When I purchase a Carbon Monoxide Gas electronic sensor what should I search for?
When I purchase a Carbon Monoxide Gas electronic sensor what should I search for?
See that the sensor you get is kite marked to British Standards and has a very loud alarm. You will need to evacuate the room quickly if levels of Co rise and you don’t want to have to keep checking the battery condition. As a result buy a detector with an hearable, ear piercing alarm and a long battery life (aim for 5 years). Less effective electronic sensors work on the principle where a colored spot on a cardboard detector changes colour over time when Co is detected. Colour change sensors do not have an hearable alarm and cannot alert you the moment there is a problem. Also they only last for 6 months and the lower price can be a false economy. 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 produced when you are asleep at night. Both types of alarms are now commonly available in DIY shops.
Are Co detectors available in the stores?
Carbon Monoxide sensors can be very effective early warning devices alerting families of rising Carbon Monoxide Gas levels. Several different and relatively inexpensive electronic sensors are available in shops. Co electronic sensors are designed to react to the accumulation of the gas over time. The technology for these sensors is still developing, they are not considered as reliable as the smoke sensors you use in your home. You should ensure you have regular servicing of your appliances and treat your Carbon Monoxide Gas detector as a secondary, backup measure. It is not your first line of defence.
The operation of Carbon Monoxide detectors must be checked frequently
Make a note to test your detector on a regular basis to ensure it is operating. detectors should come with instructions detailing the steps to take to check the effective functioning of the detector. Check your Carbon Monoxide Gas detector every month to confirm that it is functioning as designed, replace 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. Many electronic detectors have a limited lifespan, this can be forty-eight months or less. Some sensors last up to 5 years and operate off the mains or battery. You will need to select a model that meets your needs. There are combined detectors sold which combine smoke and Carbon Monoxide Gas sensors within the same case. These may have specific installation instructions as advised by the manufacturer and you should pay particular attention as to how these should be installed.
Installing a Carbon Monoxide Gas detector in your home
Co kills through the ongoing absorption of the gas and the gradual reduction of the body’s ability to absorb oxygen. Fitting Co detectors can give your family early warning of rising Carbon Monoxide levels so that they can escape to fresh air. Co electronic detectors will raise the alarm early, at levels of the gas lower than before a typical, fit adult would display symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning. Unlike smoke detectors, they do not need to be placed near ceiling level. You need a Carbon Monoxide detector to wake you whilst sleeping if Carbon Monoxide Gas is detected so electronic sensors should be sited where the alarm can be heard from the bedrooms.