Smoke Detector Buying Guide
A smoke detector is an essential purchase for your home, not only for your own safety, but for the safety of those you live with, your pets, roommates or family. Buying a smoke detector—or detectors—is more than just grabbing one at the hardware store and slapping it on the wall. There are several key factors to consider, including detection type, power source, placement and lifespan. Pronto’s Smoke Detector Buying Guide will help you determine which smoke detector is best for you.
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the five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
Detection type
All smoke detectors use either ionization, photoelectricity or both to detect fires. While ionization detectors are best at sensing high-flaming fires, photoelectric alarms are best at detecting smoky fires. Experts recommend having both types in your home or one dual detector that uses both detection types in a single device.
Look for the UL label
Any smoke detector you buy should be approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Added features to consider include interconnectivity that sounds all smoke detectors if one goes off, a remote control and recorded messages that may be better for children and teens.
Power supply
If your home is wired for it, you can connect smoke detectors to your home’s power source. If not, it is cheapest and easiest to use battery-powered alarms. It’s critical to remember to change the batteries twice a year, either at daylight savings time or on a family member’s birthday.
Placement
You should have at least one smoke detector on each habitable level of your home. If you only need one smoke detector, it will be best to buy a dual smoke detector. If you need several, remember that ionization alarms work best near kitchens, bathrooms, garages and storage closets (where high-flaming fires are likely) and photoelectric alarms work best near bedrooms, living rooms and clothes closets (where smoky fires occur).
Shelf life
While you should replace you smoke detector every 10 years, some come with extra-long shelf lives that are guaranteed to work beyond the recommended 10-year period. This provides a little extra security if you can’t remember the exact year you purchased your smoke detector.
pronto pick
What product do we recommend?
First Alert SA302 Dual System Smoke Detector
We like the First Alert SA302 Dual System Smoke Detector, which is accurate and effective at detecting both high-flaming and smoky fires. Combining both ionization and photoelectric sensing technologies, this smoke detector is an excellent choice for apartments or bedroom-level hallways. It includes a remote control, a 10-year warranty and Intelligent Sensing to reduce false alarms.
experts say
USA TODAY—“The First Alert Ultimate Smoke Alarm… is bristling with features that make the device a lifesaver instead of a nuisance. Its smart sensing microprocessor helps recognize the difference between emergencies and nonthreatening conditions like cooking or tobacco smoke, while it incorporates dual sensors—an ionization one for flaming blazes and photoelectric for smoldering fires.” Source: USA Today Magazine
Underwriters Laboratories—“In addition to installing smoke alarms in your home, the safety experts at UL also recommend that you develop a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year with all members of your household.” Source: Underwriters Laboratories
Wisegeek.com—“If a smoke detector box doesn't indicate it's been through UL testing, it probably hasn't been. You'll want to pass on this product. Remember, your family's safety is at stake.” Source: Wisegeek.com
About.com—“Currently, standard smoke alarms sound an 85 dB tone to wake occupants. Researchers have found evidence that a parent's voice may be better at waking kids than smoke alarm tones. There may soon be some changes to smoke alarm design as a result of this type of research. Source: About.com
hot buzz
What's the latest in the world of smoke detectors?
A 2006 study by Dr. Gary A. Smith, director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Children’s Hospital in Columbia, Ohio, found that children are more likely to wake up to the sound of a parent’s voice than an alarm bell. In study tests, 96% of participating children woke up to the sound of the parent’s voice alarm, compared with 58% who woke up to the sound of a traditional smoke detector alarm. While the study suggests that voice alarms are more likely to wake children, the same may not be true for adults, and there are no conclusive recommendations from the National Fire Protection Agency as to which smoke detectors should be used in households with both adults and children.
Wallet Impact
What can I expect in my price range?
| Price | Description | Good Pick (see all Smoke Detectors) |
| $ | From $5 to $20, you’re limited mainly to battery-operated ionization smoke detectors with shorter lifespans and few features. These can be adequate for a small apartment, but they’re best suited for basements and attics where high-flame combustible fires often begin. |
Compare prices at 35 stores $5 - $19 |
| $$ | At prices ranging $20 to $40, you’ll find top-performing photoelectric, ionization and dual-detector alarms in your choice of battery power or AC current. Look for remote controls, Intelligent Sensing, Hush Buttons and voice recording that replaces the alarm beep. These smoke detectors are the best choice for general home use and hallways outside bedrooms. |
Compare prices at 2 stores $39 - $70 |
| $$$ | Look for longer guaranteed lifespans in smoke detectors costing $45 and up. Most smoke detectors in this range are dual detectors that run on AC current and offer wireless interconnectivity. Exit lights and remote controls are good features to add. |
Compare prices at 5 stores $40 - $75 |
shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
Battery backup
A feature that provides power to a smoke detector wired into home electricity during a blackout or power interruption.
Dual detector
A smoke detector that incorporates both ionization and photoelectric technology to sniff out the greatest range of fires.
Exit light
A light that turns on when a smoke detector sounds. This feature is recommended for windowless halls and stairways.
Hush button
A button that lets you turn down the smoke detector’s alarm if it is triggered by bathroom steam, the kitchen broiler or other nonthreatening sources.
Interconnected
A system that uses radio waves to trigger all the smoke detectors in a home if one sounds.
Intelligent sensing
A feature that lets a smoke detector sense the difference between a false alarm caused by cooking fumes or shower steam and a real fire.
Ionization
A type of smoke detector technology that uses a small amount of radioactive material to detect high-flaming fires.
Photoelectric
A smoke detector that uses a beam of light and a sensor to detect smoky fires by sounding when the light is interrupted.
Voice record
A feature that allows a smoke detector’s alarm to be replaced by a prerecorded message. Some studies suggest that these smoke detectors are more effective at waking children and teens.
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