When it comes to systems smoke detectors, security dealers traditionally have had several different technologies available. One of the most commonly used types of detectors is the photoelectric detector, which uses an LED light source and a sensor to detect obscuration, which indicates smoke inside the detector. Another option is ionization detectors, which use an ionization chamber and a source of ionizing radiation to detect smoke. Heat detectors, which measure temperature, also may be a common initiating device that your company installs.
Many dealers have learned to follow two basic rules when it comes to smoke detection. As Tom Mecher, product marketing manager for Fairport, N.Y.-based Bosch Security Systems explains, ionization detectors tend to be most suitable for fast flaming fires, while photoelectric detectors are well suited for smoldering fires.