Smoke Alarms

Smoke Alarms come in two categories, Photoelectric and Ionisation and can be either 9v battery operated, hardwired or wireless. ADT Security, Wormald & the FPA (Fire Protection Association of Australia) prefer photoelectric as majority of household fires are slow smouldering electrical fires which photoelectric type detectores, detect at the earliest possible time, giving you and your family the best chance of evacuation.

For more Smoke Detector resources and information along with some definitions of both Photoelectric and Ionisation type smoke alarms please see the below links.

FPA Smoke Alarm Resources

 FPA Smoke Alarm Data Sheet
 FPA Autumn 2006 Firetalk Newsletter
 www.fpaa.com.au

Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

This type of Smoke Alarm detects visible particles of combustion that for example, occur from overheated electrical wiring. They respond quickly to smouldering fires and dense smoke. Photoelectric Smoke Alarms also contain no radioactive material.

Ionisation Smoke Alarms

This type of smoke Alarm detects invisible particles of combustion that for example, may occur from cooking. They respond quickly to fast flaming fires that produce very little visible smoke.