Which type of smoke detector is typically better at detecting slow-burning fires?

Photoelectric smoke detectors are typically better at detecting slow-burning fires, also known as smoldering fires, due to their design and functionality. These detectors utilize a light source and a light-sensitive sensor. When smoke enters the detection chamber, it scatters the light beam towards the sensor, which triggers the alarm. Slow-burning fires produce a lot of smoke and fewer flames, making photoelectric detectors particularly effective in identifying such conditions quickly.

In contrast, ionization smoke detectors are generally more responsive to fast-burning, flaming fires, as they detect changes in the ionization of the air caused by combustion particles. Combination detectors incorporate features of both ionization and photoelectric sensors, offering a broader range of detection but may not excel specifically in identifying slow-burning fires. Heat detectors respond to changes in temperature rather than smoke, making them less effective for identifying smoke from smoldering fires. Therefore, the design and operational principles of photoelectric smoke detectors make them the superior choice for detecting slow-burning fires.