Smoke detector

A smoke detector is a device that senses smoke, typically as an indicator of fire. Smoke detectors/alarms are usually housed in plastic enclosures, typically shaped like a disk about 125 millimetres (5 in) in diameter and 25 millimetres (1 in) thick, but shape and size vary. Smoke can be detected either optically (photoelectric) or by physical process (ionization).

Detectors may use one or both sensing methods.
Sensitive detectors can be used to detect and deter smoking in banned areas.
Smoke detectors in large commercial and industrial buildings are usually connected to a central fire alarm system.

Back to Maintenance & Safety →

Source: Wikipedia · Image: Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

WARMINGHOME

A warmer home — heating systems and heat pumps, insulation and efficiency, and the calculators that keep every room cozy.

Get new guides by emailOccasional emails. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

InformationAbout Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Service Disclaimer Affiliate Disclosure Cookie Policy

Every species, image, fact, and figure is drawn from Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons, used under public-domain and Creative Commons licenses. No content is AI-generated.