How to Choose a Smoke Alarm

							How to Choose a Smoke Alarm
Your application or local codes will drive what type of alarms to choose. Whether you’re
replacing existing alarms or adding in new, follow these simple steps:




1
        Determine

                                          2
                                                  Determine

                                                                                   3
                                                                                           Determine
        Primary                                   Battery                                  Sensor
        Application:                              Type:                                    Type:

Battery Operated                          Battery Operated                         Battery Operated
• Existing Multi-family/single family     • Carbon Zinc (standard life) lasts at   • Ionization: Widely used sensor for
  (no code for wired-in alarms)             least 1 year                             many applications, detects small
• Replacement of existing battery         • Alkaline (extended life) lasts about     particles produced by flaming fires.
  operated.                                 2 years                                • Photoelectric: Detects large
• Interconnected alarms not required      • Removable Lithium (long life) lasts      particles produced by smoldering
                                            6-10 years                               fires. Better for nuisance control
                                          • Sealed Lithium (true 10 year) lasts      around kitchens and baths.
                                            at least 10 years                        Required by code in some areas of
                                                                                     country like Massachusetts.
Wired-in                                  Wired-in                                 Wired-in
• Replacement of existing wired-in        • AC only: Where codes allow such        • Photoelectric or Ionization (see
• New construction or remodel (code         as some motel/hotel applications.        above)
  driven)                                   Will not operate without AC power.
• Need to have interconnected             • AC with battery backup: Required
  alarms either by choice or required       by most codes today. Provides
  by code.                                  alarm function when power is out.

Wireless                                  Wireless                                 Wireless
• Existing Multi-family/single family     Choose either                            • Photoelectric or Ionization (see
  (no code for wired-in alarms).          • Battery operated                         above)
  Exception: Wireless alarms with         • Wired-in with battery backup (bridge
  both wireless and wired-in features.      unit).
• Need interconnected alarms but
  can’t easily pull wires through
  existing walls or ceilings.
• Use to bridge between floors
• Use to bridge between old and new
  construction
• Use to bridge between wired-in and
  battery operated
• Generally more expensive per
  alarm but savings are realized
  through retrofitting costs savings in
  time, materials and labor.