Smoke alarms and smoke detectors

Information on smoke alarms and smoke detectors from the recognized leader in fire protection equipment testing and certification.

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms are intended to notify the occupants of the presence of a threatening fire and the need to escape to a place of safety before such escape might be impeded by untenable conditions in the escape path.

Certified smoke alarms (UL 217) Information Manufacturers
Scope of the UL 217 Standard for Single- and Multiple-Station Smoke Alarm View here.  
Smoke alarm sensitivity calibration article. View here 
UL smoke alarm recommendations concerning ionization and photoelectric technologies View here. 
UL white paper on smoke alarms and modern residence fires  View here.  

Smoke detectors

Smoke detectors are intended to provide a signal to other equipment as a results of sensing smoke in order to initiate a response to those signals.

Certified smoke detectors (UL 268) Information Manufacturers
Certified smoke detectors for use in hazardous locations (UL 268) Information Manufacturers
Certified smoke detectors for marine applications (UL 268) Information Manufacturers
Scope of the UL 268 Standard for Smoke Detectors for Fire Alarm Systems View here.

Duct smoke detectors

Duct smoke detectors are intended to prevent smoke spread by initiating control of fans, dampers, doors, and other equipment.

Certified smoke detectors for use in ducts and special applications (UL 268A) Information Manufacturers
Scope of the UL 268A Standard for Smoke Detectors for Duct Applications. View here
Scope of UL Subject 268B Outline of Investigation for Video Image Smoke Detectors View here

Research and studies

Smoke Alarms and the Modern Residence Fire (UL 2011)    
California State Fire Marshal Smoke Alarm Task Force Report (2011)    
NIST - Performance of Dual Photoelectric/Ionization Smoke Alarms in Full-Scale Fire Tests (2009)    
NFPA - Smoke Alarms in U.S. Home Fires (2009)    
UL/FPRF Smoke Characterization Project (2007)