Smoke Detectors 101 | Consumer Reports

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  • Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
  • Your life depends on a smoke detector actually detecting smoke. Consumer Reports’ expert explains what you need to know when purchasing these life-saving devices.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 84

  • @Rhio734
    @Rhio734 4 роки тому +93

    Yes, this may indeed be a smoke detector but it has many purposes example: in our house hold, it tells us when dinner is ready!

    • @koolenboer
      @koolenboer 3 роки тому +1

      Greatest comment ever :-)

    • @kylehill3643
      @kylehill3643 2 роки тому

      @@koolenboer Burger time?

    • @JoePina0
      @JoePina0 2 роки тому

      Haha!

    • @nurseae4586
      @nurseae4586 2 роки тому +1

      Who is cooking I mean incinerating 😄

    • @supertornadogun1690
      @supertornadogun1690 2 роки тому

      Sounds like you might want to get a different smoke detector

  • @freddapelter8332
    @freddapelter8332 5 років тому +10

    Thank you!! So many people do not know there is a difference.

  • @mangisda
    @mangisda 2 роки тому +7

    A man whose job is to prevent a house from burning is named Bernie.

    • @x25__
      @x25__ Рік тому

      One of the marketing people in a fire-alarm company I used to work at is named David Burns.

  • @FourTortoise104
    @FourTortoise104 3 роки тому +23

    The acting... Jesus, take the wheel.

  • @gregschwartz6886
    @gregschwartz6886 3 роки тому +20

    When will they make a hard-wired smokie that charges the battery so you don't have to replace it as often?

    • @Muonium1
      @Muonium1 11 місяців тому +1

      Never, because rechargeable batteries have a finite lifetime that's invariably shorter than the now standard, sealed, 10 year non-replaceable lithium metal primary cell battery-powered units in every store everywhere. After 10 years it's recommended to replace them due to increased likelihood of electronic component failure anyway, so there is no incentive to make longer-lived battery powered throwaway units at this point.

    • @Fredengle
      @Fredengle 11 місяців тому

      I think its possible that some countries already have that or a similar technology

  • @noobdisaster
    @noobdisaster 5 років тому +22

    Two detectors: dual sensor and carbon monoxide. Gotcha!

    • @kylehill3643
      @kylehill3643 3 роки тому +1

      You forgot it's third purpose! Dinner!

  • @nrakma
    @nrakma 2 роки тому +9

    All Smoke Detectors should have a PATH light. Lights saves lives.

    • @idmhead0160
      @idmhead0160 2 роки тому +8

      That would cost the company an extra 15 cents. Then, they wouldn't be able to afford to pay the CEO hundreds of millions of dollars

    • @optimummr1609
      @optimummr1609 9 місяців тому

      Nest protect is the one for you my friend.

  • @Team.Louish
    @Team.Louish 4 роки тому +5

    He reminds me of Keegan-Michael Key, even sometimes acts like him.

  • @kylehill3643
    @kylehill3643 3 роки тому +4

    In the end regardless of local laws it doesn't really matter how you setup your alarm|(s) as long as they are functional during a fire that's what counts and you at least have 1 that sounds they'll be happy when you sell or need fire insurance.

  • @JesusHHernandez
    @JesusHHernandez 3 роки тому +2

    This reminds me of the SmartPipe infomercial

  • @joannestealey4482
    @joannestealey4482 2 роки тому +1

    Also it helps to keep bugs away from it

  • @CassetteMaster
    @CassetteMaster 4 роки тому +14

    In truth, there are two types of photoelectric, one, that uses smoke blocking light shining at a sensor, and the other, which reflects light onto a sensor. Then the ionization uses radioactive material to ionize a chamber of air, allowing a tiny electric current to pass. Once smoke enters it, it disrupts the current flow, thus triggering the alarm.

  • @CapsLock33
    @CapsLock33 3 роки тому +1

    thanks for the review.

  • @producerk8247
    @producerk8247 4 роки тому +8

    Not a good test when the source is right below the detectors. Try again.

  • @zakarycavenaugh9667
    @zakarycavenaugh9667 3 роки тому +11

    Smoke detectors have over a 35% chance of failure. Store bought CO goes off at 400 ppm, and the lethal amount starts at 150 ppm

  • @Dailymailnewz
    @Dailymailnewz 4 роки тому +1

    What about the main power unit where there is a stop and start red button at the very base somewhere?

  • @zachg9065
    @zachg9065 5 років тому +8

    “What if a fire happens right in front of your eyes” it’s not real until the smoke detector says so

  • @unumprovident101
    @unumprovident101 3 роки тому +1

    We used to have a General Electric Home Sentry smoke alarm and I hated the sound it made

  • @FIyingDumpling
    @FIyingDumpling 2 роки тому +2

    Photoelectric alarm with CO detector

  • @TamNguyen-nz5lv
    @TamNguyen-nz5lv 7 місяців тому

    WOW THANK YOU🎉

  • @rafaelontiveros7450
    @rafaelontiveros7450 3 роки тому +1

    Good information, pretty much vital information, definitely a must share video.

