10 Best Smoke Detectors
- First Alert Hardwired Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector With alarms for both smoke
- X-Sense 10-Year Smoke Alarm A small collection of much-appreciated features mark this as
- Top Pick First Alert SMI100-AC Smoke Alarm By including a battery, this smoke detector
- Top Pick Ecoey Photoelectric Smoke Detector, 6 Pack This six-pack of smoke detectors can
- Top Pick Kidde LED Smoke Detector This smoke detector doesn't do the low battery chirp
Best smoke detectors
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
- Best of the Best: First Alert Z-Wave Smoke Detector
- Best Bang for the Buck: X-Sense Smoke Alarm
- Simple Yet Solid: First Alert Hardwire Interconnect Smoke Alarm with Battery Backup
- High-Tech Option: Google Nest Protect Smoke Alarm
- Quiet But Protective: Kidde LED Smoke Detector
- Dual Sensor: First Alert Dual Sensor Smoke and Fire Alarm SA3210
- Basic But Useful: First Alert Battery-Operated Smoke Alarm
- Long-Lasting: AEGISLINK Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Most Versatile: X-Sense Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Smart Technology: X-Sense Smart Smoke Detector Fire Alarm
For protection from a fire, a fire extinguisher is a wise addition to any home. However, a proactive way to protect yourself and your loved ones is with a smoke detector, which can help you discover smoke — and escape from a fire — before it gets out of control.
Every home needs multiple smoke detectors that will sound an alarm and warn occupants of a fire. If you’re sleeping, a functioning smoke detector is probably the only chance you have to wake up in time and escape safely.
Sensors in smoke detectors
Each smoke detector has a sensor inside of it that measures the air for smoke. Three different sensor configurations are used inside smoke detectors:
Ionization sensor
Smoke detectors with an ionization sensor inside can detect fires that are accompanied by flames. Don’t let this description fool you, though. An ionization detector will detect the smoke from these flames, but it will not detect the flames themselves.
How it Works: An ionization sensor contains a small amount of radioactive material. The material sits between two plates that are electrically charged and ionizes the air between them, causing an electrical current to form.
When smoke enters the area between the plates, it interrupts the ionization process. This causes a disruption in the electrical current, which in turn prompts the alarm to sound.
Photoelectric sensor
Smoke detectors with photoelectric sensors will be able to detect smoldering fires. A smoldering fire can exist for quite a while before flames become apparent. During this time, the smoldering fire generates smoke.
How it Works: A photoelectric sensor generates a light beam inside a chamber within the smoke detector. If smoke enters this chamber, the smoke particles redirect the light beam to another part of the photoelectric sensor. Once the sensor detects that light is being redirected, it sounds the smoke alarm.
Ionization and photoelectric technology combined
Some smoke detectors have both types of sensors built into the unit. This is the best type of smoke detector to purchase, as it provides the most complete level of protection against all types of fires. However, smoke detectors with both sensors usually cost a bit more.
Because you do not know which type of fire you may end up having in your home, a detector with both sensors is best.
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You may have a fire that immediately sprouts flames; an ionization sensor will detect this.
- You may have a fire that smolders for a while; a photoelectric sensor sounds the alarm on this type of fire.
Receiving alarms properly
If you’re concerned about making sure that everyone in your home hears the alarm, we suggest the following tips —
Interconnect your alarms
An individual smoke detector alarm is loud, and it’s designed to awaken sleeping people. But if the alarms in your home are interconnected, they all sound when one goes off. This is a great feature, as the extra alarms increase your chance of alerting everyone successfully.
Flashing strobe lights accommodate people who are hard of hearing
For someone who cannot hear well, you could also connect the detector to a device that will vibrate the bed. This would only work if the person were in bed at the time of the fire, however.
Buy smoke detectors that issue smartphone alerts
Some products connect to your smart home network, sending you alerts on your smartphone when an alarm sounds. Some will even call the fire department for you.
Install plenty of detectors
The best way to ensure that alerts are heard by everyone is to use plenty of smoke detectors. Accurately calculate how many smoke detectors you need. Follow a plan recommended by your local fire department, if one is available. Don’t try to save a few bucks by installing fewer detectors than recommended.
