Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) gas can occur when charcoal, wood, propane, natural gas, or oil is being burned. CO has no odor or taste, making it impossible to tell if you are breathing it in. This invisible gas will dissipate in most cases, but gas leaks in your home or garage can be fatal. By installing carbon monoxide detectors, you will be alerted as soon as CO is detected.

Types of Carbon Monoxide Detectors

There are three types of sensors that carbon monoxide detectors use to sense CO. Alarms with biometric detectors use gels that absorb CO in the air. The alarm will sound once a certain threshold is met. A metal oxide detector uses silica chips. A sensor detects when CO comes into contact with the chips and sounds the alarm. Electrochemical sensors detect CO by sensing changes in electrical currents using electrodes in chemical solution. As soon as CO is detected, the alarm will sound.

How and Where to Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It is recommended that carbon monoxide detectors be placed on every floor of your home or business, including in these areas:

• Within 5 to 20 feet of each furnace, fireplace, or water heater
• Basement
• Laundry Room
• Hallways
• Kitchen
• Living Room
• Bedrooms

Carbon monoxide alarms can be installed several ways. Hard-wired carbon monoxide detectors are wired directly into the building’s electrical system. These alarms can be connected to multiple devices for additional warning time and use a battery backup. Older homes built before 1992 aren't generally required to have hard-wired detectors but check your local regulations to make sure. Plug-in or AC-powered detectors plug use an outlet not operated by a wall switch. These detectors require no wiring and have a battery backup. Battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors operate solely on a sealed lithium powered battery that lasts up to 10 years. When the battery fails, you replace the entire unit. These tamper-proof detectors are required by law in several states, including California, and are ideal for rental homes and apartment buildings.

Carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every 5 to 7 years. They should be tested often, at least monthly, to ensure the detector is working properly. When the low-battery chirp sounds, batteries should be replaced as soon as possible.

Not sure where to utilize carbon monoxide detectors in your building? Call 1-800-624-4488 today to get assistance from one of our helpful product experts.