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How Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors Work
CO detectors measure CO levels in the environment
and sound an alarm to warn you to ventilate
the affected area.
Two basic types of CO detectors
CO detectors are either battery operated or
electric. Most CO detectors on the market use
one of the following three sensor types.
1. Electrolytic Sensor Detectors - This type of sensor is extremely
sensitive to detecting CO in the home. Although it is the most efficient
type of CO detector, it is rarely used due to its significant cost.
2. Colorimetric Sensor Detectors –
This type of sensor measures the build-up
of CO over time. Once the alarm has been sounded
it takes up to 48 hours to reset.
3. MOS Detectors (Metal Oxide Semiconductor
Sensor) – This type of sensor is
very popular because it can detect other gases
besides CO such as chlorine bleach and silicones.
CO fire detectors
These electronic detectors sound against a fire
by sensing CO levels in the air. They should
not be confused with CO detectors used to protect
people from CO poisoning.
- CO fire detectors are effective for deep-seated,
smoldering fires.
- Smoke detectors are better at reacting
to smoke that rises.
Choosing a Battery Operated or Electric
CO Detector
You may be wondering whether to purchase a battery
operated CO detector or one that runs on a household
electric current.
Cost
There is no difference in cost between the battery
operated and the electrically run CO detector.
Installation
- The battery operated type is easier to
install and can be placed anywhere in the
house.
- The electric type can only be installed
near an outlet or hard wiring.
Maintenance
- The electric type requires no maintenance.
- The battery operated type needs periodic
maintenance such as changing the battery every
year.
Exposure display feature
- The electric type uses a solid-state
sensor that purges itself and re-samples
for CO continuously keeping you up to date
on the CO levels in the house.
- The battery operated type uses a passive
sensor that reacts to the prolonged exposure
to CO gas.
Reset Feature
- The electric type resets immediately after
the CO problem has been corrected.
- The battery operated type must be manually
reset. This may involve removal of the sensor
pack. The reset time will depend on concentration
and duration of the CO exposure.
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