Should ionization-type smoke detectors be banned nationwide? (material, price, format)

[harry chickpea]

Old thread. That poster is long gone. Between the two threads, he and I had a decent (if fiery ) discussion, and I think... we came to a more or less common ground. He brought forward some extremely valid points overall. The fish tank - meh - not so much.

[plwhit]

Originally Posted by Andros 1337

Okay, you have crossed the line. God knows there is nothing rigged about this test, yet you fabricate your own arguments why ionization is better. We don't need any of your BS.

Incorrect, we don't need YOUR BS...

Harry's observation(s) are right on...

[SuperSparkle928]

If they are banned, can I collect all of the Americium-based smoke detectors, and make one huge alpha-emitter, and ultimately hit critical mass? This thread is ridiculous.

[fredbaker]

according to the national institute of health it seems to say to follow the manf's direction's to Install natural gas alarms /co however it just seems to say just to plug in not to mount on wall near ceiling

Source: smokealarms.com model MCND401

Other Than that I think you saw the full-scale test I embeded You should listen to Mr. Adrian Butler the one who talked about the worldfiresafetyfoundation did you know the chairman of the first home fire detection code is on his advisory board{Richard Patton)???

Mr. Adrian Butler (smoke alarm consumer safety advocate is supporting the idea that the combination alarm is a "Deadly Compromise")

-telly

[sparkiegm]

Missing from the discusson is the fact that Ionization Detectors will detect Products of Combustion whereas a Photoelectric Detector will not. This includes such transparent gasses as Natural Gas. For example, should you have a gas leak the Ionization Detector will activate BEFORE there is a fire, not after the house has blown off the foundation and you are laying in the driveway smoldering as your Photoelectric Detector finally goes off. This is why there are two types, both should be utilizied based upon the specific application and location as determined by the hazard.
G. Miller, P.E Fire Protection Engineer

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by linicx

My state requires ...a radon detector to be installed

Really? What state? Radon?

[old_cold]

Would those arguing against a ban (as would I) agree that, if not already done, the packaging should mention the limitations on each type of detector?

[thecoalman]

Originally Posted by old_cold

Would those arguing against a ban (as would I) agree that, if not already done, the packaging should mention the limitations on each type of detector?

I would seem to me the competition would take advantage of it.

In any event the issue here is cost, while it would be nice if we could all be driving around in cars that are 100% survivable in a crash that is pointless if no can afford the car. Same thing applies here, if you are Joe six pack trying to support 2 kids and just getting by an alarm you can afford is better than no alarm.

[GregW]

I wonder about the whole deal of fancy smoke detectors being required. I grew up in a house heated with a pile of burning coal in the basement furnace and a coal stove in the kitchen. In that situation smoke detectors would have bee sounding off continuously. All my smoke detectors, presumably ionization devices but I have not looked, tell me is I am burning something on the cook stove.

[thecoalman]

Originally Posted by GregW

I wonder about the whole deal of fancy smoke detectors being required. I grew up in a house heated with a pile of burning coal in the basement furnace and a coal stove in the kitchen. In that situation smoke detectors would have bee sounding off continuously. All my smoke detectors, presumably ionization devices but I have not looked, tell me is I am burning something on the cook stove.

Greg I'm not aware of any issues with coal for home heating and smoke detectors during normal operation no matter what kind of unit you are using.

Abnormal would be leaving the ash pan door open which is a common practice to get the fire going faster after reloading in hand fired stove. This itself is not an issue until you forget to close it after about 15 or 30 minutes. Stove gets cherry red after about an hour and stuff starts smoking. Worse part is there is no way to slow it down fast except perhaps throwing dirt/sand on it.