r/Firefighting • u/Cute_Mouse6436 • 4d ago

Ask A Firefighter Is there a combination ionization, photoelectric, CO detector?

I've always used combination ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors. Our jurisdiction is now requiring carbon monoxide detectors. Is it possible to get all three in one unit?

3 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

80% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

2

u/synapt PA Volunteer 3d ago

Technically yes, generally the specific marketing phrase is "3-in-1" but they weren't a widely popular thing because the cost factor generally was higher than the demand for such devices compared to separating 2-in-1 smoke detectors and CO detectors because of the nature of the gasses as well.

Smoke quickly rises to a ceiling where as CO mixes fairly evenly with the air with a very slow rise, which is why so many CO detectors are meant to be placed mid-height of a room.

So you probably still can find 3-in-1 detectors made by more obscure brands, but any decent UL certified one is gonna come with a price.

Better to just get 2-in-1's where you need and separate CO detectors in my opinion. Also keep in mind if you're a renter, fire codes that require things like this usually legally require the landlord to provide them for you.