5 Things To Know About Carbon Monoxide Alarms [Effective Ways]
A carbon monoxide alarm is a device that alerts people to the presence of carbon monoxide gas in a building. It should be installed in any place where there is a potential for carbon monoxide gas to build up. Carbon Monoxide alarms should be installed in all homes, schools, hotels, and other buildings where people sleep or spend time.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous, colorless, and odorless gas produced by the incomplete burning of natural and man-made fuels. It’s highly toxic and can kill you in minutes.
Here is a related article that might intrest you on Where Should I Place Carbon Monoxide Detector?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), people die from unintentional exposure to CO more than 200 times each year in the United States. This statistic doesn’t include intentional exposure like suicides or attempts at self-harm, which add several more fatalities per year. For more information on what you can do about it, see this article!
While many people are familiar with the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, they don’t always know how to protect themselves or their families from it.
This guide will give you the information you need to understand the threat and protect yourself and your family.
Table of Contents
Here Are Five Things You Need To Know About Carbon Monoxide Alarms:
1. Where Do I Install Them?
According to Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the makers of most specifications for carbon monoxide alarms, you should place CO alarms on every floor of your home. These include the basement, as well as all sleeping areas. There are also recommendations for where to place them in commercial buildings and on boats.
2. What’s The Best Type Of Carbon Monoxide Alarm?
There are two types of CO alarms you will come across. The first is the standalone alarm, which has a battery and an internal siren to alert people on the premises.
The second is a plug-in alarm or device, which connects directly to your electrical outlets. This type does not have a battery backup and therefore must have a secondary, battery-operated CO detector in case of a power outage.
3. How Do Carbon Monoxide Alarms Work?
The most common type of alarm is a “single station” alarm, powered by batteries. It uses sensor technology to detect dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home. They are extremely sensitive and will give you plenty of warning if carbon monoxide levels get too high.
Other alarms are wired directly to your home’s electrical system. The power supply makes sure there is always a trickle of electricity running through the alarm, so even if there is a power outage, the alarm will continue to sound off.
4. When Should I Replace My CO Alarms?
If you have a battery-operated alarm, the manufacturer should recommend when to replace it. Most specifications recommend replacing these alarms every five years. With a wired system, your carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced if the warning sound becomes intermittent or stops working.
5. Why Do I Need A CO Alarm In My Home?
The primary danger of carbon monoxide is that it replaces the oxygen in your blood, causing suffocation. It can be fatal to those affected. In fact, carbon monoxide is responsible for about 50% of all poisoning deaths in the U.S. and thousands of more people are hospitalized annually with CO poisoning.
While many people think that CO is only a problem in enclosed spaces such as the garage or basement, it can actually work its way into your living space if you don’t have carbon monoxide alarms in your home. This is primarily caused by malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances.
What Should I Look For When Purchasing A CO Alarm?
There are two pieces of information you should look at when purchasing a carbon monoxide alarm. The first is the “maximum service life” on the alarm. This refers to the length of time a CO detector will be able to function properly before it needs to be replaced.
The second is the source of power for the alarm. You will want an alarm with a battery backup, in case your household’s main electricity goes out. There are other considerations, such as the alarm’s false alarm rate (the chances it will give off a false warning), but the above two are the most important.
Here Is A Nice Video Explaining About Carbon Monoxide Alarms.
Final Thoughts
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a threat that many people don’t realize they have to worry about. But the fact is, it’s a very real danger.
The best way to combat this threat is with a proper system of carbon monoxide alarms. In some states, this is a legal requirement for anybody who has fuel-burning appliances or heaters in their home. But even if it is not a legal requirement, this is something you should do to ensure the safety of your family.
We hope this article has helped you learn more about carbon monoxide detectors, and how to keep your family safe. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comments section below.
