What is a Smoke Sensor? Operating principle and some applications of smoke sensors
Smoke sensors are an important device in the home. With the main function of detecting smoke, this device will quickly alarm when there is a risk of fire and explosion, and at the same time transmit the signal to the central controller or directly to the phone to trigger the alarm, helping to detect dangerous problems in time. Let’s find out what smoke sensors are and how they work with RX Tradex.
1. What is a smoke sensor?
Smoke sensors are an important device in every home. With the main function of smoke detection, the smoke sensor will immediately alarm the fire and explosion and transmit the signal to the central controller or directly to the phone to activate the alarm system, helping to detect dangerous incidents in time.
Currently, smoke sensors are commonly used, especially in residential areas and public areas. With a variety of models and affordable prices, smoke sensors not only bring peace of mind but also help prevent risks, promptly handle problems to ensure the safety of your home.
2. The importance of smoke sensors in life
Smoke sensors play an important role in fire prevention and fighting, helping to minimize the risk of fire for buildings.
Timely detection of fire and explosion hazards
In everyday life, even a small negligence can lead to a fire. Installing smoke alarms in your home will help you detect danger signs early.
Improving the effectiveness of fire prevention and fighting
Without smoke sensors, it would be very difficult to recognize the risk of fire in time. In fact, when a new fire breaks out, it is the best time to extinguish the fire, preventing the risk of fire spread and toxic smoke that causes suffocation, which is life-threatening. Early detection also helps people have enough time to escape and call the fire department.
Remote home and property protection
Smoke sensors not only emit indoor alarms, but can also send notifications to smart devices such as phones and tablets,… No matter where we are, we can still receive timely warnings about the risk of fire and can quickly come up with the best course of action.
The risk of fire and explosion is always latent in daily life, possibly from forgetting to turn off the stove or forgetting to unplug the wire,… Installing a smoke sensor in the home is a safety solution, as a “silent bodyguard,” which helps prevent fires and explosions, minimizing risks and property damage.
3. Structure and working principle of smoke sensor
Structure of Smoke Sensor
Smoke sensors are now made of plastic and electronic microchips, including basic parts such as smoke sirens, alarm heads, LED signals, battery protection covers, and anti-pry locks. The design of the smoke sensor is compact, easy to transport, install, save space and keep the aesthetics of the house.
Working Principle of Smoke Sensor
Smoke sensors are capable of detecting abnormal smoke densities, thereby emitting warnings with lights, sirens, or notifications to the phone. Smoke sensors are divided into several types, each of which works according to a different principle.
Principle of Ionizing Smoke Sensor
Ionization smoke sensors work on the principle of using radioactive isotopes to create ionization in the air. When the smoke particles enter the ionization chamber, they degrade the voltage between the electrodes. This attenuation will be detected and the sensor will trigger the alarm, sending a signal to the fire alarm center.
Principle of Photoelectric Smoke Sensor
Photoelectric smoke sensors use a beam of light and photoelectric cells (photodiodes) to monitor smoke particles. When the smoke enters the optical chamber, it changes the direction of the optics, resulting in a voltage change. The sensor will then immediately trigger the alarm with lights and horns.
Principle of Wireless Smoke Sensor
Wireless smoke sensors are battery-operated or other power sources and do not require connection wires to transmit signals, making them easy to install and move.
Each wireless smoke sensor is equipped with an embedded switch and is connected via frequency, ensuring an alarm when an abnormal smoke density is detected. After detecting smoke, the sensor transmits the wireless signal via radio waves, Wi-Fi, or other wireless protocols to the control center or main probe unit.
Wired smoke sensor principle
Wired smoke sensors work similarly to wireless smoke sensors, but the difference is that hardwired smoke detectors provide the main power to the detector, run through the wall or ceiling, and connect directly to other detectors to provide continuous power to the detector.
4. Differentiate the types of smoke sensors
Currently, fire alarm smoke sensors have a variety of different models and types, which can be classified according to their operation (Ionized Smoke Sensor, Photoelectric Smoke Sensor) or classified
according to the connection form (Wired Smoke Sensor, Wireless Smoke Sensor).
Ionization Smoke Sensor
Ionizing smoke sensors meet radiation safety standards, operate based on the use of radioactive isotopes (alpha particle emission sources), which result in the ionization of smoke molecules in the air. When the smoke element enters the ionization chamber, it will combine with the ion element, reducing the current between the two poles. The circuit inside the sensor will detect this drop in current and trigger the alarm by flashing an LED, honking, and sending an emergency signal to the alarm center.
The cost of Ion smoke sensors is quite cheap, the ability to detect fires occurs quickly and there is little smoke. However, this type of sensor may falsely alarm due to oversensitivity, and is not environmentally friendly due to the use of radioactive substances.
Photoelectric Smoke Sensor
Photoelectric smoke sensors use a beam of light and photovoltaic cells (photodiodes) to monitor smoke particles, thereby detecting and alarming when there is a fire. The structure of this sensor consists of a small light source, a converging lens, and a photoelectric sensor. When there is smoke, the smoke stream enters the optical chamber of the sensor, is detected by the elements inside, and then immediately proceeds to activate the alarm.
Photoelectric smoke sensor has the obvious advantages of detecting dense smoke, high durability, limiting false alarms, containing no radioactive substances, and safe for users. This type of sensor is usually installed in large spaces such as auditoriums or sports rooms. However, the disadvantage of photoelectric smoke sensors is that they consume a lot of power to operate and are highly sensitive to dust particles or insects, requiring regular cleaning.
