What characteristics should I look to in a Co sensor?
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What characteristics should I look to in a Co sensor?
Carbon Monoxide detectors should feature a very very loud alarm and be endorsed to British Standards. You will need to empty the room quickly if levels of Carbon Monoxide 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 sensors work on the principle where a coloured spot on a cardboard detector changes colour over time when Co is detected. 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 hearable alarm in a chemical detector means that this type of alarm cannot alert you at night when you are asleep. Both types of alarms are now commonly available in DIY shops.
Are Carbon Monoxide electronic detectors available in the shops?
Carbon Monoxide Gas sensors can be very effective early warning devices alerting families of rising Carbon Monoxide Gas levels. Several types of detector are now becoming available in DIY shops and the supermarket chains. Carbon Monoxide Gas electronic sensors trigger an alarm based on an accumulation of Carbon Monoxide over time. The science for these electronic detectors is still developing, they are not considered as reliable as the smoke detectors you use in your home. Your best protection against exposure to Carbon Monoxide is the regular servicing of your gas burning appliances. A Carbon Monoxide Gas detector will only ever be a backup measure.
Carbon Monoxide electronic detectors should be regularly tested
A detector should be checked many times each the year to make certain that it is working as designed. The manufacturer’s instructions should give you the outline of how to test or service the detector. sensors should be tested monthly and replaced if problems are found. Do not assume that any ‘test’ button tests the detector, often this functionality only checks the battery and the audible alarm. Many detectors have a limited lifespan, this can be forty-eight months or less. There are a variety of detectors designed to meet differing needs. Some operate off the mains others are portable and can be taken on holiday. Select the one that meets your requirements. To reduce installation requirements some sensors sold combine both smoke and Co electronic sensors but you should check the installation instructions from the manufacturer to see how these should be installed.
The benefits of installing a Carbon Monoxide Gas detector
The installation of Co detectors give a warning to people in a building of unhealthy or dangerous levels of Carbon Monoxide before the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning occur. Carbon Monoxide detectors will raise the alarm early, at levels of the gas lower than before a typical, healthy adult would display symptoms of Co poisoning. Unlike smoke sensors, they do not need to be placed near ceiling level. Carbon Monoxide Gas sensors should be installed where the alarm can be heard from your sleeping room, you need to be woken quickly should the alarm be triggered.
