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Photoelectric Smoke Alarms vs. Ionisation Smoke Alarms: The Deadly Difference

Announcement posted by Smoke Alarm Solutions 24 Sep 2015

The time for change is now! The recent increase in deadly house fires, further ignites the need for discussion around ionisation alarms and their effectiveness.
Despite meeting the Australian Standard, it is proven that Ionisation Smoke Alarms do not provide adequate protection due to the way in which they detect and alert in the event of a fire.

The Deadly Differences

Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

- Detects visible particles of combustion and are responsive to both smoke and smouldering fires.
- They 'see' the fire before it has fully inflamed into a full-blown inferno.
- They can be safely disposed of as they do not contain radioactive material.

Ionisation Smoke Alarms

- Detects invisible particles of combustion and activate more quickly for fast flaming fires rather than smoke.
- More prone to false alarms.
- Contain radioactive materials making it difficult to dispose of.

"I am relieved to see that homeowners around Australia are beginning to sit up and take notice of the necessity of smoke alarms and the benefits they provide. It is now the responsibility of the Government and Businesses such as Smoke Alarm Solutions to help inform the Australian public on the most effective smoke alarm: the photoelectric alarm". states CEO of Smoke Alarm Solutions, Cameron Davis.

Smoke Alarm Solutions have conducted more than 1.5 million smoke alarm inspections and have first hand experience on the effectiveness of Ionisation smoke alarms. "We attend more than 100 properties every day where the occupant has reported a beeping, faulty or false alarming smoke alarm. In 87% of these fault reports, the alarms are ionisation smoke alarms" continues Mr. Davis, "not only do they have a high fault rate but they do not alert the occupants until the fire has reached the critical stages".

Smoke Alarm Solutions has long ago stopped installing ionisation alarms and it is time the Australian public takes the same stance on safety. Its not worth the risk.