What is the primary component of a photoelectric detector?

The primary component of a photoelectric detector is indeed a light source and a sensor to measure light interference by smoke particles. This type of detector operates based on the principle that smoke particles can scatter light. When smoke enters the detection chamber, it interacts with the light beam from the source, causing some of the light to be scattered. The sensor detects this scattering of light, and when it reaches a certain threshold, the detector triggers an alarm.

This technology is particularly effective for detecting smoldering fires, which produce larger smoke particles that more readily scatter light. The ability to sense changes in light levels makes photoelectric detectors a reliable choice for fire detection in various environments.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the core functionality of a photoelectric detector. A manual pull station, for example, is designed for human activation and does not possess the automated sensing capabilities of a photoelectric detector. Similarly, while a carbon monoxide sensor and a heat sensor play important roles in fire detection and safety systems, they operate on different principles—that is, detecting the presence of carbon monoxide or measuring temperature variations, rather than relying on light scattering to identify smoke particles.