Wired smoke sensor
Wired smoke sensors use power directly from the indoor electrical system, ensuring the signal is transmitted directly to the control center via wires.
The advantages of wired smoke sensors are stable transmission signals, reasonable cost, and high durability, which can last up to 10 years. However, the installation is complicated, consumes a lot of electricity, and is sensitive to dust particles and insects, so it needs regular cleaning, and can affect the aesthetics of the house.
Wireless Smoke Sensor
Wireless smoke sensors work on the power of batteries and transmit signals through electronic waves (such as Zigbee, Wi-Fi, etc.), helping to detect and warn fires in time.
The advantage of wireless smoke sensor is that it is easy to install, suitable for houses, apartments, clothing stores, etc. However, this type of sensor comes at a high cost, sometimes the signal may be unstable, and the battery needs to be replaced frequently.
5. Popular types of smoke sensors on the market today
Xiaomi Honeywell Smoke Sensor
Xiaomi Honeywell smoke sensor is suitable for a variety of buildings such as hotels, karaoke rooms, and restaurants,… This product stands out for its optical smoke sensor technology, high durability and compatibility with Apple Homekit. With two versions that support Zigbee and Bluetooth, users can easily manage the device through the Mihome app. The disadvantages of the product are its high price, high power consumption and the need for regular cleaning due to sensitivity to dust and insects.
Tuya Zigbee Smoke Sensor
Tuya Zigbee smoke sensor is a popular choice for both residential and commercial buildings such as hotels and shopping malls. This product uses Ionization sensor technology, which is highly durable and flexible in installation. In addition, it is compatible with the Tuya ecosystem and the Smart Life app. However, Tuya Zigbee’s wireless connection lacks stability, is prone to false alarms, and ionization technology uses radioactive substances that are not environmentally friendly.
Aquara Zigbee Smoke Sensor
Aquara Zigbee smoke sensor is a good solution for both households and commercial buildings such as malls and shops. This device uses dual optical path technology, which ensures high durability and easy connection to the Xiaomi central controller via the Mihome app. Although easy to install and use, Aquara Zigbee consumes a lot of power and is quite expensive, and needs to be cleaned regularly.
Dawn Smoke Sensor
The Rang Dong smoke sensor has a sound level of ≥ 85 dB and a wide monitoring range, which is suitable for a wide range of buildings such as restaurants, hotels, offices and houses. This product uses wireless sensor technology, which ensures high durability and long battery life. It can also connect to smart home devices via the RalliSmart app or Bluetooth, ensuring timely fire alarms. Although the price is relatively high, the quality and warranty of Rang Dong bring peace of mind to users.
6. Some applications of smoke sensors
Home Apps
Smoke sensors are an important device that is indispensable in civil works, especially in apartments and houses, where living spaces are often enclosed and difficult to detect fires.
When choosing to buy smoke sensors for your home, you should give preference to wireless ones with sufficient sensor range for your family. Suitable locations for installing smoke sensors include ceilings, kitchens, living rooms, apartment corridors,…
Application in shopping malls and offices
Smoke sensors are not only used in civil buildings but also important equipment in large-scale buildings such as halls, offices, restaurants, hotels, buildings, shopping malls,…
In large commercial buildings, smoke sensors are systematically installed at critical locations, ensuring early detection and timely warning when there is a problem, helping to quickly implement first aid and safe evacuation measures.
7. Precautions for using smoke sensors
When using a smoke sensor, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
Choose the right type of smoke sensor
Depending on the installation location, choose the right type of smoke sensor for your needs and budget. It is recommended to prioritize products from reputable, genuine brands that are highly appreciated by many users.
Also, consider contacting the supplier for more professional advice. This helps to avoid the situation that the sensor does not work effectively when there is a fire, does not emit an emergency alarm signal.
Installation in the right place and physical inspection
The location of the smoke sensor installation greatly affects its efficiency. If the sensor is too far from a fire-prone area, it may result in a delayed alarm.
After installation, perform a field test with artificial smoke sources such as cigarette smoke, paper burning, or smoke densification with different levels to ensure the sensor works correctly.
Integration with smart devices
In the era of technological development, fire alarm systems and smoke sensors have also been improved with many new technologies, making it easy to apply in modern life.
Combine smoke sensors with smart devices such as smart alarm centers, smart alarms,… will make your fire alarm system more efficient and handy.
Routine maintenance and replacement
The risk of fire and explosion can occur at any time, so regular maintenance is extremely necessary. Replace faulty sensors or technical problems periodically to ensure that the system is always in good working order, avoiding sensor malfunctions or faulty emergency fire alarm systems.
8. Conclusion
To ensure maximum safety for homes and businesses, the installation of smoke sensors is extremely necessary. This device not only helps to detect fire hazards early but also supports the prevention of potential risks, protecting property and human life. In addition, if you are interested in other safety solutions, you can learn more about water level sensor, which help measure and control water levels, contributing to ensuring efficient living and production processes.
In addition, to grasp the latest technology trends in the field of automation and electronics manufacturing, as well as discover innovative solutions, you should not miss the opportunity to participate in the NEPCON Vietnam exhibition, organized by RX Tradex in September 2024. Register to participate right here.
