What features should I look for in a Carbon Monoxide detector?
What features should I look for in a Carbon Monoxide detector?
Recommended electronic sensors are kite marked to British Standard and have an hearable alarm. Co is detected giving you time to empty the room. Battery powered forms with electronic detection are better than the paper based forms which use chemical reactions to show a spot on a cardboard detector that changes colour when Co levels have increased. Chemical detectors have 6 month lifetimes and are not cost effective in the long run as they have to be replaced often. Most importantly the lack of an audible alarm means that this type of detector will not wake you is there is an excess of Carbon Monoxide Gas produced when you are asleep at night. In addition to do it yourself shops carrying these detectors you may be able to purchase an approved model from your utility company.
Are Carbon Monoxide electronic sensors available in the shops?
Accumulated exposure to Co can lead to death and Co sensors can give early warning of Carbon Monoxide production in the home. In recent years there are several types of detectors becoming available for purchase on the high street. It is the accumulation of Carbon Monoxide in an area that sets of your detector. Smoke electronic detectors have become a standard feature in homes and the engineering is reliable, Co detectors are not yet as reliable but the science is making rapid strides. While Carbon Monoxide Gas sensors are a valuable addition to your home protection measures they are not a substitute for proper appliance maintenance and servicing.
The operation of Carbon Monoxide Gas detectors must be checked frequently
Test your Co detector on a regular basis to make sure it is doing its job to protect you. The manufacturer’s instructions should give you the outline of how to test or service the detector. Check your detector each month to check that it is operating satisfactorily, change it if any faults are found. The ‘test’ feature on many detectors checks the running of the alarm and not the status of the detector. Be aware that the average life span of many Co electronic sensors is about 2 years There are Carbon Monoxide sensors that last 5 years and have power supply backups — you need to check to see whether a particular model has the features you require To reduce installation requirements some electronic sensors sold combine both smoke and Co detectors but you should check the installation instructions from the supplier to see how these should be installed.
Install a Carbon Monoxide Gas detector to protect your home
Early warning of heightened Co levels provided by installing a Co detector can ensure that fatalities do not occur. Co alarms will sound the alarm before the concentrations of gas have reached the levels where an adult would be effected. Whilst smoke detectors need to be installed high on the wall or near the ceiling a Carbon Monoxide Gas detector can be installed lower down. You need a Co detector to wake you whilst sleeping if Carbon Monoxide is detected so electronic sensors should be sited where the alarm can be heard from the bedrooms.