I’m in the process of updating my household smoke and CO detectors. Always thought that dual-sensor detectors (by which I mean photoelectric and ionization, not smoke & CO combo units) were the gold standard, but it seems that ionization detectors are largely being abandoned.

First Alert and Kidde at least still make a couple (although none battery powered & interconnected), but X-Sense doesn’t even bother with ionization anymore.

Curious if anyone has any insight here. Am I good with just modern photoelectric units? All informed opinions (industry professionals and firefighters, especially) are welcome.

I know what NFPA and my state building codes say, I know the difference between the two sensor types and how they work. And of course, the best detector is the one that’s installed and functional - just like a carry gun. I’m mostly just curious at this point.

Thanks.

-Rob

I just ripped out my Kidde smoke detectors and replaced them with First ALERT.

The Kidde detectors were always going off for no reason.

I wanted 10-year batteries and hard-wired, so my choices were limited.

I have not had a false alarm since.

I am constrained to use Simplisafe items so I have no choice. If you want more than noise, meaning a monitored system, you will enjoy more protection.

NFPA says combo detectors are best.

https://www.nfpa.org/news-blog...etector-should-i-buy

I've been thinking about swapping all mine out. This was informative.

I probably need to change out mine that are 20 years old now. How do I know if they are linked?

quote:

How do I know if they are linked?

Push the test button on one and see if they all go off.

Plan accordingly with pets and spouses.

Something to consider is that current code requires a detector in each bedroom in new construction. This is in response to the increase in electronics in the bedroom. The last time I reworked my system I added these and we try to keep the doors closed when possible.