By cleverly patching into the test button on an old smoke detector he created a circuit-trip alarm. One side of each piece of wire is secured to the frame and jam of a window. A paper clip ...

In most cases, a fire alarm system will not be on its own circuit. Local fire codes often require the smoke detectors to share a lighting or outlet circuit to prevent owners from shutting them off ...

The detector circuit uses a miniature solar cell and ... to detect the small amounts of gamma radiation produced from a smoke alarm americium source, and also registers [Alan]’s other more ...

Ions are tiny, electrically charged particles that flow through the circuit and between the two plates. When smoke enters the detector, it disrupts the flow of current and activates the alarm.

Mr. Electric® shares practical ways for homeowners to reduce risks and modernize systems during National Electrical Safety ...