Smaller GE350 Smokes?

[daxiang28]

I ordered a bunch of ge350 CC/CX's for my house and when it came time to install, my electrician seemed to be astounded that I was using these for a house. He noted that they were big and that most residentials are smaller. Upon closer inspection of the 350 manual, I noticed that they had a smaller option labeled as a 320/350. Anybody seen this? I can't seem to find this online anywhere.

Steve

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

I noticed mine was slightly larger than my original ones in the house, but nothing that would cause me to be astounded!

 

[Del91574]

I looked at a cutsheet/PDF of those smokes and they're all listed as the same dimensions, only difference is the connections. They're all 6" round and 2" deep.

I think your electrician might be more familiar with cheapie Kidde/BRK ionization units instead of PE units. Ionization smokes are generally smaller because they don't have an optical chamber and don't have the additional electronics inside, just a single relay.

 

[daxiang28]

Thanks for verifying everyone.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Not to get off on a tangent, but these detectors are just PE and not ionization. One type detects small smoldering fires, the other "larger" particles. It's recommended both types be installed in homes.

I recently replaced six of my original (came with home) ones (which were all ionization types) with a Firex 'combo' PE/ion ones (about double the price of a standard ion type). They were nine years old and were only warranted for ten.

 

[Del91574]

Ionization are also more prone to false alarm, as they are designed to pick up the products of combustion instead of smoke obscurity.

IMHO, unless the enviroment dictates ion, the better choice for most, barring a dusty enviroment would be a PE with a thermal. Ion is more for a flaming fire, yes, but a slow smoldering fire, they are less effective.