How Do Ionization Smoke Detectors Work?
All smoke detectors consist of two basic parts: a sensor to sense the smoke and a very loud electronic horn to wake people up. Smoke detectors can run off of a 9-volt battery or 120-volt house current. Ionization smoke detectors use an ionization chamber and a source of ionizing radiation to detect smoke. This type of smoke detector is more common because it is inexpensive and better at detecting the smaller amounts of smoke produced by flaming fires. (more)
Why does smoke come from a fire?
Let's say you have a nice fire going, and it has burned down to the point where what you see is a collection of hot "glowing embers." The fire is still producing a lot of heat, but it is producing no smoke at all. You might have gotten to this point either by starting with logs in a fireplace or by starting with charcoal. If you now toss a piece of wood, or even a sheet of paper, onto this fire, what you will notice is that the new fuel produces a lot of smoke as it heats up. Then, all of a sudden (often with a small pop), it bursts into flame and the smoke disappears. (more)
How do multi-class dry chemical fire extinguishers work?
If you ask any firefighter what it takes to create a fire, you will learn that you have to have three things:
1. A fuel - some sort of combustible solid, liquid or gas
2. Oxygen to react with the fuel
3. Heat - there must be enough heat to get the fuel above its flash point. There is paper on your desk right now that is surrounded by oxygen. It does not burn unless you get the paper hot enough.
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How Do Photoelectric Smoke Detectors Work?
All smoke detectors consist of two basic parts: a sensor to sense the smoke and a very loud electronic horn to wake people up. Smoke detectors can run off of a 9-volt battery or 120-volt house current.
Occasionally you will walk into a store and a bell will go off as you cross the threshold. If you look, you will often notice that a photo beam detector is being used. Near the door on one side of the store is a light (either a white light and a lens or a low-power laser), and on the other side is a photodetector that can "see" the light. (more)
What are the "ABC's" of fires? And why is that label on my extinguisher?
Fires are classified as A, B & C class fires. There is even a 'D' but it's not relevant of residential or most commercial venues.
Let's start with the basics: A fire requires three elements: something that will burn, enough heat to make it burn and oxygen. Remove any one of those three and the fire will go out. (more)
How do extinguishers work?
It depends on the extinguisher. Most have a release lever and a pin of some sort. In the event of a fire, make sure your back is to an exit where you can get out. Stand at least 6 feet back from the fire and do the following: (more)
What kind of fire extinguisher do I need?
In most cases, a multipurpose fire extinguisher, labeled ABC, will be effective on all three classes of fire. But, the wrong extinguisher can put you in danger or even make the fire worse; example, using water on a cooking -grease or electrical fire. Check to be sure the extinguisher is labeled ABC.