Hello. I bought a smoke detector on Alliexpress a few days ago for exactly this: 3.1.18. Do not send links that will cease to be active after some time. This will make the discussion meaningless. [retrofood] The problem is that when I blow cigarette smoke at him, he does not squeal and does not...

How can I read the manual if it was not included in the set?

In my opinion, this sensor is not working. Have you checked the power?

At the beginning of the video, I press the Test button. shows that it works If it squeaks, I think so

Try with the chimney smoke, this is what this detector was made for. There may not be enough carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke.

From the fireplace? I live in a block of flats :/ Edit: Recently the frying pan burned with him, he didn't react

It should beep and the indicator light should flash or be solid. Try to turn it on, wait a minute and smoke. If it doesn't help - advertise. As a side note: what to expect for four dollars. Do you value your safety enough? Very good autonomous detectors are produced by, for example, Polon-Alfa, Kidde, Yotogi, and those available in household appliances stores, electrical stores, Castoramas, etc., also work properly, where there is no problem with a possible complaint. Stop raving - it's a photoelectric detector - it reacts to smoke particles, not chemical products of combustion.

The indicator lamp flashes periodically (Can be seen in the recording) it shines continuously when I click it to test it Added after 2 [minutes]: If this is something I can take a picture of the sensor from the inside maybe you will say that it is used for something else? Added after 4 [minutes]: Pictures of this sensor from the inside

Detector, like a detector ... Smoke chamber (a bit small), electronics, squeegee ... Standard.

Alliexpress Smoke Detector: Non-Responsive to Cigarette Smoke - Is This Normal?

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Why doesn’t my AliExpress smoke detector react to cigarette smoke, and is it defective?

It’s normal for this type of photoelectric smoke detector not to react to a small puff of cigarette smoke; it should alarm only on denser smoke, and the TEST button only checks the electronics, not the smoke sensor [#16752524][#16752694] The indicator should blink periodically in standby and go to continuous light when the detector activates; then it may beep and/or switch relay contacts depending on the model [#16752694] Try powering it up, waiting about a minute, and then exposing it to denser smoke from burning paper/cardboard or chimney smoke [#16752524][#16752592] In the thread, the detector did eventually trigger only after much heavier smoke, which suggests the original cigarette-smoke test was too weak rather than proving a fault [#16752592][#16753983] If it still won’t alarm on dense smoke, the advice was to treat it as defective and complain/replace it [#16752524]

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#1 16752466 12 Oct 2017 11:40

Anonymous Anonymous

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Post #1
16752466 12 Oct 2017 11:40

Hello.
I bought a smoke detector on Alliexpress a few days ago for exactly this:
3.1.18. Do not send links that will cease to be active after some time. This will make the discussion meaningless.
[retrofood]
The problem is that when I blow cigarette smoke at him, he does not squeal and does not react.
my question should it be like this?
is it damaged?

Video of me blowing cigarette smoke on him:
[movie: 58bdabc32f] https://filmy.elektroda.pl/35_1507801115.mp4 [/ movie: 58bdabc32f]

You can't see it like that on the camera, but there was a cloud of smoke in the real world.
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#2 16752492 12 Oct 2017 11:53

retrofood retrofood

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16752492 12 Oct 2017 11:53

See the instruction manual.
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#3 16752497 12 Oct 2017 11:55

Anonymous Anonymous

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16752497 12 Oct 2017 11:55

How can I read the manual if it was not included in the set?
#4 16752501 12 Oct 2017 11:56

1repcaK 1repcaK

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Post #4
16752501 12 Oct 2017 11:56

There is no "TEST" button there?
#5 16752505 12 Oct 2017 11:57

kosmos99 kosmos99

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Post #5
16752505 12 Oct 2017 11:57

In my opinion, this sensor is not working.
Have you checked the power?
#6 16752508 12 Oct 2017 11:59

Anonymous Anonymous

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Post #6
16752508 12 Oct 2017 11:59

At the beginning of the video, I press the Test button. shows that it works

1repcaK wrote:
There is no "TEST" button there?

