SAFETY TIPS :: CARBON MONOXIDE :: DETECTORS - TOOLS TO ALERT YOUR FAMILY

What should I look for when I buy a CO detector?

Rather than looking for specific features, look for the UL Mark with the adjacent phrase “Single Station Carbon Monoxide Detector.” UL Listed CO detectors are designed to detect elevated levels of CO and sound an alarm to alert you and your family of a potential poisoning risk. Although CO indicator cards and other devices on the market are also intended to detect elevated levels of CO, most aren’t designed with an audible alarm. The presence of an audible alarm may be significant--especially while you and your loved ones sleep.

How can I protect my family when we’re traveling? When we’re working in the garage?

UL evaluates and Lists CO detectors intended for use in recreational vehicles (RVs) and areas such as garages or attics where dampness, humidity and temperatures aren’t as controlled as in the living space of the home. CO detectors used in these areas comply with additional requirements designed to address the special conditions often present in these environments. UL also evaluates CO travel alarms. These devices are equipped with a mounting bracket for temporary mounting only. UL Listed CO detectors intended for use in these environments are marked accordingly near the UL Listing Mark.

Do CO detectors operate differently than smoke detectors?

Although they may look and sound similar, CO and smoke detectors are designed and intended to detect two separate, distinct hazards. Therefore, to help protect your family from both hazards, it’s important to install both UL Listed CO detectors and smoke detectors.

How do I install my CO detector?

Follow the installation instructions found in the manufacturer’s use and care booklet that accompanies the product. Proper installation is an important factor in receiving optimum performance. It’s important to follow these instructions exactly.

How do I take care of my CO detector?

Like smoke detectors, CO detectors need to be tested regularly and cleaned as indicated in the manufacturer’s use and care booklet. If the unit is wired directly into your home’s electrical system, you should test it monthly. If your unit operates off a battery, test the detector weekly and replace the battery at least once a year.

Should I follow any safety tips for using and maintaining my CO detectors?

As with any product, read the manufacturer’s use and care booklet for installation and maintenance guidelines. Keep these instructions on file for future reference. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation, use and maintenance of your CO detector. If your unit operates off a battery, never allow anyone to “borrow” the battery. Like any appliance or power tool, a CO detector can’t work unless it has a functioning power source

Will exposure to other household gases or vapors cause the CO detector to false alarm?

When UL evaluates samples of residential CO detectors, consideration is made that your home may contain moderate levels of cleaning chemicals and other substances. UL 2034, the Standard UL engineers and technicians use to test residential carbon monoxide detectors, includes exposure tests to normal concentrations of methane, butane, heptane, ethyl acetate (nail polish remover), isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), carbon dioxide and propane--all gases that would typically be found in a home. Keep chemicals away from your CO detector. You should, however, keep these chemicals away from your CO detectors. Low exposure over an extended period of time could damage the sensing device and cause your detector to sound a false alarm.

What do I do if my CO detector alarm goes off?

Immediately ventilate your home by opening windows and outside doors. If anyone in your household is experiencing flue-like symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, confusion and breathing difficulty, immediately call the fire department and evacuate everyone in your home. Be sure to check infants and others who have trouble explaining their symptoms. Do not let anyone re-enter the premises until the problem is corrected. If no one in the household has flu-like symptoms, again, ventilate your home, turn off all fuel-burning appliances and immediately call a qualified technician to inspect for sources of CO. Do not restart these appliances and continue to ventilate your home until the problem is corrected. Because you’ve provided ventilation by leaving your windows and doors open, the CO buildup may have dissipated by the time help responds. Although your problem may appear to be temporarily solved, it’s crucial that the source of the CO is determined and appropriate repairs are made. Remember, an alarm indicates elevated levels of CO in your home. CO is called the “silent killer” because it cannot be seen or smelled. Some people can be exposed to dangerous levels of CO and not feel any symptoms. Regardless of whether you feel symptoms, never ignore the alarm.

[ back ]