According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), carbon monoxide poisoning kills at least 430 people and sends 50,000 to the emergency department each year in the United States. That is why it is critical for you as an installer to know and comprehend the many types of carbon monoxide detectors you can provide to your customers in order for them to encourage a CO-free environment. In this straightforward tutorial, you'll learn all you need to know about carbon monoxide detectors, including available features, where they should be put, and more.
What exactly is carbon monoxide (CO)?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, odourless and colourless gas that kills hundreds of people each year. It is created by the combustion of various fuels such as coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. CO is produced by many typical home equipment, including gas-burning appliances, charcoal barbecues, portable generators, lawn mowers, and pressure washers. Carbon monoxide is produced by equipment and machinery such as gas furnaces and boilers, water heaters, and HVAC systems in commercial buildings. People and animals are more vulnerable to CO poisoning when harmful quantities of CO develop in a confined environment.
Types of carbon monoxide detectors:
- Battery-operated detectors
- Hardwired detectors
- Plug-in detectors
Where should carbon monoxide detectors be installed?
Residential - Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on each floor of a home, as well as near sleeping rooms, so that an alert may be heard readily. All bedrooms, living rooms, corridors, and the basement are included. Except for plug-in detectors, they should also be mounted high on the wall or ceiling. Additionally, while installing carbon monoxide detectors in residential houses, keep the following requirements in mind:
- Install the detector at least six inches away from the wall (if mounted on the ceiling)
- Install the detector at least six inches below the ceiling (if mounted on the wall)
- Do not install the detector in attics, garages or any outside areas
- Place the alarm about 15 feet away from any fuel burning or cooking appliances, humid areas, in direct sunlight, or near any area of blowing air
- Ensure that nothing covers or obstructs the detector
Commercial - As with residential, carbon monoxide detectors should be put on every level, hallway, and room that uses fuel-burning and CO-producing equipment. Commercial buildings that may require CO detectors, depending on state or local rules, include schools, hotels, motels, corporate offices, commercial kitchens, warehousing facilities, and industrial structures. Furthermore, bear the following rules in mind while installing carbon monoxide detectors in commercial buildings:
- Install the detector at least 15 feet away from any room with fuel-burning equipment
- Do not install the detector directly in a room with fuel-burning equipment
- Do not install the detector in attics, garages or any outside areas
- Ensure the detector has a continuous source of electrical power from the building
- Ensure that nothing covers or obstructs the detector
Although all carbon monoxide detectors detect CO, some include additional features such as digital displays, voice alerts, wireless capabilities, hush buttons, smart features with Wi-Fi access, and more. Most commercial buildings and certain private residences will require the installation of CO detectors that can communicate with one another and set off all alarms simultaneously when one detector detects traces of CO. In a business context, detection equipment, such as CO detectors, are intended to link directly with a fire panel system to enable 24/7 monitoring and prompt communication to the fire department if the detector sounds.
A carbon monoxide detector should be tested monthly and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. To test a CO detector, push the test button on the alarm and listen for the appropriate amount of beeps according to your model. CO detectors should also be replaced every five to seven years. Furthermore, battery-powered CO detectors or detectors with backup batteries should be replaced with new batteries at least every six months or once a year, depending on the detector.