Yes, your Kidde carbon monoxide detector should read 0 0. A reading of 0 PPM (parts per million) is completely normal and means the air is clear of carbon monoxide.
Any time you push the Test/Reset button, the alarm will go through a series of test numbers that are programmed into the unit to test the internal diagnostics. This will start with an 888 reading, then display numbers usually in the 200 range, then back to 888, and lastly to zero.
The alarm thresholds, set by CO concentration measured in parts per million (ppm), are: no alarm below 30 ppm until after 30 days; 70 ppm for one to four hours (but not less than one hour); 150 ppm for 10 to 50 minutes; 400 ppm for four to 15 minutes.
On a carbon monoxide (CO) detector, a "0" means your environment has 0 Parts Per Million (PPM) of carbon monoxide. This is completely normal and the safest possible reading, indicating that there is no detectable carbon monoxide gas in the air.
Reading your results:
0-5: Your recent level of exposure to carbon monoxide is low. 0-5 ppm shows little exposure to carbon monoxide in the last 24 hours. 6-10: You have had some recent exposure to carbon monoxide. 6-10 ppm indicates a smoker, or non-smoker, breathing in poor air quality or passive smoke.
An ideal carbon monoxide (CO) reading in a home is 𝟎 𝐩𝐩𝐦 (parts per million). Because CO is a colorless, odorless gas, any consistent reading above zero indicates a potential combustion leak from a gas appliance, fireplace, or attached garage.
There's a myth that carbon monoxide alarms should be installed lower on the wall because carbon monoxide is heavier than air. In fact, carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and diffuses evenly throughout the room.
Alarm Level 0 – No Call for Service. Alarm Level 1 – Call for Service with limited to no additional information. Alarm Level 2 – Call for Service with confirmed or 'highly probable' human presence with unknown intent. Alarm Level 3 – Call for Service with confirmed threat to property.
It is also a good idea to know the signs of a potential CO problem:
200 ppm: Mild headache after 2-3 hours of exposure. 400 ppm: Headache and nausea after 1-2 hours of exposure. 800 ppm: Headache, nausea, and dizziness after 45 minutes; collapse and unconsciousness after 1 hour of exposure. 1,000 ppm: Loss of consciousness after 1 hour of exposure.
1 beep every minute: This means that the detector has low batteries and you should replace them. 5 beeps every minute: This means your alarm has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced with a new carbon monoxide alarm.
You can use either the floor or ceiling for a carbon monoxide (CO) detector. Because carbon monoxide is roughly the same weight as air and mixes evenly, it doesn't settle like heavy gases or rise like heat.
To tell if your carbon monoxide (CO) detector is bad, check for an expired manufacturing date, an unresponsive test button, or specific error beeps. Most detectors must be replaced every 5 to 10 years.
Green Light: The green LED will be lit continuously or flash every 30 seconds to indicate the unit is operating properly. In Hush® mode the LED blinks every 2 seconds and once per second if it is the initiating alarm.
Carbon monoxide (CO) false alarms are most frequently caused by expired sensors (usually 5–7 years), low or dead batteries, or dust and debris clogging the sensor chamber. Other common culprits include high humidity, cooking fumes, or the off-gassing of household chemicals and aerosols.
The primary cause of carbon monoxide (CO) in a home is the incomplete burning of fuel (such as gas, oil, wood, or coal) in malfunctioning, improperly installed, or poorly ventilated household appliances.
One of the most common early symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a headache, often described as dull or persistent. Because CO is odorless and colorless, these early signs are frequently mistaken for the flu or food poisoning.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Low levels of CO poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning or other illnesses and can have a long-term health risk if left uncorrected.
For this reason if CO levels are below 30 ppm and you press the "peak level" button on detectors that have a digital display they will not display a CO reading and on models that offer voice announcements of the "Peak level" they will indicate 0 PPM as the highest concentration.
Per these requirements, standard CO sensors will typically not alarm at levels below 30 ppm. However, carbon monoxide alarms with ultra-sensitive detection will indicate low levels of CO below 30 ppm, which may have health implications for those suffering from pre-existing conditions.
Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors measure gas concentrations in parts per million (ppm). Because CO builds up over time, alarms are determined by both the concentration level and the duration of exposure rather than just hitting a single static number.
Your Kidde carbon monoxide (CO) detector should normally read 0 PPM0 PPM𝟎 𝐏𝐏𝐌 (parts per million). If you have a digital display model, anything between 000 and 9 PPM is considered a normal, safe baseline in most homes.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
dizziness. feeling sick or being sick. feeling weak. tiredness and confusion.
Yes. A green light is completely normal and means your carbon monoxide (CO) detector has power and is actively monitoring your home. It is very common for this green light to blink once every 30 to 60 seconds to save battery life.