If it squeaks, I think so

kosmos99 wrote:
Have you checked the power?
#7 16752517 12 Oct 2017 12:04

1repcaK 1repcaK

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16752517 12 Oct 2017 12:04

Try with the chimney smoke, this is what this detector was made for. There may not be enough carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke.
#8 16752521 12 Oct 2017 12:05

Anonymous Anonymous

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Post #8
16752521 12 Oct 2017 12:05

From the fireplace?
I live in a block of flats :/

Edit:
Recently the frying pan burned with him, he didn't react
#9 16752524 12 Oct 2017 12:06

Anonymous Anonymous

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Post #9
16752524 12 Oct 2017 12:06

It should beep and the indicator light should flash or be solid. Try to turn it on, wait a minute and smoke. If it doesn't help - advertise.
As a side note: what to expect for four dollars. Do you value your safety enough?
Very good autonomous detectors are produced by, for example, Polon-Alfa, Kidde, Yotogi, and those available in household appliances stores, electrical stores, Castoramas, etc., also work properly, where there is no problem with a possible complaint.

1repcaK wrote:
Try with the chimney smoke, this is what this detector was made for. There may not be enough carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke.
Stop raving - it's a photoelectric detector - it reacts to smoke particles, not chemical products of combustion.
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#10 16752532 12 Oct 2017 12:15

Anonymous Anonymous

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Post #10
16752532 12 Oct 2017 12:15

The indicator lamp flashes periodically (Can be seen in the recording)
it shines continuously when I click it to test it

Added after 2 [minutes]:

sharp wrote:
It should beep and the indicator light should flash or be solid. Try to turn it on, wait a minute and smoke. If it doesn't help - advertise.
As a side note: what to expect for four dollars. Do you value your safety enough?
Very good autonomous detectors are produced by, for example, Polon-Alfa, Kidde, Yotogi, and those available in household appliances stores, electrical stores, Castoramas, etc., also work properly, where there is no problem with a possible complaint.

1repcaK wrote:
Try with the chimney smoke, this is what this detector was made for. There may not be enough carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke.
Stop raving - it's a photoelectric detector - it reacts to smoke particles, not chemical products of combustion.

If this is something I can take a picture of the sensor from the inside
maybe you will say that it is used for something else?

Added after 4 [minutes]:

Pictures of this sensor from the inside
#11 16752584 12 Oct 2017 12:37

Anonymous Anonymous

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Post #11
16752584 12 Oct 2017 12:37

Marek57698 wrote:
Pictures of this sensor from the inside
Detector, like a detector ... Smoke chamber (a bit small), electronics, squeegee ... Standard.
#12 16752592 12 Oct 2017 13:30

Anonymous Anonymous

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Post #12
16752592 12 Oct 2017 13:30

sharp wrote:

Marek57698 wrote:
Pictures of this sensor from the inside
Detector, like a detector ... Smoke chamber (a bit small), electronics, squeegee ... Standard.

I'm testing now differently, I poured some oil and a piece of food onto the bottom of the oven.
it burns at 250 degrees, opened a cloud of smoke.
sensor what?
er ......
smoke?
nothing even reacted

Added after 10 [minutes]:

I got a reply from the producer.
The sensor is a smoke detector.
however he starts squeaking when he self (ignites)
....
After this message from the seller, I don't understand anything O_o
is it supposed to work that it lights up and then squeaks?

Added after 38 [minutes]:

IT'S WORKED!
I lit 4 cards, held over it for 2 minutes and it squealed!
#13 16752694 12 Oct 2017 13:53

Akrzy74 Akrzy74

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Post #13
16752694 12 Oct 2017 13:53

The photoelectric detector reacts to dense smoke, and even dust, so they should be periodically "blown through" with compressed air. The signaling diode increases the frequency of blinks to a constant light depending on the operation of the photoelement. Continuous light means detector activation, depending on the equipment it may squeal and / or close / open the relay contacts.
#14 16752871 12 Oct 2017 15:26

bhtom bhtom

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Post #14
16752871 12 Oct 2017 15:26

Hello,

Marek57698 wrote:
IT'S WORKED!
I lit 4 cards, held over it for 2 minutes and it squealed!

