Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a compound that is made from incomplete combustion.  It is colorless and odorless.  Sometimes it is referred to as the “silent killer” because it is almost completely undetectable without using detection technology.  High levels of CO can be very dangerous to humans depending on the amount there is and length of exposure.  Over longer periods of time, smaller amounts can be harmful but larger amounts need less exposure to be harmful.  A carbon monoxide detector or CO detector is a device that detects the presence of carbon monoxide to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.  Symptoms of CO poisoning are like those of the flu: headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue.  You may not realize you’re being poisoned until the damage has been done.  This is why these detectors are very helpful.  CO detectors measure CO levels over time.  The alarm goes off before dangerous levels of CO build up in the environment, giving people a good enough warning to evacuate or ventilate the area.  Some detectors are system-connected and also inform a monitoring service that can send out emergency services if needed.  CO detectors don’t act as smoke detectors and vice versa, but there are smoke/CO detectors available.  Some common sources of CO in the home can be open flames, space heaters, water heaters, blocked chimneys or running a car inside a garage.  CO detectors need a constant power supply, so it is not effective if the power gets cut off.  There are models that offer back-up battery power. 

With power outlet            Battery operated                Combination Smoke & CO
 

The detector should be placed on the wall about 5 feet from the floor because CO is lighter than air and it can be found with warm rising air.  It can also be placed on the ceiling.  Don’t put the detector right near a fireplace or flame-making appliance.  Keep it out of the way of pets and children.  Every floor needs its own separate detector.  If you get a single CO detector, put it need your sleeping area and make sure the alarm is loud enough to wake you up.  Local codes might specify requirements for carbon monoxide detectors and where you put them.  You should be familiar with your local codes.  CO detectors can be battery operated or hard-wired.  Carbon monoxide detectors cost from $20 to $60 and are very available.  It is recommended by the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that every home should have a CO alarm.  CPSC also wants consumers to have a professional inspection of all fuel-burning appliances to detect any deadly carbon monoxide leaks, including furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, clothes dryers, water heaters and space heaters.