The Aartech Canada Guide to Smoke Detectors 2021
Fire detectors and alarms are some of the most crucial ways you can keep your home safe. Accidents happen, and a properly chosen and installed fire detector will provide an early warning in the event of a potentially devastating fire. By installing the most suitable fire detectors in your home, you can keep your loved ones and belongings safe.
Experts generally seem to suggest installing a fire alarm on every level of your home and in the hallways leading to sleeping areas. We understand that the sheer amount of options can be a little overwhelming, so here are some things to keep in mind when picking a fire detector for your home.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
There are many different things to consider when picking a smoke detector. Several different types can help detect certain things.
Technology: Ionization vs Photoelectric
There are two main ways of smoke-detection technology: ionization smoke detection and photoelectric smoke detection.
Ionization smoke alarms are triggered when smoke enters the chamber, altering an ionized current between two electrically charged plates and activating the alarm. These are most responsive to fast-flaming fires.
Photoelectric detectors are triggered when smoke entering the chamber reflects light onto a sensor, triggering the alarm. These detectors are especially responsive to smouldering fires that produce large quantities of thick smoke over a prolonged period before igniting into flames.
Generally, it's advised to get both types of smoke detectors for your home. However, dual-sensor models are available and can pick up both smouldering and fast-burning fires.
Power sources: Wired vs. Battery-powered
Hardwired alarms are wired into your home's power source and are interconnected. So, if one alarm goes off, it will trigger the other smoke alarms in your home. They often include backup batteries, so they still work in the event of a power outage.
Battery-powered smoke detectors, on the other hand, use batteries as their power source. Most cannot signal each other. However, the upside is that they're much easier to mount than hardwired smoke detectors.
At Aartech, we offer various types of smoke detectors with multiple combinations of the above options, along with CO & smoke combination detectors, WiFi detectors, and ones that use LEDs instead of alarms.
With all that in mind, you're now well on your way to picking the perfect fire detector for your home.
SIMPLE YET EFFECTIVE
First Alert 1039880 Battery Powered Smoke Alarm
A safe but basic choice, this smoke alarm is an affordable option that can be installed in every room of your house. It uses ionization technology to detect smoke from fast flaming fires. With a loud alarm and a mute button, this alarm is a good choice for not only your home but also the cottage, cabin, or even RVs.
Learn more about the First Alert 1039880 Battery Powered Smoke Alarm
Looking for more coverage? Try the First Alert SA3210A Battery Powered Dual Photo Ion Smoke Detector.
This detector features a built-in 10-year battery and uses both photoelectric and ionization technology to detect fast-flaming and smouldering types of fire. With this choice, there's no need to worry about changing the battery throughout the detector's lifetime, thanks to the built-in battery. This makes the detector easy to install and swap out.
Prefer a zero waste solution? Check out the BRK Zero Waste 120V Photoelectric Smoke Detector.
BRK offers a Zero Waste program where you can purchase a new detector and return your old one to a local depot.
This hardwired detector uses photoelectric technology to detect smouldering fires. This alarm is less prone to annoying false alarms from the kitchen or bathroom area. It features a single quick silence and test button and can be interconnected with other BRK alarms so all units will sound when one is triggered.
Learn more about the BRK Zero Waste 120V Photoelectric Smoke Detector
Does your home need a wired replacement? We suggest the BRK 120VAC Smoke Detector with 10 Year Sealed Battery Backup.
You can protect your home with early and accurate smoke detection. The 9120LBLA uses ionization smoke sensing and has an 85dB horn with a "silence" feature to help reduce nuisance alarms. This 120VAC wired smoke detector can be used as a single smoke alarm or as part of a much more extensive network. It also features an easy and flexible mounting system for your convenience.
Learn more about the BRK 120VAC Smoke Detector with 10 Year Sealed Battery Backup
A wireless option for protection wherever you need it
First Alert SA500A ONELINK Battery Powered Smoke Detector Wireless Interconnect
1039831 is a battery-powered photoelectric smoke detector. It can conveniently be linked to up to 18 ONELINK detectors, so when one goes off, they all do. It featured an easy-access battery door, so you can easily swap the battery as needed. It can also work your Insteon systems when used with a 2982-222 smoke bridge.
Learn more about the First Alert SA500A ONELINK Battery Powered Smoke Detector Wireless Interconnect
2-in-one Solutions for your home
2-in-one detectors are a great way to protect your home from fires and toxic gases such as carbon monoxide.
BRK Smoke / Carbon Monoxide Detector 120V with Battery Backup
The BRK SC9120BA is a great choice as a combination detector for your home. It is designed to be hardwired to 120V electrical power and can be connected with up to 12 smoke alarms and up to 6 smoke/co combination alarms. It also features a 9V battery backup in case of a power outage in your home.
Please note: This detector is available in Canada only.
Learn more about the BRK Smoke / Carbon Monoxide Detector 120V with Battery Backup
In need of an accessible deaf-friendly version? We have you covered with the BRK 120V Combination Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm with LED Strobe,10 YR Battery.
The 7030BSLA combines a Smoke alarm and Carbon Monoxide Alarm with an LED strobe light in a compact package, which offers an effective visual cue when fire or CO is detected. This is an excellent solution for homes that need a visual aid, specifically for people who are Deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing. Some new builds also require these kinds of detectors.
There's a smarter way to detect fires
Like so many other things these days, there's also a smart version for smoke detectors. These products work with a variety of smart technology or smart home systems.
First Alert Onelink WiFI Wired Smoke and CO Detector with Speaker + Alexa
This WiFi Enabled Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detector protects your home while offering a variety of smart features to make your life easier. You can replace your current detectors with one of these for music and voice control everywhere in your home. It uses your home's WiFi network and has Built-in Alexa controls, meaning you can use Alexa through your fire detector and check the weather, news or control your smart home devices.
This kind of detector installs like a regular combination detector by wiring to your 120V ceiling power. It can interconnect with most brands and models of wired smoke or co detectors, or you can choose to put one at each location to enjoy smart functions throughout the home.
Learn more about the First Alert Onelink WiFI Wired Smoke and CO Detector with Speaker + Alexa
Looking for something compatible with Homekit? We also offer the First Alert 1042251 OneLink 120V Combo Smoke and Co Alarm with WIFI, HomeKit.
If you prefer to use the Apple HomeKit, you're in luck. First Alert offers a WiFi and Homekit enabled combination alarm that detects both smoke and CO. With this detector; you can hear a voice to indicate what's happening and which room is involved from a list of 13 room names, rather than just having a loud alarm.
It includes a multi-use wiring harness so you can easily replace your existing detector without having to re-wire. It also interconnects with your current wired detectors, so you only have to replace one existing smoke detector to enable awesome Smart features.
Learn more about the First Alert 1042251 OneLink 120V Combo Smoke and Co Alarm with WIFI, HomeKit
These choices can provide peace of mind, knowing that there will be an early warning in case of a fire. For more information about types of smoke detectors, check out some of our resources.
