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Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is a product of inefficient or incomplete combustion. Carbon monoxide (CO) can also be one of the most dangerous substances in your house. Poisoning by CO can be mistaken for other problems, such as the flu, until it's too late. For this reason, it is important to protect yourself from CO leaks. The first step in protecting yourself is to have your appliances inspected regularly. Before you turn on your heating system in the fall, call a profession heating contractor. He or she should check for any blockages, leaks, or other problems that could cause a CO leak. Regular inspections are your primary protection against CO; detectors are only a backup plan. This is especially true because CO detectors aren't as reliable as smoke detectors. Some may become unreliable in as little as a year; even the best need to be replaced every four or five years. For CO detectors to be effective, you should have at least one on every floor, especially near sleeping areas. Sources are conflicted about the best placement of the detector. Some say that since carbon monoxide sinks, CO detectors should be installed close to the ground. Others say that CO detectors should be placed near the ceiling.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Types

'''Biometric Sensor''' * This type of CO detector mimics the human body's respiratory system. * Within the alarm's chamber, there is a synthetic hemoglobin disk that darkens when CO is present. The gel is monitored by a LED sensor. * The alarm activates once the disk reaches darkness threshold. * To reset this type of alarm, it should be exposed to clean air for several hours. * Also known as a colorimetric sensor detector. '''Semiconductor-Based''' * These detectors use an electronic sensor, which can be battery powered or plugged into an outlet. * This type uses a thin layer of tin dioxide placed over a ceramic base with two wires embedded into the base. The ceramic base will not conduct electricity and the circuit is open. * The electrified tin dioxide attracts both oxygen and CO molecules; oxygen increases resistance between the two wires while CO increases the flow of electrons, lessens the resistance and completes the circuit. * A computer chip within the unit tracks the levels of the CO over 2.5 minute intervals. If there is a continual influx of CO, the alarm sounds. * These models usually cost less than $50. * Also known as MOS detectors. '''Safe Air Sentry''' * These are the fastest acting CO detectors. * By using an electro-chemical sensor, they immediately detect any increase in CO levels. * They usually are equipped with a memory function to record long term levels of CO. * They tend to be very expensive. * They are also called electrolytic sensor detectors.

CO Detector Power Sources

You have three main power source choices when it comes to CO detectors. * '''Batteries''' ** '''Pros''' *** Easy to buy and install the batteries. *** Able to ceiling mount the detector so it is out of reach of children. It also provides the best placement for maximum efficacy. ** '''Cons''' *** Batteries need periodic replacement (every six months), which people often forget. *** They must be manually reset periodically. * '''Wall Outlet''' ** '''Pros''' *** Simple installation. Just plug it into a power outlet. *** You never have to worry about changing the batteries. *** Some models have digital display readers, which tend to be quite convenient. *** They usually reset and recalibrate themselves. ** '''Cons''' *** Placement near the floor may be less effective. *** If the power goes out you'll have no way to detect CO. * '''Other Features * '''85-Decibel Alarm''' ** Loud enough to wake you while you sleep. * '''Programmable Voice Alarm''' ** A familiar voice will help children wake up more easily. * '''UL (Underwriters Laboratory) Approval ''' ** Look for the UL-2034 seal. ** UL is the most common certifying agency in the United States. ** There are other certifying agencies to check with as well: *** International Approval Services 696 label. *** Canadian Standards Association 01 label. * '''Digital Display''' ** Even though you may not understand the information on the readout, it might be useful to an inspector in your home. * '''Test Button''' ** The test button will only test the circuitry. To test the gas detection element, you will need to purchase a separate kit.

Know Before You Buy

* '''Maintenance''' ** The hassle: *** Some need daily calibration, others can hold to several months of usage without needing calibration. *** If they are not maintained, they don't give proper readings. ** How to avoid the hassle: *** Go for a
digital carbon monoxide detector. It will give more consistent readings and it will warn you if it needs recalibration. *** Electric CO detectors also don't require any maintenance. * '''Replacement''' ** Unlike simply replacing batteries in smoke alarms, the biometric sensor type of CO detector has a shelf life of only a few years because of the sensor itself. Always check the expiration date before you buy an alarm. ** Look for long warranties. Five-year warranties are a safe bet. * '''Location''' ** For optimal performance you need several detectors placed in all potential gas-leak areas. That means at least one on every floor of your home and one in every bedroom. ** Battery-operated options are better because you can mount them on the ceiling. *** Plugging them into sockets near the floor are less effective because gas rises. * '''Developing Technology''' ** Because these detectors are relatively new to the market they have yet to demonstrate consistent readings and reactions. ** This is one major complaint consumers make against CO detectors. ** The technology is constantly improving; CO detectors today are significantly better than models from just a few years ago.

Final Words

If you are looking to invest in a new carbon monoxide detector and/or smoke detector, you might want to think about purchasing a smoke alarms. !