Smoke detectors can be divided into two types: the point-type smoke detector and the linear smoke detector. Different types of smoke detectors work differently.
Point-type Smoke Detector working principle
The ionization smoke detector is a point-type smoke detector. Its ionization chamber contains a small number of radioactive substances, and these radioactive substances can make the air in the chamber becomes a conductor, letting the current pass through. The radioactive substances ionize the air, which provides an effective conductivity in the chamber. When the smoke particles enter the ionization zone, they will combine with the ions, reducing the electrical conductivity of the air and weakening the movement of the ions. When the conductivity falls below the set value, the smoke detector will give an alarm.
The photoelectric smoke detector is also a point-type smoke detector. During a fire, the smoke can alter the transmission of light for it can absorb and scatter the light, and the photoelectric smoke detector uses this feature to detect smoke and give an alarm. According to different uses, it can be divided into interconnected type, standalone type and wireless type.
The photoelectric smoke detector is ideal for detecting smoke from smoldering fires, while the ionization smoke detector is best used for detecting smoke from fast, flaming fires.
Linear Smoke Detector working principle
The beam smoke detector is a linear smoke detector. It can detect smoke according to the smoke parameters among the detecting range. Different from the above two smoke detectors, the linear smoke detector has two parts that need to be installed: the beam transmitter and the photoelectric receiver. These two parts have to be installed at two opposite places and be connected with beams. The beam smoke detector has two types: the through-beam type and the reflection type.
The linear smoke detector is the best choice for areas with limited access. As less cabling is needed, it is a cost-efficient solution.
