Carbon monoxide detector

The devices, which retail for $15–$60 USD and are widely available, can either be battery-operated or AC powered (with or without a battery backup). Battery lifetimes have been increasing as the technology has developed and certain battery-powered devices now advertise a battery lifetime of up to 10 years. All CO detectors have "test" buttons like smoke detectors but the Test Button on a CO alarm only tests the battery, electronic circuit and buzzer, not the alarm’s ability to sense gas.

Although it is thought that CO is denser than air, CO is actually barely lighter than air.[6] Meaning CO detectors should be placed at least 5 feet from the floor, or on the ceiling.[7][8][9] However, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states: "Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height".[10]

Since CO is colorless, tasteless, and odorless (unlike smoke from a fire), detection in a home environment is impossible without such a warning device. It is a highly toxic inhalant and attaches to the hemoglobin in the blood stream with an affinity 200x stronger than oxygen,[11] producing inadequate amounts of oxygen traveling through the body.

When carbon monoxide detectors were introduced into the market, they had a limited lifespan of 2 years. However as battery technology developments have increased this and many now advertise up to 10 years however the sensor components can fail at any time for many reasons and failure may not be detected by the test button. Newer models are designed to signal a need to be replaced after a set time-span but the sensor could still fail at any time.

According to the 2005 edition of the carbon monoxide guidelines, NFPA 720,[12] published by the National Fire Protection Association, sections 5.1.1.1 and 5.1.1.2, all CO detectors “shall be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms,” and each detector “shall be located on the wall, ceiling or other location as specified in the installation instructions that accompany the unit.”

According to the 2009 edition of the IRC,[13] published by the International Code Council, section R315.1, "For new construction, an approved carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms in dwelling units within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages", and section 315.2, "Where work requiring a permit occurs in existing dwellings that have attached garages or in existing dwellings within which fuel-fired appliances exist, carbon monoxide alarms shall be provided in accordance with Section R315.1."

Installation locations vary by manufacturer. Manufacturers’ recommendations differ to a certain degree based on research conducted with each one’s specific detector. Therefore, make sure to read the provided installation manual for each detector before installing.

CO detectors are available as stand-alone models or system-connected, monitored devices.[14] System-connected detectors, which can be wired to either a security or fire panel, are monitored by a central station. In case the residence is empty, the residents are sleeping or occupants are already suffering from the effects of CO, the central station can be alerted to the high concentrations of CO gas and can send the proper authorities to investigate.

The gas sensors in CO alarms have a limited and indeterminable life span, typically two to five years.[15] The test button on a CO alarm only tests the battery and circuitry, not the sensor. CO alarms should be tested with an external source of calibrated test gas, as recommended by the latest version of NFPA 720. Alarms over five years old should be replaced but they should be checked on installation and at least annually during the manufacturers warranty period. Most alarm manufacturers now recommend sensor inclusive testing on installation and at least annually.

Early designs used a chemical detector consisting of a white pad that faded to a brownish or blackish color in the presence of carbon monoxide. Such detectors are cheap, but only give a visual warning. As carbon monoxide related deaths increased during the 1990s, audible alarms became standard.

The alarm points on carbon monoxide detectors are not a simple alarm level (as in smoke detectors) but are a concentration-time function. At lower concentrations, e.g. 100 parts per million (PPM), the detector does not sound an alarm for many tens of minutes. At 400 PPM, the alarm sounds within a few minutes. This concentration-time function is intended to mimic the uptake of carbon monoxide in the body while also preventing false alarms due to brief bursts of carbon monoxide from relatively common sources such as cigarette smoke.

Four types of sensors are available, varying in cost, accuracy and speed of response.[16] Most detectors do not have replaceable sensors.

Electrochemical type

Electrochemical Carbon Monoxide Detector from a Smoke+CO Alarm

The electrochemical detector uses the principle of a fuel cell to generate an electrical current when the gas to be detected undergoes a chemical reaction. The generated current is precisely related to the amount of carbon monoxide in the immediate environment close to the sensor. Essentially, the electrochemical cell consists of a container, two electrodes, connection wires and an electrolyte, typically sulfuric acid. Carbon monoxide is oxidized at one electrode to carbon dioxide while oxygen is consumed at the other electrode. For carbon monoxide detection, the electrochemical cell has advantages over other technologies in that it has a highly accurate and linear output to carbon monoxide concentration, requires minimal power as it is operated at room temperature, and has a long lifetime, which typically is five years to ten years. This technology has become the dominant technology in the United States and in Europe. Test buttons only indicate the operational effectiveness of the battery, circuit and buzzer. The only way to fully test the operation of a CO alarm using an electrochemical cell is with a known source of calibrated test gas delivered in a shroud to maintain the concentration level for the test period.

