If you are planning to buy and get a smoke detector installed in the house, then the first step is to check whether it’s working or not. Knowing how smoke detector works will help in using the device efficiently for a better cause. Also, maintenance becomes easy when you know about the product completely.
Working Mechanism Explained
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‘’What is this made of?’’ remains a question to many. It Pulls off the alarm as soon as it catches smoke. There are two essential parts to it- the alarm (horn) and a sensor. It runs on the battery and current. So it is your choice how you want to empower it. But how does it work? Think of your eyes and nose to understand the functioning of these detectors.
The two ubiquitous sensors and their working pattern is listed below :
a. Working Of Photoelectric Smoke Detector
(The eye type detector) is an expensive solution. It works on an elementary principal, just like a baby watching a toy. When you remove the toy from his vision, the baby cries. The sensor is photoelectric, and there is a light source.
The sensor keeps on staring at the light source. It is programmed to stay like this till the light is faded or not visible. As soon as the smoke enters the sensor chamber, the detector notices disappeared or no light.
This action triggers the alarm. When the light beam gets scattered, it sends the message to the horn to start the alarm. But the smoke should be enough to block the light and spread it. Though the size is also more prominent, this detector is not sensitive.
These detectors now use light differently. The light and the sensor are part of the equipment and are stored inside. They are at a right angle(90) to each other. When the smoke enters, the light particles move; hence the alarm is put on.
b. Working Of Ionization Smoke Detector
(The nose type detector)is cheaper than the optical detector. It functions based on chemicals and bonds. This equipment uses chemistry to save your life from a dangerous incident. The radioactive material passes through the plates that are electronically charged usually. However, if any unwanted molecules enter the chamber, It disrupts the ionization process(because of the radioactive material present).
This disruption by the alpha particles makes the smoke detector functional—this complete process raises the alarm. The chamber made inside basically ionizes the nitrogen and oxygen. So it’s easy to understand that any particle entering the section will hinder the process. The horn will begin its work as soon as it happens.
Aspirating Smoke Detectors – The detector doesn’t need to see the smoke now. Instead, this detector analyses the air and raises the alarm. Isn’t it great that you can save your belongings before the fire takes a drastic role? With constant modification, this detector comes in the newest way. It is much more sensitive to the atmosphere and tech-advanced.
So, make sure before buying, you choose a smoke detector that works the best for you.
How To Set Off The Alarm In A Smoke Detector?
The setting of an alarm depends on what type of detector it is. Or what element or missing element will trigger it for you. The working of the alarm So, let’s look at the primary functioning of sensors and how they set off an alarm.
1. Ionization Based Detectors – We saw in the paragraphs above how the working of this detector. We learned how they come to the rescue when they witness an unwanted particle in the chamber. The device will register that particles entering the section are smoke. It will alarm when the particles entering the chamber are enough to reduce the current below a certain level. The sensors get activated when the current running between the plates gets disrupted. Whenever the sensor gets started, the alarm will set off.
2. Photoelectric Based Detectors –We know the process now. We will go in-depth about the alarm part of it. But, as we know, the game-changer here is the light inside the equipment. The whole phenomenon relies on this property only. If the path is clear, the light is clear; there is no alarm. There is nothing that can trigger the sensors. But, when enough smoke breaks through the light beam, the path becomes unclear. The way when becomes unreadable for the sensors, the whole sensor activates. The alarm raises as soon as the sensors detect enough smoke.
Manipulation Of Detectors
Where the hack is not possible, there is a concern of manipulation in the worst-case scenarios. An intruder can use this equipment to divert your mind. He can use a false alarm that you will visit to see. The other part of the house can be robbed till that time.
Other worst-case scenarios include threatening to use the alarm. This idea makes the alarm used as a Public address system or speaker. One would require unscrewing many screws and changing the alarm with a speaker.
This action, if successful, can be scary. There are also our hacks to stop smoke detectors from getting activated. One of the examples is your shower cap. People have tried using this in smokey situations, and it works. However, it stops the sensors from working.
There also are techniques in the market that hack your fire alarm in a good way. For example, Some warnings can send a message about the fire. In addition, some alarms ring themselves if there is any unwanted tampering.
What Is The Function Of Smoke Detectors?
Fire detectors or sensors are gadgets that consequently identify smoke within sight of a fire. They also sound a warning assuming that a fire began. This rule keeps on modifying to use a fire detector more than a detector. There is a various modification that takes place to serve the primary purpose. For example –
- Sending messages on identifying smoke
- Directly notifying the security control room
- Triggering the water tap as a rescue
A detector maintains a minimum threshold. Any breach in the minimum threshold breaks the alarm and notifies everyone. The functions of smoke detectors are clear to us.
1- The first function of the smoke detector is to function correctly without fail. You may want to test the system’s whole running when you install this.
2- Once installed, its only function becomes detection. The primary purpose is to detect smoke, i.e., detection of fire.
3- Next important function of this system is to make noise. A noise/alarm that ensures that everyone inside heard it. It is your choice to either extinguish or evacuate. The warning should be at least 85 decibels.
Can Someone Hack My Smoke Detector?
The possibility of people hacking your safety and security systems is growing. So there goes a thought about smoke detectors as well. The good news for you is that one cannot hack the sensors in your house. So if you ensure these detectors are not using the internet, you are safe. There is no second thought in believing that one can manipulate it.
One can hinder the whole functioning of the sensors. The goals to achieve can be harmful. For example, to divert your attention, someone deliberately can cause smoke. The smoke can cause an alarm to ring. If you look at the whole equipment, there is nothing to make it hack-worthy. There is a power supply (battery or current), a sensor(to detect smoke), and a light beam or plates.
Final Talk
So next time, you wonder whether or not to get these installed? Get these installed. They are cheap and lifesavers. Buy the types that best suits your need and pocket. Use this article as your guide if you plan to use it in the future.
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