Placement and quantity
Several fire-related safety organizations offer recommendations as to where you should station your smoke detectors and how many you need. We outline those recommendations below.
You may feel like having such a large number of detectors is overkill for your home. But having the right number of smoke detectors grants you the best level of protection.
Inside bedrooms
Station a smoke detector inside every bedroom of your home.
Outside bedrooms
Keep additional smoke detectors just outside of bedroom areas. A closed door could prevent smoke from reaching the detector inside the bedroom, delaying the alarm. But a unit just outside the bedroom area can give you an earlier warning.
Living areas
If no bedroom exists on a particular floor of your home, place a smoke detector in the most common living area. Each floor should have at least one detector.
Basement
Place a smoke detector on the ceiling near the stairs leading to the upper levels.
Stairways
If the other smoke detectors on a particular floor are not near the stairway, install one by the stairs, too. That way, if there’s smoke on another floor, the detector near the stairway will detect it first.
Kitchen
If you place a smoke detector near the kitchen, station it at least 10 feet from any cooking appliances. If it’s closer, you could receive numerous false alarms.
Areas not to install
You shouldn’t install smoke alarms in certain rooms and areas of your home. Avoid installing them in garages, bathrooms, and attic areas. Additionally, try to keep the smoke alarms away from windows and exterior doorways.
Price
You can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $60 for a smoke detector. Most basic units cost $20 or less. You may pay a little more for detectors that offer multiple sensors for detecting all types of fires.
You may also pay more if the unit has a carbon monoxide sensor or a vocal alarm.
Smoke detectors with network connectivity capabilities also tend to cost more, but many owners find this additional expense to be worth it.
Maintenance
Smoke detectors perform their job silently most of the time, but that doesn’t mean you should forget about them. These devices require regular maintenance to ensure they continue working properly.
Testing alarms
You should test your smoke detectors every month, following manufacturer’s instructions. If a detector fails the test and the battery is new, replace the detector immediately.
Keeping them clean
Do not get paint on your a smoke detector, as this could cause it to fail. If you’re painting a wall or ceiling, take the detector down during the process. Additionally, place detectors away from wall decorations that could interfere with the sensors.
Battery replacement
We spoke to a 30-year veteran firefighter who advised us that consumers should replace a smoke detector’s AA or 9V battery every six months. Smoke detectors emit a chirping sound when the battery needs replacing. But if you change the battery regularly, you can avoid hearing that annoying chirp.
Tips
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Although the testing procedure is the same for most smoke alarms, always verify the testing steps you take with the manufacturer.
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The National Fire Protection Association recommends swapping out these devices for new ones after 10 years. The back of your smoke detector should have its manufacture date on it.
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If you’re interested in interconnecting your alarms, make sure your units are compatible with one another. You may need to purchase several from the same manufacturer in order to achieve compatibility.
- Looking to save money on your smoke detector supply? You could save money by purchasing a two-, four-, or six-pack of your chosen unit.
FAQ
Q. How do I know if my smoke detector is reliable and safe?
A. The brand and model of smoke detector you pick should be certified by a testing laboratory. The certification logo generally appears on the box or in the product description.
Q. Should I replace all of my smoke detectors at one time?
A. If your smoke detectors are nearing their 10-year lifespan, replacing all of them at once is smart. Having smoke detectors that are all the same model makes it easier to change batteries and maintain them, since they all take the same type of battery and require the same insertion method.
Q. How do I know if my smoke detector is working properly?
A. Manufacturers recommend that you test every smoke detector monthly. Most units have a test button on them. When you press the test button, the detector should emit its normal alarm. If it doesn’t sound, try changing the batteries. If it still won’t sound, replace the smoke detector immediately.
Q. If I have a hardwired smoke detector, can I avoid the annoying chirping warnings about a low battery?
A. The answer to that question depends on the model of smoke detector you’ve purchased, but probably not. Even units wired into your home’s electrical system use a battery as a backup. And you’ll probably still need to replace these batteries on a semiannual basis. If you don’t, the smoke detector’s low battery alarm probably will start chirping at some point. And if you have the same luck as most people, it’ll start around 3 a.m. So just change the batteries on schedule to avoid this problem, whether your unit is hardwired or not.