Above or below the sensor? Maybe this sensor only reacts to temperature rise ...?
Take that junk out and buy something decent and proven!

Greetings.
#15 16752880 12 Oct 2017 15:30

1repcaK 1repcaK

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Post #15
16752880 12 Oct 2017 15:30

However, the smoke from the chimney did it!
On the other hand, it is questionable to use this particular detector when it needs such a "dose" of smoke to operate.
#16 16752920 12 Oct 2017 15:54

Anonymous Anonymous

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Post #16
16752920 12 Oct 2017 15:54

1repcaK wrote:
the use of this particular detector when it needs such a "dose" of smoke to activate is questionable.
Oh this, this ...
The cottage will have time to turn from matter to energy before this miracle of rice technology works.
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#17 16753983 12 Oct 2017 23:14

Anonymous Anonymous

Anonymous

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Post #17
16753983 12 Oct 2017 23:14

I will say this once it worked.
Now, in order for it to squeal again, I had to burn the cardboard with it, it made a noise like locomotives and after 2 minutes he realized that he needed to squeal.
if I recorded it, it would probably be a nice Meme
#18 16754637 13 Oct 2017 13:31

Anonymous Anonymous

Anonymous

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Post #18
16754637 13 Oct 2017 13:31

Marek57698 wrote:
I will say this once it worked.
Now, in order for it to squeal again, I had to burn the cardboard with it, it made a noise like locomotives and after 2 minutes he realized that he needed to squeal.
if I recorded it, it would probably be a nice Meme

My smoke detector starts working when a slice of bread in a toaster burns, although it's hanging on the other side of the kitchen. It would be a pity for me to waste a dozen zlotys ...
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around a smoke detector purchased from Alliexpress that fails to respond to cigarette smoke. The user questions whether this lack of response is normal or indicative of a malfunction. Responses suggest checking the power and the presence of a "TEST" button, with some users recommending testing with chimney smoke instead, as cigarette smoke may not contain sufficient carbon monoxide. The user later reports that the detector only activates when exposed to dense smoke, such as from burning cardboard, raising concerns about its reliability. Several users express skepticism about the detector's effectiveness, suggesting that it may require a significant amount of smoke to trigger an alarm. Brands like Polon-Alfa, Kidde, and Yotogi are mentioned as alternatives for more reliable smoke detectors.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Many $4 AliExpress photoelectric alarms miss light cigarette smoke; as one expert notes, "it reacts to smoke particles, not chemical products of combustion." If yours needs dense smoke to trigger, consider returning it. [Elektroda, sharp, post #16752524]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps apartment and home users diagnose non‑responsive budget smoke detectors and decide when to replace them for safety.

Quick Facts

Photoelectric alarms detect airborne smoke particles; they are not CO or gas sensors. [Elektroda, sharp, post #16752524]
Typical LED behavior: periodic blink in standby; faster blink/solid ON when triggered. [Elektroda, Akrzy74, post #16752694]
Ultra‑budget units often cost about $4 and may warrant return if unresponsive. [Elektroda, sharp, post #16752524]
Real‑world trigger example: ~2 minutes of dense smoke from four burning cards. [Elektroda, Marek57698, post #16752592]
Maintenance tip: blow out the smoke chamber periodically to prevent dust false alarms. [Elektroda, Akrzy74, post #16752694]

Is it normal that a cheap AliExpress smoke detector doesn’t react to cigarette smoke?

No. A photoelectric alarm should react to smoke particles, but thin cigarette smoke may be too sparse to scatter enough light in the chamber. If an alarm persistently ignores visible smoke, treat it as unreliable and replace or return it for safety. [Elektroda, sharp, post #16752524]

How should the status LED behave on a working photoelectric alarm?