  • @notdisclosed
    @notdisclosed 4 роки тому +18

    I wish they made more detectors that used AA batteries. I also wish they had some with adjustable volume. Not all of us are deaf or need our hearing damaged from false alarms.

    • @kylehill3643
      @kylehill3643 3 роки тому +2

      I agree and have the volume be overridden when an actual full alarm occurs.

    • @idmhead0160
      @idmhead0160 2 роки тому +1

      Yeah, I can't stand the connectors on 9 volt

  • @mihiustv
    @mihiustv 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks for top!

  • @watcharapongchantraboon3142
    @watcharapongchantraboon3142 3 роки тому

    Very safe units to use.

  • @mattdude
    @mattdude 2 роки тому +1

    I didn’t know Keegan Michael key got a job with consumer reports

  • @Steve_in_NJ
    @Steve_in_NJ 5 років тому +19

    I used to have CO/Smoke Detector units in my house -- one of the many false CO detections brought my local Fire Dept to my house and they said combo units are the WORST so we have separate units now. Oh, and don't forget that Ionization fire detectors MUST BE REPLACED every 10 years (the radioactive isotope has a shelf life)!

    • @001looker
      @001looker 4 роки тому +7

      i do not have any smoke detectors in my house. This way I do no have to replace anything

    • @TheCowboy4000
      @TheCowboy4000 4 роки тому +5

      We shit I just bought a combination one from Kidde. The house that my mom and I are renting had smoke detectors 21 years old!! 😠 I about died. Well I went and bought the dual sensor smoke alarms and I'm taking it out of the rent. That's bullshit that they are that old. We don't even have a carbon monoxide alarm.

    • @neilbrookins8428
      @neilbrookins8428 4 роки тому +6

      Steven S: 432 years is the half life for Americium used in the ionization alarm. So after 10 years it’s still almost all still there. This is not the reason you should replace the alarms after 10 years. But there are other reasons it’s still a good idea to replace.

    • @36ELGALAN
      @36ELGALAN 2 роки тому

      @@001looker Brilliant.!!!
      Do you still have your house

    • @idmhead0160
      @idmhead0160 2 роки тому

      @@TheCowboy4000 Yes, it's BS that the landlord didn't maintain those. And they should pay you back. You aren't allowed to deduct it from the rent though. I was just reading the rental laws the other day and read that.

  • @Yugiboii
    @Yugiboii 2 роки тому +1

    Anyone ran into a scenario where the beeping is coming from the ceiling and not the detector itself? I replaced my detector with a new one hoping it stops the 5 beeps but to no avail. Anyone?

    • @idmhead0160
      @idmhead0160 2 роки тому +2

      Maybe there is one installed on another floor that you're hearing?

  • @clarencetaylor7455
    @clarencetaylor7455 5 років тому +31

    I'd expect Bernie to have no less than 10 detectors in his house

    • @tomsd
      @tomsd 4 роки тому

      Jui

  • @steveseattle6791
    @steveseattle6791 3 роки тому +6

    "It's a dangerous test" - I can't take seriously any advice from people that think lighting 10 sheets of paper is 'get out of the room' dangerous. Home owners buy smoke detectors, not 8 year olds.

  • @arshadhalim4313
    @arshadhalim4313 2 роки тому

    Do all smoke detector speaks?

  • @elithegreat6463
    @elithegreat6463 5 років тому +3

    Fire 🔥: “The rapid oxidation of a combustible material, releasing energy in the form of light and heat”

  • @HSETM
    @HSETM 2 роки тому

    Dual Sensor: KIDDE PI-9010.

  • @demeaningplebny1363
    @demeaningplebny1363 10 місяців тому

    Keegan-Michael Key works for CU!??

  • @djfunkychicken
    @djfunkychicken 4 роки тому +1

    *Fire extinguisher entered the chat*

  • @CassetteMaster
    @CassetteMaster 4 роки тому +9

    I'm humored that he went ahead and explained how photoelectric detectors detect smoke, but didn't explain the ionization--otherwise he would have to mention the Radioactive Material!

    • @cactusladysouth1000
      @cactusladysouth1000 3 роки тому

      Please explain or tell me where I can get that info

    • @SerenoOunce
      @SerenoOunce 6 місяців тому

      Americium is one of the least radioactive elements. Emitted particles can't pass though housing it's contained in, let alone the product enclosure.
      Only real nuisance is there disposal. Otherwise, only a hazard if you go tampering with it.

