When a carbon monoxide detector sensor goes off, it can be scary. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless threat to you and your family’s health. Found in fuel-burning engines and several appliances, carbon monoxide can become a silent killer if not detected early enough. In this blog, we’re going to discuss what to do when a carbon monoxide detector goes off. Show
First, let’s discuss what carbon monoxide is. Carbon Monoxide is a lethal odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas. Often mixed with other gases to make it detectable to the senses, carbon monoxide can be extremely harmful when ingested. Carbon Monoxide is the result of natural gases being partially burned. Fuels that are capable of releasing carbon monoxide include oil, gasoline, kerosene, propane, coal, and even wood. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, confusion, vomiting, and nausea. What to do when a carbon monoxide detector goes offA carbon monoxide alarm should never be ignored. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, you should evacuate immediately and call 911. If there are no noticeable symptoms, we highly recommend still staying in a hotel for the night and having the fire department or a qualified technician inspect the senor or possible sources of carbon monoxide. If leaving the home is not an option, make sure to open all windows and doors and take time to ensure all sources of carbon monoxide are turned off. After a carbon monoxide detector goes off once, there are a few possible reasons, but you should always take protective measures and contact local professionals. Learn More: THE 4 TYPES OF HEAT AND SMOKE DETECTORS FAQCan a carbon monoxide detector go off for no reason?In most cases, no. There is typically a reason why the CO alarm is sounding, whether it detects carbon monoxide in the air or is low on battery. Most CO detectors beep every 30 seconds if the battery is low. In rare cases, the carbon monoxide detector may be malfunctioning, but this should be determined by a licensed professional. How do I know if my CO detector is working?You may be wondering how to test your carbon monoxide detector. Every CO detector is different but typically there is some sort of “test” button allowing you to see if the alarm is in working order. Consult a user manual or call a Houston alarm expert if you have any questions or concerns. Do I need a carbon monoxide detector?Absolutely. Even if you do not have any known sources of carbon monoxide in your home, you are still in danger of unexpected circumstances and an alarm will notify you and your family when it matters most. We highly recommend having a trained professional come out to your home to determine the best places to have a carbon monoxide detector. At Mesa Alarm Systems, our team of security professionals is capable of providing your family with the expertise and technology you need to keep your family safe from carbon monoxide. Have peace of mind we’ll use industry best practices to evaluate your home and install detectors where they’re needed most. Don’t second guess the safety of your family; call (281) 694-4313 to talk to a Mesa representative today! Skip to content
Before we go on to look at CO detector false alarms here is some advice on what you should do if your alarm goes off. What to do when your carbon monoxide alarm is going offIf your CO detector is chirping do not assume that it is a false alarm, remember carbon monoxide can’t be seen, tasted or smelt. You should assume that there is CO present and should follow these steps to ensure your safety.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoningThe main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are: Persistent HeadachesHaving persistent dull headaches and tension type headaches. DizzinessHaving waves of dizziness or feeling light headed and off balance. Nausea / VomitingFeeling like you need to be sick (nausea) and actually being sick (vomiting). Stomach PainsPains in your stomach or lower abdomen, sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea. Difficulty BreathingSudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (dyspnoea). TirednessHaving no energy or feeling tired, sleepy, lethargic and sluggish. Sudden CollapseSudden collapse, seizures or loss of consciousness. ConfusionConfusion, difficulty concentrating and becoming easily irritated. What causes CO detector false alarms?A false alarm is when your CO detector alarms and where no carbon monoxide is detected by your engineer. There could be several reasons for this:
Buying a CO detectorYou should have a carbon monoxide detector in every room where there is a solid fuel burning appliance. Only chose CO detectors that have met the rigorous testing standards of the European standard EN50291. That way you will have peace of mind that this vital alarm has been manufactured and tested to the highest standards. If you are looking for a CO detector that you can also take on holiday, for caravanning, camping or using on a boat look out for ones that are Kitemarked to BS EN50291-2 such as the Kidde 7CO. If you would like a detector that gives you a visual display of CO levels, we recommend the Kidde 7DCO. Kidde Carbon Monoxide Alarm - 7DCO / 7DCOC
£17.42 ex VAT £20.90 inc VAT Buy Now If you are unsure if you have the correct carbon monoxide alarm installed our customer care team are here to help. You can call them on 0800 612 6537 or email . HR & Marketing Manager Angie has been our marketing manager since joining in 2002. She also has a keen interest in H&S issues. Post navigationHow do you know if carbon monoxide is going off?The types of sounds and beeps the detector makes are important. Alarms that are continuously going off with a high-pitched sound mean there is a carbon monoxide leak. Contact your emergency service provider immediately.
What does it sound like when a carbon monoxide detector goes off?Here's a simple guide: Smoke alarms alert you with three beeps in a row. Carbon monoxide alarms alert you with four beeps. A single chirp means the battery is low or the detector should be replaced.
Do carbon monoxide detector continue to go off?Continuous beeping or a siren sounding means that there's a CO gas leak. You should exit the building and call 911 as soon as possible. Some carbon monoxide alarms will beep every 30 seconds if it's time to replace the alarm.
What to do if carbon monoxide detector goes off and then stops?Call 911 immediately and report that the alarm has gone off. Do not assume it is safe to reenter the home when the alarm stops. When you open windows and doors, it helps diminish the amount of carbon monoxide in the air, but the source may still be producing the gas.
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