Without getting too deep in fire science. Let me be very clear. Different materials give off different particle sizes and gases when they burn. (ie. when you burn alcohol it doesn't give off many large/visible particles or visible flame, but it's giving off smaller invisible particles and when you burn a tire you'll see huge particulate) There are many different materials in a home and those materials have changed in the past few decades. NO single smoke detector technology will detect ALL types of fires, but ALL of the technologies have improved. Smoke detector manufacturers weren't cutting corners, stuffing their wallets with profits, or shaving manufacturing costs on ionization detectors. They have their place. 20 years ago photoelectric technology was hit-or-miss you wouldn't have dreamed of having them in your home. Ionization technology has been stable and has been successfully protecting lives and property for a long long time. I've seen both technologies work extremely well, and I've seen both fail to detect some fires, and I've seen both false alarm. If I had to choose only one technology to put in my house, I'd pick a well made photoelectric. But, I have both in my house both tied together and tied to a security system with a dialer to a central station / local fire department. I also have a third technology that I have yet to install (high sensitivity laser-based aspirating smoke detection) (they're a few thousand $'s per detector).
I'm not sure how the new construction materials burn (artificial fibers in modern carpet and upholstery). However, some materials will smolder while others will quickly ignite with active flame. Both technologies have there place.
But here are a few certainties, Ionization detectors false alarm like crazy or don't work in high air flow, Photoelectric detectors don't work well in high airflow but probably won't false alarm. NO detector should be very close to air supply registers and ceiling fans... (this is covered in NFPA 72) .... Smoke generally rises and may be subject to stratification. New construction styles with high ceilings, vaulted and cathedral ceilings, passageway arches etc, adversely effect smoke transport and detection. Smoke detector quantity and location in those environments are VERY important. Many home inspectors don't know what they should look for in the pass/fail analysis. My last house was new construction and I'll tell you that the detectors were in the wrong places and would have not performed well in a fire. I suspect many houses across the US are the same. Most home fire deaths I hear about don't have smoke detectors or the batteries have been removed.
I'm not sure how the new construction materials burn (artificial fibers in modern carpet and upholstery). However, some materials will smolder while others will quickly ignite with active flame. Both technologies have there place.
But here are a few certainties, Ionization detectors false alarm like crazy or don't work in high air flow, Photoelectric detectors don't work well in high airflow but probably won't false alarm. NO detector should be very close to air supply registers and ceiling fans... (this is covered in NFPA 72) .... Smoke generally rises and may be subject to stratification. New construction styles with high ceilings, vaulted and cathedral ceilings, passageway arches etc, adversely effect smoke transport and detection. Smoke detector quantity and location in those environments are VERY important. Many home inspectors don't know what they should look for in the pass/fail analysis. My last house was new construction and I'll tell you that the detectors were in the wrong places and would have not performed well in a fire. I suspect many houses across the US are the same. Most home fire deaths I hear about don't have smoke detectors or the batteries have been removed.