Although all home detectors use an audible alarm signal as the primary indicator, some versions also offer a digital readout of the CO concentration, in parts per million. Typically, they can display both the current reading and a peak reading from memory of the highest level measured over a period of time. These advanced models cost somewhat more but are otherwise similar to the basic models.

The digital models offer the advantage of being able to observe levels that are below the alarm threshold, learn about levels that may have occurred during an absence, and assess the degree of hazard if the alarm sounds. They may also aid emergency responders in evaluating the level of past or ongoing exposure or danger. Some that lack UL certification have been found highly inaccurate.[18]

Portable CO detectors are also available; these are typically used for professional applications or in some cases by consumers such as property managers for maintenance and diagnosis issues (i.e. sourcing a CO leak). Most offer real time measurements of CO down to a few ppm (usually shown on a digital display), and are more expensive than home safety CO detectors (e.g. ~$250 vs $25). There are two types of portable detectors, one that is designed for aircraft, cars and trucks. They will warn the driver and passenger if there is a CO hazard. Another type is used by industrial hygienists and first responders. Digital, fast responding portable type CO detectors are usually a better choice for real time "on the go" applications as they respond to low levels of CO in seconds rather than minutes or hours (which is the case for UL2034 listed residential alarm). Most manufacturers recommend that portable detectors are returned for re-calibration annually. Portable detectors should be regularly bump tested with a calibrated test gas to ensure that the sensors are still operative.

Wireless home safety devices are available that link carbon monoxide detectors to vibrating pillow pads, strobes or a remote warning handset.

In the U.S. (as of January 2017) 32 states have enacted statutes regarding carbon monoxide detectors, and another 11 have promulgated regulations on CO detectors,[19] as well as in Washington, D.C. and New York City. In Canada CO alarm requirements came into force on October 15, 2014 in Ontario,[20] there is a strong movement in Alberta to make CO detectors mandatory in all homes.[21]

More and more states are legislating for their installation as a mandatory feature.[22]

House builders in Colorado are required to install carbon monoxide detectors in new homes in a bill signed into law in March 2009 by the state legislature. House Bill 1091 requires installation of the detectors in new and resold homes near bedrooms as well as rented apartments and homes. It took effect on July 1, 2009. The legislation was introduced after the death of Denver investment banker Parker Lofgren and his family. Lofgren, along with his wife and children were found dead in their home near Aspen, Colorado on Nov. 27, 2008, victims of carbon-monoxide poisoning.

In New York State, "Amanda's Law" (A6093A/C.367) requires one- and two-family residences which have fuel burning appliances to have at least one carbon monoxide alarm installed on the lowest story having a sleeping area, effective since February 22, 2010. Although homes built before Jan. 1, 2008 are allowed to have battery-powered alarms, homes built after that date need to have hard-wired alarms. In addition, New York State contractors have to install a carbon monoxide detector when replacing a fuel burning water heater or furnace if the home is without an alarm. The law is named for Amanda Hansen, a teenager who died from carbon monoxide poisoning from a defective boiler while at a sleepover at a friend's house.[23]

Alaska House Bill 351 requires a carbon monoxide detector be installed in dwelling units that contain or are serviced by a carbon based fuel appliance or other device that produces by products of combustion.

In July 2011, California required installation of carbon monoxide detectors in existing single-family homes, with multifamily homes following in 2013.[24] CA Law 2015 require all new installation of smoke and CO alarms to be 10 year non serviceable type.[25] Existing alarms may not need to be replaced for home owners, see local codes. Required alarm location also vary per local enforcing agencies.

In Maine, all rental units must have carbon monoxide detectors although in non rental homes they are recommended but are not required. [26]

North America

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Association reports, "The standards organizations of Canada (CSA) and the United States (Underwriters Laboratories or UL) have coordinated the writing of CO standards and product testing. The standards as of 2010 prohibit showing CO levels of less than 30 ppm on digital displays. The most recent standards also require the alarm to sound at higher levels of CO than with previous editions of the standard. The reasoning behind these changes is to reduce calls to fire stations, utilities and emergency response teams when the levels of CO are not life threatening. This change will also reduce the number of calls to these agencies due to detector inaccuracy or the presence of other gases. Consequently, new alarms will not sound at CO concentrations up to 70 ppm. Note that these concentrations are significantly in excess of the Canadian health guidelines,"[27] (and also in excess of US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible exposure limits, which is 50 ppm).[28]

UK

In the UK a domestic/Type-B alarm compliant with BS EN 50291:2001 should emit an audible alarm after about 3 minutes exposure to 300 ppm CO, or 10 to 40 minutes at 100 ppm, or 60 to 90 minutes at 50 ppm.

• Mike Busch (November 9, 2003). "Carbon Monoxide Detectors". Avweb.com. Archived from the original on February 11, 2004. Retrieved October 18, 2017.
• "Carbon Monoxide Alarm Considerations for Code Authorities" (PDF). UL. 2014 [First published 2009]. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 17, 2017. Retrieved October 18, 2017.