When the lights went out and you couldn’t find your way home, was it carbon monoxide poisoning that killed you or just some other form of hypoxia? What if you were asleep in your house when CO entered through your gas heater? If you have ever wondered what is a carbon monoxide detector, this article will help explain. 

Carbon Monoxide Detectors are devices that detect dangerous levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO) in your residence. In most cases, they are installed near a furnace or an appliance that uses gas. The device can be placed anywhere in your home. 

The most common type of CO detector is the digital model. These types of devices use electronics to measure the amount of CO in your environment. When the CO alarm sounds, it means that there is too much CO in your place. It may not necessarily mean that you are poisoned but it might mean that you need to take action. 

To use the carbon monoxide detectors a person should gather the complete detail in advance. Having the detail will help people to have clear understanding of the various option. A person can visit the Storiesofahouse.com explains what to do if carbon monoxide alarm goes off  and get the detail of the various available options.

For instance, if you see that the CO alarm is on, you should switch off the heater immediately. And if you see the warning sign, you should turn off the fuel supply to the appliance and call the emergency services.

Other types of CO detectors include the ionization type and the photoelectric type. Both these types of detectors work like the digital model except that they use different technologies to detect the presence of CO. Ionization detectors use a small electric charge to create particles that react with CO molecules, creating ions. This creates a current that can be measured by a coil inside the sensor. Photoelectric detectors are similar to ionization detectors in that they also use electrical charges to create reactions with CO molecules. However, instead of using an ionization chamber, these detectors use light-emitting diodes (LEDs). 

Another type of CO detector is the electrochemical type which works by converting CO into CO2. It consists of two electrodes separated by a liquid electrolyte. As soon as CO enters the solution and contacts one of the electrodes, it reacts with water to produce CO2. A voltage applied to this system measures the change in voltage caused by the reaction. 

How Do You Use a Carbon Monoxide Detector? 

Once you’ve bought a CO detector, how do you use it? First, make sure that it’s working properly. Take note of its output so you can check for any changes after installing it. Also, check the battery level before each test. Replace batteries when they become low. 

Next, install the detector where you want it to be. Make sure that you know where the heating source is located. If your detector detects high levels of CO, it will sound an alarm. In case you don’t hear anything, then you know that no CO exists in your place. 

Install the detector near the heating source if possible. The closer you place it to the heat source, the better. For instance, if you don’t have a fireplace, put the detector near the stove or under the radiator. But if you do have a fireplace, then put it near the chimney. 

You can also use a CO detector near the window or door leading outside. Install it close to a wall or ceiling, making sure that you can easily reach it in case of emergency. Don’t forget to replace batteries every month. If you live in an apartment, make sure that you keep the detector at least 20 feet away from the cooking area. 

Also, remember to test the detector at regular intervals – once a week is sufficient. Some models even allow you to set up a schedule so that you can test them automatically. 

How Does a Carbon Monoxide Detector Work? 

The basic principle behind the operation of a CO detector is pretty simple. It uses two different sensors. One detects the presence of CO while the other detects its absence. These two sensors are connected to a microprocessor circuit that processes all the data coming from the sensors. Then, it sends a signal to the main unit of the CO detector whenever the detection conditions are met. 

In order to detect CO, the CO sensors must first be exposed to CO. So, you have to ensure that the detector is exposed to the same concentration of CO that you are exposed to. There are many ways to achieve this. For instance, install the detector near the source of the gas in your home. Or, place the detector near windows and doors so that it can get direct exposure to the air circulating around your house.

If you are unable to install the detector in the right location, then you can use a CO monitor. These monitors are portable CO detectors that you can stick into your car or at your workplace. They are designed to be used outdoors and therefore, they are usually equipped with special filters to filter out dust and smoke. 

There are several types of CO monitors. The most popular ones are those that come with a color display. You simply plug your monitor into your car’s cigarette lighter and it displays the CO reading in real time. Another option is to purchase a personal CO monitor. Personal CO monitors consist of an electronic device that plugs directly into your car’s dashboard. Unlike the car monitors, these devices only show the CO level. 

To learn more about CO detectors, read our articles on CO detectors, CO alarms, and CO monitors. 

Where Can I Buy a CO Detector? 

There are several brands of CO detectors available on the market today. If you’re looking for a specific brand such as Honeywell, GE, Panasonic, or Rheem, then you’ll probably find it online. On the other hand, if you want to save money, go with a non-branded product. 

Also, consider buying a backup CO detector because one malfunctioning CO detector often leads to another malfunctioning one.