Expect a periodic blink in standby. During an alarm condition, the blink rate increases and may go to a steady ON state. That visual change indicates the photoelement sees enough obscuration to declare an alarm and drive the buzzer or relay. [Elektroda, Akrzy74, post #16752694]

Does pressing the TEST button prove the smoke sensor is good?

The TEST button confirms power, buzzer, and basic electronics. It does not verify the optical chamber’s sensitivity to smoke. A unit can beep on TEST yet fail to detect actual smoke, so always validate with a safe smoke source or replace suspect devices. [Elektroda, Marek57698, post #16752508]

How much smoke did it take to trigger the unit discussed in the thread?

It alarmed only after the user burned four paper cards and held them about two minutes near the detector. That delay and density suggest poor sensitivity and justify a return or replacement to ensure timely warning in real fires. [Elektroda, Marek57698, post #16752592]

My frying pan smoked and the alarm stayed silent—what does that indicate?

If visible cooking smoke fails to trigger, the detector may be desensitized, defective, or poorly located. Consider returning it and installing a reputable unit. Relocate away from dead‑air spots but still within the kitchen’s smoke path. [Elektroda, Marek57698, post #16752521]

Which brands were recommended over ultra‑cheap imports?

Forum contributors pointed to established brands such as Polon‑Alfa, Kidde, and Yotogi, and suggested buying from local appliance or electrical stores to simplify warranty claims and ensure reliable performance. [Elektroda, sharp, post #16752524]

Should I return a detector that won’t react to everyday kitchen smoke?

Yes. The advice was to power it, wait a minute, introduce smoke, and if it still doesn’t respond, pursue a complaint/return. Safety‑critical gear should not require extreme smoke to alert. [Elektroda, sharp, post #16752524]

Is this device a carbon monoxide (CO) detector?

No. The discussed unit is photoelectric and responds to smoke particles. As one expert stated, “it reacts to smoke particles, not chemical products of combustion,” so it will not detect CO gas. [Elektroda, sharp, post #16752524]

How do I clean and maintain a photoelectric smoke detector?

Dust can trigger false alarms or block the optical path. Periodically blow out the smoke chamber with clean compressed air. This restores proper sensitivity and reduces nuisance trips from settled dust. Avoid liquid cleaners inside the chamber. [Elektroda, Akrzy74, post #16752694]

Could my unit actually be a heat‑only detector?

If it ignores heavy visible smoke yet reacts only near rising hot air, it may behave like a heat device or be mis‑specified. A contributor questioned whether the sensor responded mainly to temperature rise. Replace if smoke response is unreliable. [Elektroda, bhtom, post #16752871]

How can I safely test a budget smoke detector at home?

Try this:

Power the unit, then wait one minute for stabilization.
Generate controlled smoke (e.g., toast or paper at a safe distance) and let smoke reach the chamber.
If no alarm and LED never shifts to alarm state, replace it. [Elektroda, Akrzy74, post #16752694]

What’s an example of a reliable trigger from everyday cooking?

One user reported their detector alarms when a slice of bread burns in a toaster on the opposite side of the kitchen. That responsiveness contrasts with units needing prolonged, dense smoke to trigger. Seek similar performance when choosing a device. [Elektroda, 3029369, post #16754637]

Why are ultra‑cheap detectors risky?

Reports suggest they may require excessive smoke before alarming, delaying evacuation. As one commenter quipped, the house could be heavily involved before it alerts. Prioritize timely detection over minimal cost for life safety. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16752920]

I set my oven to 250°C and created a smoke cloud, but no alarm—what now?

That scenario indicates inadequate sensitivity or poor placement. Replace the unit with a reputable brand and locate per guidance, then verify operation with a safe smoke source. Don’t rely on a device that ignores heavy kitchen smoke. [Elektroda, Marek57698, post #16752592]