  • @DennisMcCoy-b2r
    @DennisMcCoy-b2r Рік тому

    I have never had one go off for a legitimate reason, just periodic false alarms leaving me feeling annoyed rather than alarmed. This is a serious safety hazard. When people are constantly woken during the night they are only encouraged to remove batteries and not get round to replacing them. Please bring attention to this, it's happened with every single fire alarm I have ever had even ones recently installed by professionals

  • @chuter52
    @chuter52 7 місяців тому

    Is this intended for elementary schools?

  • @SK-lt1so
    @SK-lt1so 5 років тому +9

    They don't mention big issues with fire alarms.
    They will beep obnoxiously when the battery is low, but do nothing else. This can make figuring out which one has a low battery very difficult.
    They are often placed in high places, and getting the plastic battery doors to open is difficult, so replacing batteries is a nuisance.
    Wired systems can alarm,without any way of turning them off, if there is a short circuit/water damage. You have to pull their fuse.
    Often, with wired systems, all the units need to be replaced together or the units will not function properly.

    • @CastleMc
      @CastleMc 4 роки тому +1

      YES-mine are not only very high but hang over staircases!

    • @sylviasuarez5121
      @sylviasuarez5121 4 роки тому +4

      Dealing with it is better than the alternative.

    • @cagedtigersteve
      @cagedtigersteve 2 роки тому

      My solution is to just remove the smoke detector and problem solved.

    • @Ann-um3hd
      @Ann-um3hd Рік тому

      Until theres a real fire

  • @Sethermiester
    @Sethermiester Рік тому

    Disappointed. Dual sensor do not have clearly stated method of operation. Photoelectric is much more effective at actual smoke detection than an ionization alarm is. Most people die from smoldering smokey fires not open flame...

  • @x25__
    @x25__ Рік тому +2

    Please, PLEASE test detectors for radio-frequency interference.

  • @autokss
    @autokss 5 років тому +7

    Good topic. Cringe worthy video. Yikes!

  • @Pops2
    @Pops2 2 роки тому

    His name is burn...e.

  • @alexsu6872
    @alexsu6872 5 років тому +1

    Burny

  • @robertsaca3512
    @robertsaca3512 6 місяців тому

    Why is the interviewer immature?
    Wouldn't you think mature intelligent adults would be the majority or only people interested in this information?

  • @monivlog1138
    @monivlog1138 4 місяці тому

    এটা কিনবো কিভাবে

  • @jeffk464
    @jeffk464 5 років тому

    Party on

  • @lojac4941
    @lojac4941 3 роки тому

    Great information... but dang ya'll made this totally corny.

  • @Freddylikefood
    @Freddylikefood 4 роки тому

    Need to become a member and pay (minimum) $10 each month to get any research Consumer Report Information. Sad shadow of greed. I pass.

  • @Dwigt_Rortugal
    @Dwigt_Rortugal 5 місяців тому

    Ugh. My brain cells.
    CR, (I am a member, by the way) this video irritates me to the point of exasperation. Can you please not dumb it down so much and get to the point quickly without the gimmicky acting? There was no new information for me in this video and it was a complete waste of time. I know you have to cater to the reclusive cat lady who has never purchased a smoke detector, but what about analytical people like engineers and technicians? Just the data, please. Project Farm puts you guys to shame. Ideally, I'd succinctly like to know what the best brands are that aren't total garbage and I want to see real, actual data to support the tests. Sure, I could go to the CR website like it's the year 2000, but good grief, what a hassle. One of your techs lighting a fire in a lab is not useful.

  • @adrianappleyard4005
    @adrianappleyard4005 4 роки тому

    P

  • @bjs2022
    @bjs2022 5 років тому +3

    Alarms don’t “go off”. They stay on to sound.

  • @DayumQuitPlayin
    @DayumQuitPlayin 2 роки тому

    Stop with the humor, it’s cringey and not even funny.

  • @001looker
    @001looker 4 роки тому +2

    i do not have any smoke detectors and very happy

    • @kylehill3643
      @kylehill3643 3 роки тому

      You'll live longer not smoking as a plus.

  • @hempisnotpot4112
    @hempisnotpot4112 3 роки тому +2

    aloha, please pass along to whomever is the poindexter\Einstein at first alert..... all smoke detectors and co2 combo's need a remote control switch at light switch level in the house. Like the garage door openers have the switch w wires to open and close. This way nobody has to climb a ladder or chair to push a button. HELLO>... WTF.. duh... There should be no need to touch the unit itself, especially if they are gonna wire these together for 2 or more.
    Make a remote to have an "all off button" and a "Silence button" and the "Test Button" on a panel next to it or somewhere lower so nobody has to climb up the vaulted ceilings at midnight, and so after you find there's no fire, you can go back to bed and deal with it the next day.
    Trying to get up from sleep bc the damn thing goes off and dealing with it groggy or medicated on a chair or ladder is more liability than the fire or CO2. Do I have to think of everything.... sweet dreams...Jesus H C people think already