Carbon Monoxide Alarms -
The Lowdown Compare & Buy Carbon Monoxide
Alarms
How is CO produced in the home? How is CO produced at work? What are the symptoms and dangers of CO poisoning? What should you do if you suspect a leak? How is CO poisoning treated? How to prevent CO poisoning in the home How to prevent CO poisoning at work Landlords legal requirements
Carbon Monoxide Alarms - the lowdown
Shop Links
Domestic CO alarms are designed and tested for use in homes. Specific alarms are available for applications such as commercial premises. Ensure that you use the suitable alarm for your application
-
A CO Alarm will provide an loud audio warning when excessive levels of carbon monoxide is present in the home.
CO alarms are a reliable, easy to use and an inexpensive way of protecting you and your family for the dangers of CO poisoning.
-
Types of alarm –
-
Battery powered - allows the alarm to be portable
-
Mains powered - for continuous protection in the home.
-
Some have a digital readout showing CO current and peak levels from memory after the event.
-
CO Detectors or none audio alarms are not recommended, these are often referred to as CO Patches, spots, blobs or visual indicators as these require constant monitoring and will not wake you or alert you with an audio alarm in case of an emergency.
-
Alarms are readily available from DIY and high street stores as well as from the on-line retailers and typically carry a one to six year guarantee.
-
Always read the instructions when installing your alarm, especially testing and care.
-
Make sure you replace the battery (if you need one) when the manufacturer says so.
-
CO sensors have a limited life span, typically 5 years - Do Not use beyond the manufacturers recommended use.
IMPORTANT
-
Make sure you get a CO alarm that has Kitemark approval and is approved to the latest British & European Standard, thats BSEN50291.
-
DO NOT BUY A CO-ALARM JUST BECAUSE IT HAS A CE MARK.
A CE Mark does NOT refer to the products ability to detect Carbon Monoxide, it shows that it conforms to required European electrical safety aspects.
All CO alarms require a CE mark. Learn more
A CE mark does not mean that the product is safe; it simply means that the alarm is compliant with the European Standards for electrical safety and EMI (interference). It may have not been subject to any tests to ensure that the alarm is an effective CO detector at all. This may save you some money when compared to a properly certified detector, but in actual fact it may a complete waste of time. -
Make sure you buy a branded alarm, there are far too many cheap, unbranded ineffective products available.
-
Make sure you buy from a reputable seller.
There is a level of confusion in consumers as to which products have actually been tested to the exacting standards required by UK law. It is a sad fact that some people are exploiting this and manufacturing and selling sub standard products. Buy a Kitemarked product.
Spend the extra money to ensure that you buy a decent product.
Using Carbon Monoxide alarms is not the solution to the problem and you should not neglect the other simple measures that you can take to ensure your safety
CO in the newDevon Couple Rescued from CO Swansea Hospital Tests Patients for CO Poisoning Hollyoaks raises awareness for Scunthorpe Lady of CO symptoms. Horse breaders found dead - high level CO in bodies CO - It's Like a bomb inside your brain.
The Independent
on Sunday. Pendle encourages Health Homes