Smoke detectors: why is it important to have one?

A smoke detector can identify the first signs of a fire and warn the occupants of the house accordingly. This gives you time to escape and call for help.

Smoke detectors: a friend who wants to help you!

A smoke detector can save lives. According to statistics, more than 3,000 people die every year in domestic fires in France. Most of these fires are due to preventable causes, such as poor electrical installation, poorly extinguished cigarettes or candles.

A smoke detector can alert the occupants of a building to a fire and enable them to escape in time. It is therefore important to have one in your home to protect your family.

Smoke detectors: how do they work?

A smoke detector consists of a smoke sensor, an electronic circuit and an audible alarm. The smoke sensor is sensitive to the presence of smoke particles in the air. When the sensor detects smoke particles, the electronic circuitry sends a signal to the audible alarm, which consequently starts to sound. It is this acoustic signal that allows the occupants of a house to know that there is a fire and to seek shelter. There are different types of smoke detectors:

• Ion detectors are the most common. They consist of a filter and an ioniser. The filter traps smoke particles, while the ioniser sends positive ions into the air. When smoke molecules enter the detector, they disrupt the ion flow and the electronic circuitry sends a signal to the audible alarm.

• Photoelectric sensors consist of a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter sends a beam of light to the receiver. When smoke particles enter the detector, they interfere with the light beam and the electronic circuitry transmits a signal to the audible alarm.

• Ultrasonic detectors consist of a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter sends ultrasonic waves to the receiver. If smoke particles enter the detector, they disturb the ultrasonic waves and the electronic circuitry sends a signal to the alarm.

How to maintain your smoke detector?

To ensure that your smoke detector works properly, it is advisable to maintain it regularly. For example, you can clean the smoke sensor with compressed air every month and replace the batteries every year. Testing your smoke detector every month by pressing the test button is also an excellent test of the device's reliability.