What type of sensor is commonly used for smoke detection?

Smoke detection systems often utilize photoelectric sensors due to their ability to detect visible smoke particles more effectively than other sensor types. Photoelectric sensors operate by employing a light source and a light detector positioned in such a way that smoke entering the chamber obstructs the light beam. When smoke is present, it scatters the light, triggering the detector, which indicates the presence of smoke.

This method is particularly effective for detecting smoldering types of fires, which produce larger smoke particles, thus making photoelectric sensors a common choice in residential and commercial environments for early smoke detection. It is important to understand how different types of sensors operate, as selection comes down to the specific application and the characteristics of the potential fire hazards. The other sensor types mentioned are designed for different applications and do not offer the same level of effectiveness for smoke detection.