What does a Smoke Detector do?

 A smoke detector is basically a small device which detects smoke, usually as a warning of an impending fire. Most commercial security devices malfunction a low signal from a fire detection system to a smoke detector control panel, so as a security measure, the system will also signal an alarm if there is an active fire. These are the primary safety devices used in fire detection systems for residential buildings and commercial structures.

These detectors are tiny circuit boards that are placed in a specific area, usually near a window or near to the source of smoke or fire. These are designed to detect small amounts of smoke from a fire. There is a battery backup that protects the main circuit board from any power loss. It is often connected to a circuit breaker panel, so that power can be restored if something should go wrong.

Smoke detectors have some different types of sensors to help them detect smoke or fire. One is the infrared sensor, which is sensitive enough to detect small quantities of smoke. Another is the photoelectric detector which is sensitive enough to detect small amounts of heat. 

The third type of detector is the magnetic field detector, which has a magnetic field detection to detect smoke and fire. Other types of sensors include the sounder detector, the metal detecting device and the radio detector. Besides, there are different types such as carbon monoxide detectors, infrared flood detectors, smoke generator sensors and carbon dioxide detectors.

There are many types of fire detectors, the most common ones are the push button and the manual fire detectors. The push-button type is usually set to activate the alarm when it feels a slight touch on the button or when it hears a low sounding "click".

If you live in a building which has two or more floors, you are more likely to use the fire detectors on the second floor because these detectors are less expensive. If your building is made of glass, then the automatic type would work better. However, these detectors do not have a battery backup.

For people who smoke a lot, it may be a good idea to invest in a smoke detector since it could save lives, especially in case of a natural disaster. There is no doubt that if you have a smoke detector, you would know if you or one of your family members is in danger of smoke or fire.