How Does an Ionization Smoke Detector Work?
An ionization smoke detector is cheaper and more effective than a photoelectric smoke detector, but some people are bothered by keeping them in their homes as the detectors make use of a radioactive substance. This substance is called americium and is not considered to be dangerous given the infinitesimally small amount used, though some people are still skeptical. The device is comprised of an air filled chamber with vents. Each vent contains a tiny amount of americium. This chamber contains two electrodes which are slightly separated, though a small amount of current is still able to continually jump that gap and close the device’s circuit. When smoke enters the chamber, even microscope particles of smoke, it carries with it some of the americium. This americium makes the air in the chamber less prone to carrying an electric current and prevents the electricity from jumping the gap between electrodes. This breaks the circuit and triggers the alarm.
