What kind of smoke detectors should be used if located near cooking appliances?

Using photoelectric type smoke detectors near cooking appliances is recommended due to their ability to reduce false alarms. Photoelectric detectors work by using a light source that detects smoke particles, particularly larger particles often produced by smoldering fires. This characteristic makes them less sensitive to steam or cooking smoke, which can lead to false alerts in environments where cooking occurs frequently.

In contrast, ionic type detectors, which use radioactive material to ionize air in the detection chamber, can be more prone to false alarms triggered by kitchen activities. This increased sensitivity is not ideal for areas where cooking occurs, as it can lead to nuisance alarms, potentially diminishing the reliability of the fire alarm system in these environments.

Using a photoelectric type smoke detector in locations near cooking appliances ensures a balance between safety and practicality, minimizing disruptions while still providing effective fire detection.