HOME FIRE PROTECTION

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If you had to pick between the two, the photoelectric detector would probably be the better first choice. According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly all house fires give off dense smoke before bursting into flames or creating toxic fumes. In some instances, the lag time between smoke and a hazardous atmosphere may be as little as one minute, so early warning is vital.

Fortunately, you don't have to choose between the technologies. Several companies produce alarms that use both sampling methods, and the combination is considerably more effective than either alone. Some companies even offer ionization or photoelectric detectors equipped with heat sensors. Except in special circumstances, though, this is probably an unnecessary option. For the homeowner, the ionizationphotoelectric combination gives the earliest warning, since smoke and fumes )recede any significant rise in temperature.

New homes are now equipped with hardwired (12VDC or 120VAC), interconnected smoke detectors as a matter of course, but the 9VDC battery type is still widely used in existing homes. Either can be effective, but the wired units do have advantages. First, they don't require annual battery replacement. But equally important is their easy interconnection. While they're being wired, the units can all be set to sound when one detector senses smoke. Thus people sleeping in one part of the house will be sure to be aware of a fire in a remote area. It is possible to interconnect battery-type alarms, but stringing wire defeats their main advantage: simple installation. Of course, hard-wired detectors are dependent on the house's electrical system, while batterypowered alarms will sound even during a power outage. If you're building in an area prone to power loss, you might consider a hard-wired system with battery backup. (Note: When replacing the 9VDC cell in a battery-powered detector, always use the item specified by the manufacturer. The weakbattery warning alarms in these units are designed for a particular battery's characteristics, and substituting a different type may corrupt the system.)

Many other features are available to the discerning smoke-detector shopper. One particularly valuable option is a light (flashing or continuous) that indicates that the detector is operating normally. All smoke alarms have manual test circuits, but a quick glance is much easier than reaching up to push a button. When you're shopping, it's also worth checking the sound level of the alarm. The minimum is 85 decibels, but some detectors sound at as high as 95 decibels, which might be useful in a basement but would be unwelcome in your living room. Other models offer lights to help you find your way out of the building, and even computersynthesized voices giving exit instructions.

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