Print
Share page with AddThis

Carbon Monoxide Detectors FAQs

How to do I choose a CO Detector?

How to choose a CO detector:

  • Consider ease of installation, intended location and power source.
  • Plug-in types are easy to install - just plug them into any AC outlet. They are also easily moved around your home.
  • Battery-powered are also fairly easy to install and are portable if required.
  • Hard-wired are permanent and should be installed by an electrician.

Choose the features that meet your needs.

  • Digital displays are usually large and the LED numbers are easily read and quickly show the levels of CO, if present.
  • Battery back-ups are added protection if the power supply is interrupted.
  • Low Level Warning - is an early warning of CO, before the levels become dangerous.
  • Check carefully all the features or maintenance requirements with each detector.
  • Finally... ensure your CO Detector is UL (Underwriter's Laboratories) approved.

Where do I install my CO Detector?

Ideally, you should have one detector placed on every level of your home. CO mixes freely with air and because of this CO detectors do not need to be mounted near the ceiling like smoke alarms. There are however some general rules of installation that can be followed:

  • Mount them on as per the manufacturers instructions and retain these for future reference
  • In the bedroom area, place it in the hall close to a return air vent, if possible
  • In the living area, place it a minimum 5 feet away from a fireplace
  • In the basement or furnace area, place it minimum 5 feet away from any combustion appliance

What do I do if my CO Detector goes off?

If your alarm sounds, immediately open windows and doors for ventilation. If anyone in the home is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, immediately evacuate the house and call the Fire Department. Those experiencing symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

If no one is experiencing these symptoms, continue to ventilate, turn off fuel burning appliances, and call a qualified technician to inspect your fuel burning appliances as soon as possible. Because you have provided ventilation, the CO build-up may have dissipated by the time help responds and your problem may appear to be temporarily solved. Do not operate any fuel burning appliances until you have clearly identified the source of the problem.

What are the effects of carbon monoxide?

CO poisoning is difficult to diagnose. Because its symptoms are similar to other common diseases, such as the flu, carbon monoxide is often called "The Great Imitator." Symptoms of low level CO poisoning can include headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells, and confusion. There are, however, a few hints that can help.

Carbon Monoxide can produce the following physiological effects on people exposed to the concentrations shown below:

  • CO in airInhalation time and toxic developed: 50 parts per million (ppm)
  • Safety level as specified by the Health and Safety Executive: 200 PPM
  • Slight headache within 2-3 hours: 400 PPM
  • Frontal headache within 1-2 hours, becoming widespread in 3 hours: 800 PPM
  • Dizziness, nausea, convulsions within 45 minutes, insensible in 2 hours