Smoke Detector Reviews & Information

A guide to finding the best smoke alarm for the home!

The smoke alarm or smoke detector is one fire safety accessory that is mandatory for every home. Although often over looked, having high-quality smoke alarms strategically placed throughout your home can buy your family life-saving moments in the event of a emergency.

Why You Need a Smoke Detector

Whether your family is awake or sleeping, you need a first line of defense against fire. When we’re asleep, our sense of smell is significantly dulled. You obviously cannot see what’s going on around you. A fire can quickly envelop an entire room in just a matter of minutes. A fire alarm will wound a high-pitched noise, rousing you from your slumber and providing your family with valuable time to escape. In many states and countries around the globe, smoke alarms are a requirement and landlords must legally install working fire alarms in all rental units.

How Do Smoke Alarms Work?

All smoke alarms are compromised of two major components: a sensor that will detect the smoke, and a noisemaking device that will sound to alert people of the impending danger of a fire. Smoke detectors can operate on both battery power and 120-volt electricity from your home’s electrical current (and have a backup battery in the event of a power outage).

Types of Smoke Detectors

There are two types of smoke alarms: photoelectric and ionization.  Ionization smoke detectors include a chamber with two metal plates and a source of ionizing radiation. The battery provides a constant flow of atoms between the plates. As smoke enters the chamber, this flow is disrupted, which causes the alarm to sound.

A photoelectric smoke detector shoots a beam of light across a chamber. A small cell in the chamber detects that constant source of light. As smoke enters the chamber, the beam becomes scatters, and triggers the alarm.

How Many Smoke Alarms Do You Need?

Most federal and state agencies recommend (and some require) at least one smoke detector for each floor of your home. It is recommended that detectors be installed per factory recommendations. It is also recommended that if you’re using hardwired smoke alarms, you hire a licensed electrician, as operating with high voltages can be an electrocution risk. Battery-operated alarms can be installed by anyone.

Where Should I Place Smoke Alarms Around My Home?

The United States Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that smoke alarms should be installed on each level of your home. In addition, if you live in a large home, you should put a separate detector on each end of each floor.  This will provide maximum coverage in the event of a fire. 

What Are The Best Smoke Detector Brands & Companies?

Many major companies make smoke alarms, including manufacturers of general merchandise and equipment such as 3M and General Electric. Leading brands of smoke alarms include Kidde, First Alert, and P3 International. As technologies emerge, many manufacturers are testing alarms that will trigger an alert on your mobile device when you’re away from your home.

Now That You Know WHAT To Look For, Here Are Our Smoke Detector Reviews & Recommendations...

The team at Fire-Ready.com has taken a look at many popular smoke alarms and determined two of the best smoke detectors for the home. These two models are affordable, highly rated, and designed to keep your family alert.

#1 Pick - Kidde Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Talking Alarm

Besides fire awareness, another issue everyone should be cautious about is carbon monoxide poisening. With the Kidde KN-COSM-B battery-operated combination alarm you get both a smoke and carbon monoxide detector in one small unit.

Providing a firm, loud, spoken announcement of the type of hazard, your family can be quick to react to either a fire or a carbon monoxide issue. The design of this alarm is very intuitive, and it cannot be mounted to the wall without a battery being installed. Kidde has also developed and patented a hush feature, which is great when you accidentally set off your alarm with an overcooked dinner. 

Key features:

• Talking alarm announces the hazard type detected, helping to speed up reaction time. 
• A single unit can be installed where previously two were needed. 
• Battery safeguard ensures the unit cannot be accidentally mounted without batteries installed. 
• Meets safety requirements of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 
• Best selling & highest rated smoke & carbon monoxide detector on Amazon. 

* Click Here To Read More Reviews & Get The BEST Price on Kidde smoke & carbon monoxide alarms!

#2 Pick - First Alert Double Sensor Smoke Alarm

The First Alert SA320CN Double Sensor Smoke Alarm is a battery-powered detector that makes use of both ionization and photoelectric sensors.

Unlike many competing alarms that operate using 9-volt batteries, the First Alert model utilized two included AA batteries.  In our testing, this is an extraordinarily loud unit, which can wake your family in from the deepest of sleep.

Key Features:

• Detects both flaming and smoldering fires with dual sensors.
• Emits a loud 85 dB alarm for ample warning.
• Minimizes false alarms by detecting differences between real emergencies and non-threatening conditions.

 * Click Here To Read More Reviews & Get The BEST Price on First Alert Smoke Detectors!

Final thoughts...

Hopefully, you’ll never need a fire alarm, but it’s best to employ the Boy Scout’s motto – “Always be Prepared.”  By finding and utilizing the best smoke alarm for the home you’ll be taking a vital measure in protecting your family. Remember, possessions can be replaced but loved ones cannot.