Error Signals: Often indicate a malfunction or end of life for the detector. False Alarms: These can be caused by low batteries, sensor issues, or external gases.
If your detector gets placed near a fireplace or gas stove, it may trigger false alarms. A fuel-burning appliance throws off tiny, trace amounts of carbon monoxide. Having your detector too close may cause its sensors to alarm.
Any fuel-burning appliance that is malfunctioning or improperly installed. Furnaces, gas ranges or stoves, gas clothes dryers, water heaters, portable fuel-burning space heaters, fireplaces, generators, and wood burning stoves. Vehicles, generators, and other combustion engines running in an attached garage.
We don't expect people to know this but since you're here this is something to consider: If the detector goes off and nobody is feeling any symptoms of CO poisoning (headache, dizziness, nausea etc) then call your gas company. If people are feeling sick and the detector is going off call 911.
Your carbon monoxide alarm is going off for one of the following reasons: It is doing its job properly and detects CO pollution in the air. It is a false alarm caused by other household items. The detector is malfunctioning or the batteries need changing.
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO, it can make you pass out or kill you.
If you have a carbon monoxide detector chirping and then it stops, it's important to take the situation seriously, even if the alarm is no longer sounding. Even if the alarm has stopped, get everyone out of the home to a place with fresh air. Contact 911 or your local fire department to report the incident.
If you experience symptoms that you think could be from CO poisoning: DO GET FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY. Open doors and windows, turn off combustion appliances and leave the house.
Operating gas-powered vehicles or yard equipment in the garage-Attached garages pose the greatest risk of CO exposure. Still, free-standing garages can also be dangerous if you run the equipment too long. Even with the doors and windows open, any of these activities can trigger carbon monoxide detectors.
CO levels in the home are measured using two factors: parts per million (ppm)—from 0 to 1000-ppm—and the length of exposure. In other words, your carbon monoxide detector should not sound unless it detects 49 ppm over a 10-hour period, or 400 ppm during 4 to 15 minutes.
Push and hold the silence button for 5 seconds to silence the alarm while contamination is being burned off the sensor. You may need to do this a number of times to give the carbon monoxide alarm enough time to reset.
4 beeps and a pause: This means that there is carbon monoxide in the air and you should seek fresh air immediately and call 911. 1 beep every minute: This means that the alarm has low batteries and you should replace them. 3 beeps every minute: This means the alarm has encountered a malfunction and needs replacement.
Carbon monoxide alarms are vital pieces of safety equipment used to protect workers and residents from poisonous carbon monoxide gas. But, did you know that hydrogen gas from charging batteries can set off the alarms as well.
The most common causes of carbon monoxide building up are incorrectly installed or poorly maintained or ventilated appliances – like stoves and hot water heaters. Poorly ventilated fireplaces and other gas- or wood-burning appliances can also pose danger.
While CO detectors are designed to be reliable, various factors can cause them to beep erroneously. False alarms can be caused by incorrect installation, placement near a source of fumes or steam, or even a buildup of dust and dirt on the sensor.
In most areas, the fire department does not charge to respond to carbon monoxide alarms or to check for the presence of CO in a residence. However, policies can vary depending on the jurisdiction or specific fire department. It's always a good idea to contact your local fire department for specifics on their policies.
Two Common Causes Of False Readings: You have a cigarette smoker in the home. Cigarettes give off carbon monoxide. Artificial components, such as lighted incense or air fresheners, can trick your detectors with low levels of CO emitted into the air.
Severe leaks can cause this problem in just five minutes. The EPA states that exposure to concentrations of nine ppm or more for eight hours is enough to produce harmful health effects for at-risk individuals. Exit the property and call 911 if you suspect your home has a gas leak.
A portable CO detector can be useful for detecting carbon monoxide levels near all gas-powered appliances. It's a handy way to check every room of the house. These units can be hardwired with battery backup, or you can choose a battery powered model.
CO detectors are very sensitive and designed to alert occupants before CO reaches dangerous levels. If your detectors go off, call 911 and evacuate the home. Be sure to notify them if anyone in the house is experiencing flu-like symptoms.
If your CO alarm stopped beeping after being outside in the fresh air for 10 minutes, you may have a possible carbon monoxide leak in your home. We recommend calling your gas supplier or national emergency gas helpline on 0800 111 999 and await further instruction.
If you have a mild case of CO poisoning, you'll feel better just by going outside and breathing fresh air. More severe cases may require treatment with pure oxygen or hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).