Everything You Need to Know About Carbon Monoxide Detectors
What is a Carbon Monoxide Detector?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas or liquid that is poisonous to humans. Detectors are designed to identify carbon monoxide leaks and warn those in your home or business. This advanced warning can save lives as it allows you to get outside as fast as possible before being affected by the noxious gas.
The most common sources of carbon monoxide in a home are the furnace, dryer, and chimney. A broken or clogged vent can lead to a leak that can quickly turn into a preventable home emergency. In the workplace, the gas is typically caused by ovens, furnaces or even internal combustion engines.
A carbon monoxide detector determines the parts per million (ppm) of carbon monoxide in the air. Carbon monoxide is dangerous to humans after extended exposure of 150 to 200 ppm.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Placement
Carbon monoxide detectors, similar to smoke detectors, should be placed on every level of your home, as well as in every bedroom, sleeping area, and common rooms. It is best to place the detector about five feet from the ground. Any detectors used in sleeping areas should be set to an alarm level that will wake you up.
Avoid placing a detector above a fireplace or other flame-creating appliances.
How to Test
Test your detector’s batteries each month and replace the batteries every six months or as directed by the device’s manual.
Beeping
Beeping can signal an issue, but it is essential to know your alarm setting to be able to distinguish a low battery beep from a life-saving alert.
In Case of a Carbon Monoxide Leak
If your carbon monoxide detector alerts you to a dangerous level of CO in the air, you need to leave the building immediately and make sure to evacuate any children or animals. Once safely outside, call 911.
When to Replace
Carbon monoxide detectors, like fire alarms, have an expiration date. These devices can become less sensitive over time and should be replaced every five to seven years.
If you are looking to install or replace your carbon monoxide detectors, contact the fire and security experts at FSS Technologies. We can help you install and test your detectors or talk to you about the elements of a fire alarm system.
Explore Our Other Blogs
Smart Home Security & How to Implement
Home Security Paired with Home Automation Security vs. home automation is the friendliest rivalry around. Why? Because they play so well together. Security systems used to have a singular focus—keeping unwanted people out of a house. But as technology evolves, security equipment placement throughout the home for protection performs a dual purpose: Helping homeowners with…
How Do Fire Alarm Control Panels Work
A fire alarm control panel is the brain of any commercial fire system. It constantly monitors connected devices, processes signals, and activates alarms when necessary. Understanding how a control panel works can help business owners, facility managers, and safety professionals recognize just how vital this piece of equipment is in protecting people and property. What…
What are Fire Ratings?
Any business owner would be devastated by a fire, and most turn to fire safety systems for preventative and protective solutions. Still, many are unaware that their building’s materials can directly influence how a fire impacts their building’s structure. In addition to investing in a comprehensive fire safety system, it is critical to consider the…
Fire Prevention, Protection, and Suppression Systems
Fire safety is a crucial matter that every business should prioritize. Whether it’s caused by arson or an accident, a fire can cause catastrophic damage to a company’s property, inventory, and equipment if the proper protection measures aren’t in place or there are operational issues. In more unfortunate cases, insufficient fire safety standards can put…
Cost of Home Security Systems
Getting a security system for your home is a wise investment. While the obvious benefit is protection for your family, home, and belongings, it’s hard to put a price on the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you and your family will have professional help in case of an emergency. Still, you must…
Can Video Surveillance Be Used In Court?
You should talk to a law enforcement professional in your area to know for sure what is admissible in your local court, but here are some general guidelines about criteria that law enforcement will take into consideration regarding your security camera video. Authenticity A digital watermark is undetectable to the human eye, but it can…
Smoke Detectors for the Hearing Impaired
What are Visual Fire Alarms? If a fire breaks out, occupants of a building may have as little as two minutes to get out before the fire becomes life-threatening. Fire alarms provide an early warning notification and alert people to evacuate, but what if you are deaf or hearing impaired? How do you know there…
Fire Systems for Commercial Properties
Commercial property management companies have portfolios varying in scale and specialty. Still, they all share the standard responsibility of understanding and implementing fire safety measures for their operations. Fires pose a significant but avoidable threat to your properties, occupants, and sources of revenue. While not all fires can be prevented, some can cause catastrophic damage…
Fire Systems for the Healthcare Industry
Healthcare facilities face uniquely complex life safety challenges and fire hazards. Unlike other commercial properties, hospitals, clinics, and long-term care centers must safeguard patients and protect equipment that’s both expensive and essential to life safety, and maintain 24/7 operations with no downtime. With vulnerable lives at stake, the healthcare industry must adhere to strict fire…
What Are The Different Types of CCTV Cameras?
Your company’s security camera is part of a closed-circuit television system (CCTV). CCTV uses one or more cameras, through either wireless or wired transmission, to send the broadcast from the camera directly to a monitor, set of monitors, or a recording device—providing you peace of mind in the case of crime, fire, theft, or accidents…