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Introduction Smoke detectors are one of those amazing inventions that, because of mass production, cost really cheap (below $10 in some stores in the US). But despite their minuscule cost, smoke detectors save thousands of lives each year. A smoke detector is a sensor device for giving a warning if fire breaks out. It may sense heat or smoke and will sound a siren or a bell to warn the occupants of the impending fire. It is recommended that every home have one smoke detector per floor. History As early as 1851, an electric fire alarm was already invented by William Channing and Moses Farmer. There is little information to follow-up the development of the smoke detector or the fire alarm over the years. Then in 1970, Pittway Corporation purchased BRK Electronics from the original owners. During the early 70’s, intense product development produced a series of high quality, affordable, battery and AC powered and system smoke alarms. In the following years, BRK Electronics introduced the FirstAlert brand for residential smoke detectors. By 1992, the company released a carbon monoxide alarm. How it works and illustration All smoke detectors consist of two basic parts: a sensor to sense the smoke and