Some people asked me to send them back what I found out.
I figured I would submit it to the list since this may
interest other people. Nobody seems to manufacture a
smoke detector what has both an Ion and Photoelectric
sensor that is powered by AC. I called Kidde, First
Alert and Firex (Maple Chase). I also check with a
couple of fire inspectors, several electrical supply
houses and 2 companies that install fire and sprinkler
systems. The closest I could find was a battery powered
dual detector unit. What I installed was:
Firex ion detectors in most locations. They are AC/DC backup
powered, can be wired together, and the alarm that triggers
shows that it triggered with an LED. In the master bedroom
I installed photoelectric detector and a
battery powered CO/ion smoke detector. That unit is not
wired into the rest of the units. In my garage I installed
both an ion detector and a heat detector. The house is a
smallish ranch. I also installed a smoke alarm in the hallway
and in each bedroom. This should cover me for the next couple
of years. If someone releases a dual detector, I can always
toss the ion detectors since they were $12 each. Not the
best solution, but it seems like it will work for me. YMMV.
Bill Gilroy
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