Carbon Monoxide Tester
Carbon monoxide testers are an essential safety item for every home. This odorless, tasteless gas is produced by incomplete combustion of fuel-burning appliances and is the cause of 200 deaths and thousands of nonfatal poisonings in the US each year.
A Carbon monoxide tester give you an early warning so that you can escape to fresh air before symptoms of CO poisoning occur. These include headache, dizziness, and flulike symptoms.
Detectors use electrochemical sensors to measure carbon monoxide concentration. They consist of two electrodes, a connection wire, and an electrolyte, typically sulfuric acid. When carbon monoxide enters the gas-permeable compartment, a chemical reaction takes place that increases the electrical current passing through one of the electrodes. The exact amount by which the current increases indicates the concentration of carbon monoxide molecules present. A microprocessor interprets the sensor data and activates the alarm.
Monitoring Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S): The Importance of an H2S Monitor
These types of detectors are sensitive to a wide range of gases and are less susceptible to false alarms from changes in temperature or humidity. Some models also have a digital display that shows levels of carbon monoxide in ppm (parts per million).
It is recommended to install detectors on each floor of your home including basements. It is particularly important to mount detectors close to fossil fuel burning furnaces, fireplaces, stoves, and vents. You should also have a professional inspect your home annually for signs of CO leaks such as discolored, rusted vents, chimneys and flues. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance of your detectors.