You worry to much
- Vote on answer
- posted
20 years ago
You worry to much
Not that they don't have their place, but why do you feel you need a photoelectric type?
Yup, I know it's a repair ng, but replacement is the accepted norm when it comes to these, so this issue boils down to finding a suitable replacement most of the time.
I had a good unit (photoelectric, made by Honeywell, if I recall correctly), but was too lazy to troubleshoot it, so I replaced it with the only unit I could find that worked on
120 VAC. Demonstration by a company that wanted to sell me half a dozen units (including 2 wind-up heat type) revealed the ionization unit I have should have been replaced with another photoelectric type.These seem impossible to find at Wallyworld or home improvement stores. Worse yet - I would prefer a dual unit that works on 120 VAC and have seen recommendations for units that use both detection systems and include a heat sensor too. Some internet research seems to indicate the following:
Cheap units are just that, cheap - and mostly ion only.
There are seemingly no (non-commercial) dual detection units on the internet
Non-commercial photodetection units seem to be limited to units without specs, or with poor specs. There seem to be no references for any non-commercial units to any agencies which either test or publish verified specifications by testing.
Some commercial units are out there, but there is invariably no pricing information accompanying them, and all seem to be microprocessor controlled types (hi $$$$$$ ?).
Has anyone found a good photoelectric type smoke detector or dual unit available in 120 Volt model suitable or targeted for the home market? If not, is there a commercial unit suitable for same?
Is there an agency that tests smoke detectors that publishes findings?
TIA,
SBK
I have both types . 1st a honywell alarm system hard wired with heat sensors in the kitchen and basement near the boiler. and smoke detectors through out. They also have statis lights and magnetic testing. Heads can be easily swapped out if bad. The alarm sounds interior and exterior. And honywell has a call fire dept policy, not checking with the customer , as time can be critical. I also have lighted and non lighted battery units throughout for backup. Lighted to see to the door. Dual function ? I dont know. I just sent you copies of Consumer reports ratings for smoke detectors and Co alarms, let me know if you dont receive it, I quit smoking 6 days ago so I dont have much patience and yea i was a jerk.
I prefer a type that uses both systems for detection, ionization and photoelectric.
Photoelectric functions better for things like faulty house wiring or Xmas tree lights.
"m Ransley" (just being a jerk?) said I worry too much, but I'd rather worry than bury another child, so if Ransley likes Darwinism so be it. However, I did spend 30 bucks after tax on an interim unit manufactured by FireX that utilizes both methods of detection - only problem is that is not 120 VAC and it has no external trigger (cannot be wired to go off when another unit goes off).
The more I look at the market, and I did that all day yesterday on the internet, the more I think a unit designed for home alarm systems (the type controlled by an alarm system panel) is the best solution. It seems they are built better, have more features, and some are designed to operate independently, perhaps in the event of possible alarm system failure. Drawbacks include low voltage DC operation and many only send a signal designed to invoke setting off a remotely located alarm.
One manufacturer of these units even lied about suitability
- perhaps they are concerned about liability if their units are not installed by someone certified in the alarm industry. It also seems apparent, if pricing is any indication (units seem to sell with more features and better specifications than the consumer retail market products at very reasonable prices), the alarm industry does not seem to need consumer market business.
Oh well, whenever I post looking for help it is only after I have dead-ended. Apparently I must be capable of doing my own research, because my help posts almost never solicit a useful reply (just shit like I think to much or why do I want what I want...).
No offense to the Arnold Horshacks of the ng, but if you don't have an answer, why bother to stand up and raise your hand?
SBK
==================
Joseph Meehan wrote:
I tend to like Honeywell's stuff. I could have posted in alt.security.alarms (might still do that), but your choices mimic what I feel mine would be, and I tend to believe in order to get what I want I will probably end up turning to the home security market for stand alone components or perhaps consider installing my own security/fire system.
I appreciate your coming back like this, and will pursue the links you sent if my dad is still using their services (I don't, so I can't access the materials).
Thanks,
SBK
P.S. I know about the breaking of habits and wish you luck
- I have quit cigars several times
m Ransley wrote:
Damn that's a lot of detectors. Now that you quit smoking, you can probably throw most of it away without decreasing you safety. Congratulations on quitting; the effectw reduce fairly quickly. I quit in 1980 and was so pissed at everybody and everything that it was unreal. But unlike previous tries, I directed my anger at others and just said, "You wanted me to quit now you can just pay for it." Couldn't even read a paragraph of 3 sentences and know what the first sentence said during the first 1-2 weeks in addition to getting a rage every time somebody sneezed a little loud. Got through it, but most people have no idea how much effect on psychology and physiology that stopping causes. Well, they didn't really pay even if I didn't do much in those two weeks at work. Improved work efficiency after quitting smoking probably met pay back in less than a month and they had me for nearly 20 years more. Best think I ever did or is that "didn't?"
Ive quit cold before its hell as you said, now i have zyban, and nicotene losenges . Its stil hard but not really. But when I run out , I hope i dont go out and start again.
If you "hope" you won't - you probably will...
Keep reminding yourself it's you who's in charge, not some old dried-out leaves you've been stuffing in your mouth and lighting!
You can do it!
John
If you really want to quit you will, if you still enjoy smoking you might start again. I quit once for 6 month then my wife got we started again. When I quit in 1980, I quit just for me and said screw everybody else, I'm not smoking again. But I took it one day at a time, kept a pack of cigarettes as security for about a month then threw them away and refused to even touch a cigarette even though my wife was still smoking. I think cold turkey is the only way but when my wife quit she depended on cutting down and then using nicotene stuff. Good luck
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.