Fire and Smoke Detection Equipment Key Terms

Understand the terms associated with fire and smoke detection equipment

By Mary Yamin-Garone

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) reports that every year more than 4,000 civilians and firefighters perish and another 20,000 are injured in fires. The USFA also notes that over two-thirds of those civilians die in the home. Unfortunately, there is no single method of preventing residential fires. Installing fire and smoke detection equipment, however, can assist in reducing home fire frequency. Before installing these systems, individuals should become familiar with terminology commonly associated with these products.

Photoelectric detectors

Photoelectric detectors react to smoke from a smoldering fire. These devices incorporate a tiny lamp adapted to target a narrow beam of light across its detection chamber. A light-sensitive "photocell" is positioned beside that light but is not directly exposed to it. When smoke makes its way into the detection chamber the beam of light is mirrored in every direction. A certain amount of the reflected light is picked up by the photocell triggering the smoke alarm.
Try: Auduchon Hardware explains the differences between photoelectric, ionization and thermal detectors.

Ionization detectors

Ionization detectors sense smoke with the help of an ionization chamber and ionizing radiation. These devices are popular because they are affordable and more effective at detecting the smoke created by a "flaming" fire.
Try: FireNet defines ionization detectors.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL)

The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is like the "Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval" for fire and smoke detection equipment. The UL is a not-for-profit organization that tests electrical equipment and its components, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers, for possible safety risks. Products bearing the UL label have been tested and evaluated and meet the necessary safety requirements.
Try: Underwriters Laboratories.com provides an overview of the organization and its labeling system.

Carbon monoxide detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas that is colorless, odorless, tasteless and toxic. When inhaled, CO hinders the blood's ability to transport oxygen to vital organs like the brain and heart. Carbon monoxide detectors monitor the air for the presence of CO. An alarm sounds whenever the gas exceeds a predetermined level. These battery-operated devices should be placed on each level of the house. Position them on the ceiling or a wall about five feet above the floor for maximum effectiveness.
Try: About Carbon Monoxide offers details about carbon monoxide detectors and answers frequently asked questions.

Residential sprinkler systems

Sprinkler systems are effective devices when it comes to saving and protecting commercial structures. They are designed to protect persons and property not in close proximity to the fire's origin. Residential sprinkler systems offer similar protection to homes and their occupants. Their quick response sets the system off while the fire is in its infancy stages. This allows occupants to evacuate safely. Homes equipped with residential sprinkler systems lower the possibility of someone perishing in a fire by 25 to 75 percent. These devices also lower the amount of property damage that is sustained.
Try: The USFA gives information about residential sprinkler systems and how they work.

PASS

The acronym PASS is used to remember the proper way of operating a fire extinguisher. "Pull the Pin" at the top of the fire extinguisher. A locking mechanism is released making it easy to discharge. "Aim at the base of the fire"' rather than the flames to smother the fuel. "Squeeze the lever slowly" to free the device's extinguishing agent. Releasing the handle halts the discharge. "Sweep from side to side" until the fire is fully extinguished. Always read the manufacturer's instructions before using a fire extinguisher.
Try: Fire Extinguisher:101 explains the meaning of the acronym PASS. OSHA has additional information and instruction on using a fire extinguisher.