Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm

Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm

Introduction:

A carbon monoxide detector alarm installed in your home can detect harmful carbon monoxide before it reaches lethal levels. Carbon monoxide is a completely odorless gas that is emitted from the combustion of any combustible material such as wood, coal, oil, gas, or charcoal.

Appliances such as water heaters and gas stoves need to be maintained properly to insure they are not producing the deadly carbon monoxide gas. Operating cars or lawn mowers in the garage will also produce this deadly gas.

If there is not a carbon monoxide detector alarm installed in the house to sound an alarm when there is excessive carbon monoxide present the only other way to detect it is observing the effect that has on individuals. Exposure can cause severe aches, dizziness, shortness of breath, disorientation, nausea, and fainting. Most of these symptoms can be confused with other ailments such as the flu, a cold, or food poisoning. If you are exposed to excessive carbon monoxide poisoning the following steps are recommended:

Ventilate your home by opening the windows.

Turn off any suspect appliances.

Vacate the building immediately.

Immediately seek medical attention to determine if you are experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning which can be verified by a simple blood test.

If it is confirmed that you have experienced carbon monoxide poisoning, you will need to have your home's fuel burning appliances inspected for defects and repaired. To avoid future risks of carbon monoxide poisoning install a carbon monoxide detector.

This is an easy DIY project that be accomplished in an hour. If you live in a multi level home you may need more than one detector. There are several different types of detectors that detect and provide early warning of excessive carbon monoxide.

Some offer an audible alarm and others a flashing light and others that do both. I recommend a detector that provides an audible and flashing light alarm as carbon monoxide is completely odorless, you don’t want to miss the warning. With a smoke or fire detector there is always an odor along with the sounding alarm.

Carbon monoxide detector alarms are available in most home supply centers and electrical supply stores. Insure that you obtain one that is hard wired into your house and is backed up with a battery such as smoke detectors are. The Kidde carbon monoxide detector is the most common detector on the market and is an excellent an d reliable unit.

Wiring a detector is not a difficult task but if you are not an accomplished electrician you will need an electrician to install the detector. He can also recommend location and quantity of detectors for your home.

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