What is the difference between ionization and photoelectric technologies?
Ionization smoke detectors:
  • Use radiation to detect smoke.
  • More effective in detecting flaming fires.
  • Increased risk of nuisance alarms caused by steam or cooking smoke.

Photoelectric smoke detectors:
  • Use light to detect smoke.
  • More effective in detecting smoldering fires, which have been attributed to more fires involving death.
  • Low voltage or wireless low voltage systems only use photoelectric detectors.

Show All Answers

1. What are the smoke detector requirements?
2. What is the difference between ionization and photoelectric technologies?
3. What are the carbon monoxide alarm requirements?
4. What is fossil fuel burning equipment?
5. How will I know what I need?
6. What are the requirements if your 1 or 2 family house was built before January 1, 1975?
7. What are the requirements if your 1 or 2 family house was built between 1975 and August 27, 1997?
8. What are the requirements if your 1 and 2 family house was built after August 27, 1997?
9. What are the requirements if your 1 and 2 family house was built on or after January 1, 2008?
10. How will I get a certificate of compliance?
11. How do I know which kind of smoke detector I have?
12. Can I still have ionization smoke detectors if I am not selling or transferring my home?
13. Are combination carbon monoxide smoke detectors permitted?
14. Are there other recommendations?