What type of smoke detection device uses a narrow beam of light?

A beam detector is a type of smoke detection device that uses a narrow beam of light to detect smoke. This device typically consists of a transmitter, which emits a light beam, and a receiver, which senses the light. When smoke enters the path of the beam, it scatters the light, and the receiver detects this change. This makes beam detectors highly effective in large spaces such as warehouses, auditoriums, and other areas where conventional smoke detectors may not be practical due to distance or obstructions.

In contrast, photoelectric smoke detectors operate differently. They don't use beams of light in the same way; instead, they rely on the scattering of light within the detector itself when smoke particles are present, which triggers an alarm. Ionization smoke detectors function by using radioactive material to detect changes in ion flow caused by smoke; they do not utilize light beams in their operation. Heat detectors, on the other hand, are designed to respond to temperature changes rather than smoke and do not involve light detection mechanisms.

Understanding the specific operational mechanisms of these various detectors highlights why the beam detector is uniquely defined by its use of a narrow light beam for smoke detection.