Westside Wholesale Frequently Asked Questions

There are two types of smoke alarms available today: Photoelectric Smoke Alarms and Ionization Smoke Alarms. Both types of alarms provide adequate protection against fire.

• Ionization detectors respond more quickly to flaming fires with smaller combustion particles

• Photoelectric detectors respond more quickly to smoldering fires

• Combination smoke alarms featuring both photoelectric and ionization technology are also available.

When smoke enters a photoelectric alarm, light from a pulsating light source in reflected off the smoke particles onto a light sensor, triggering the alarm.

When smoke enters an ionization alarm, ionized air molecules attach to the smoke particles and reduce the ionizing current, triggering the alarm.