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Which smoke alarm setup does the US Fire Administration recommend for every home?

Both ionization and photoelectric alarms, or dual-sensor alarms.

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  1. Both ionization and photoelectric, or dual-sensor ✔
  2. Ionization alarms only
  3. Photoelectric alarms only

Why: The two alarm types detect different kinds of fires, and no one can predict which fire will start. USFA recommends both types, or dual-sensor alarms that combine both.

Huh, didn't know that: Basic ionization or photoelectric alarms start around $6, while dual-sensor models start around $24.

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References

Answer: Both ionization and photoelectric, or dual-sensor. The two alarm types detect different kinds of fires, and no one can predict which fire will start. USFA recommends both types, or dual-sensor alarms that combine both.

  1. US Fire Administration: Smoke Alarms www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prepare-for-fire/smoke-alarms
    Both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR Dual-sensor smoke alarms
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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