Which type of smoke detector uses ionization technology?

Ionic detectors utilize ionization technology as their primary principle for detecting smoke. They contain a small amount of radioactive material that creates a steady flow of ions between two plates, allowing the detector to monitor changes in the flow of ions. When smoke enters the sensing chamber, it disrupts this flow, triggering the alarm.

This makes ionic detectors particularly responsive to fast-burning, flaming fires, as the ionization process is better suited to detecting the small particles produced by these types of fires. In contrast, photoelectric detectors, which use light to identify smoke particles, are more effective in detecting smoldering fires. Dual sensor detectors combine both technologies to address a broader range of fire types. Thermal detectors rely on temperature changes rather than smoke particles, making them less suitable for the specific detection mechanism associated with ionization technology.