Ten smoke detectors passed muster by a number of researchers recently.
The study, a collaborative effort of Underwriters Laboratories, Oak Ridge National Lab, and FEMA, was released in January.
Authors wrote: “Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) is a technique employed in advanced chemical detection for military and civilian systems. Applying LDA techniques to historical sensor data recorded in fire testing yields patterns associated with various types of fires and nuisance conditions. Modeling results on the same fire test situations show that smoldering fires can often be detected sooner than conventional alarms, even when using only a photoelectric sensor.”
“The addition of a temperature sensor or a carbon monoxide sensor allows better discrimination between real fires and nuisance sources. The Smart Smoke Alarm is a practical demonstration of a home smoke alarm using LDA. Combinations of sensors found in today’s smoke alarms are analyzed in real time by an inexpensive microcontroller to determine whether to alarm or remain silent…”
The document states that the 10 units tested alarmed during the existing UL-217 fire tests2 as well as proposed flaming and smoldering foam tests.
“These units also performed well in limited nuisance tests and alarmed only when dangerous conditions were approached. We anticipate that the technology will be adopted by smoke alarm manufacturers to improve the performance of home smoke alarms without substantially increasing the cost to consumers,” researchers concluded.
This novel technique has been patented and is available for license immediately through Oak Ridge National Laboratories. The technologies can be used to increase the reliability of both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms.
“Smoke alarms are a vital part of home fire safety. Fires in homes today grow faster, burn hotter and release more smoke than at any time in recent history. Smoke alarms that provide an earlier and more reliable warning are more important than ever, and we look forward to seeing this new technology adopted by smoke alarm manufacturers.” U.S. Fire Administrator Ernest Mitchell said in a prepared statement.
CPSC Chairman Elliot F. Kaye added: “We know that working smoke alarms save lives and smarter smoke alarms will save even more lives. We encourage manufacturers to incorporate these new technologies into smoke alarms to significantly improve their performance; and to improve packaging to educate consumers about the limitations of various smoke alarm technologies. We also encourage consumers to protect their homes by installing and maintaining smoke alarms.”
“Oak Ridge National Laboratory is proud to work with USFA and CPSC on this much needed research initiative,” said Richard Stouder, Director of Technology Development and Deployment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
