Comments on: Why does steam set off my fire alarm?

By: renpen

renpen — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:22:59 +0000

Go to "howstuffworks.com/smoke. The detector sees the steam the same way it see the smoke.
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By: rwa000

rwa000 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:00:59 +0000

most smoke detectors measure the density of the air around it steam makes the air denser therefore setting of the alarm
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By: Kurtis G

Kurtis G — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:24:59 +0000

Most smoke detectors use a sight style sensor. If smoke (or steam) obstructs the signal between the transmitter and sensor, it trips the alarm. (I think it's infrared signal.) If you had a fire detector, that works on heat. They are used primarily in systems that include a sprinkler system.
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By: Cokey

Cokey — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:54:59 +0000

Many fire alarms look for not only smoke, but heat. But still, that's pretty damn sensitive. Get a new one?
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By: flikapotamus

flikapotamus — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:37:59 +0000

because steam contains heat setting of the sensor
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