What design features should I seek in a Carbon Monoxide sensor?
What design features should I seek in a Carbon Monoxide sensor?
Preferred Carbon Monoxide Gas detectors should incorporate an hearable alarm and be have British Standards certification. Look for a very easily heard alarm and five year battery life as minimum requirements in a Co detector. Battery powered types with electronic sensing are better than the paper based types 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. The lack of the audible alarm in a chemical detector means that this type of alarm cannot alert you at night when you are asleep. In addition to do it yourself shops carrying these electronic detectors you may be able to purchase an approved model from your utility company.
Are you able to buy Carbon Monoxide electronic detectors?
Carbon Monoxide sensors can be very effective early warning devices alerting families of rising Carbon Monoxide levels. Several types of detector are now becoming available in DIY shops and the supermarket chains. It is the accumulation of Co in an area that sets of your detector. The technology in Carbon Monoxide Gas electronic detectors is not yet as reliable as that used in smoke electronic sensors but it is becoming more so over time. You should always ensure you have a proper maintenance schedule for your appliances, having a Carbon Monoxide Gas detector does not enable you to save on regular appliance servicing.
Carbon Monoxide Gas electronic sensors should be regularly tested
Test your Carbon Monoxide detector regularly to make sure it is doing its job to protect you. Carbon Monoxide Gas detectors should be installed, checked and serviced in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. Check your Carbon Monoxide Gas detector every month to confirm that it is functioning as designed, change it without delay if any problems are identified. When you use the ‘test’ button on the detector you need to be aware that you will be testing the alarm functionality rather than the gas detector. Be aware that the average life span of many Co electronic detectors is about 2 years Some forms of detector have lifespans up to five years some are mains powered, others are battery powered. You should shop around to select the model that meets your needs. Some electronic detectors incorporate smoke detection and also Co gas detection. They will have their own installation instructions which you should follow closely.
Installing a Carbon Monoxide Gas detector in your home
Early advice of rising levels of Co can give people enough time to leave a building before the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning occur. The installation of Co detectors gives this warning. Properly installed detectors monitor Co levels over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms of poisoning. Carbon Monoxide Gas electronic detectors have installation requirements separate from those of smoke detectors and do not need to be set up at the top of a wall or on the ceiling. For maximum effectiveness during sleeping hours, Co electronic sensors should be placed close to sleeping areas.