoelectric alarms are smoke detectors that utilise both a sensor and light source to detect the presence of smoke. Unlike other smoke alarms, the photoelectric version has an LED light on the inside that emits away from the sensor under normal conditions. When smoke enters the chamber, the light is scattered. When the light reflects onto the sensor, the alarm is triggered.

These alarms are well suited to identifying smouldering fires since they emit considerably larger smoke particles.  Additionally, these alarms are also less likely to have false alarms caused by bathroom steam and burnt toast. Essentially, this means that the alarm is able to detect the difference between steam and smoke.

A Better Alarm Equals a Safer Home

Our experts have compiled a few of the top reasons why photoelectric alarms are a superior choice. Here they are.

1.      Decreased False Alarms

False alarms are par for the course if you have traditional ionization alarms. Shower steam, smoking and toasting bread and other everyday activities are often mistaken for false alarms. This leads to unnecessary alerts which can not only become annoying but can leave you distrustful of your alarm’s efficacy.

Fortunately, photoelectric alarms have been designed to be more accurate, significantly reducing the potential for false alarms. This means that if your photoelectric alarm goes off, there’s a definite emergency.

2.      Compatible with SMART Systems

More homeowners around Australia are embracing SMART features in their homes and garages. People are enjoying the convenience of having their security and general systems connected to their mobile devices. The good news is that photoelectric alarms can easily be integrated with any SMART system.

Integrating your alarm into your SMART system enables your whole system to respond when one of the alarms detects smoke. This goes a long way toward getting emergency services to your home timeously. Larger properties benefit from this system as it ensures that all areas of the home are kept alert.

3.      Allows for Faster Response to Smouldering Fires

Smouldering fires are the leading cause of house fires. A burning cigarette accidentally dropped on upholstery or in a dustbin or a slice of toast left in a toaster to burn are common examples of how a smouldering fire gets started. These types of fires are slow-burning butt still emit large amounts of toxic smoke. If they are not dealt with quickly, these little smoulders can quickly turn into bigger blazes.

Photoelectric alarms have been specially designed to detect this type of smoke, sounding an alert sooner than a traditional alarm would. Keep in mind that early detection allows your family to get out of the home and alert emergency services before a simple dustbin fire engulfs your home.

4.      Easier to Maintain

Many people who install smoke alarms for the first time are unaware that their traditional ionization alarms require frequent cleaning and maintenance. Dust, dirt debris, and cooking particles can build up on the inside of the alarm, affecting its overall efficiency and reliability. Taking your smoke alarms down to clean them can be time-consuming and only adds to an already long list of home chores.

Photoelectric alarms are much simpler to maintain. Since these alarms use LED light source detection, you will only need to check the battery health of your alarms. This low-key maintenance approach makes these units a top choice among homeowners.

5.      Durable and Long-Lasting

Another aspect that makes photoelectric alarms a top choice is that it boasts a much longer lifespan than traditional ionisation models. This means there’s no need for constant and costly replacements. In addition to being highly effective, these alarms are also budget-friendly.

6.      Environmentally Friendly

Photoelectric alarms don’t contain the radioactive substances commonly found in traditional ionisation models. Disposing of traditional alarms leads to considerable harm to the environment. Photoelectric alarms are designed with environmentally friendly components.

Final Thoughts

If you’re getting ready to install smoke alarms around your home, it’s essential to opt for a reliable and efficient type. Photoelectric alarms tick all the necessary boxes to ensure that your home has an extra layer of protection. With their ability to differentiate between minor toaster smoke and smouldering smoke, you’ll have peace of mind that your system will alert you when it matters.