Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that kills without warning. It claims the lives of hundreds of people every year and makes thousands more ill. Many household items including gas- and oil-burning furnaces, portable generators, and charcoal grills produce this poison gas. Following these important steps can keep your family safe. These work in a simple fashion. The carbon monoxide alarm consists of a sensor with three electrodes. These electrodes are immersed in an electrolyte, which is a chemical in a container. When a small voltage is applied between electrodes and carbon monoxide releases an electron and a small current after reacting with oxygen. It contains CO gas at a concentration that is not harmful unless illegally concentrated. 2. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use of the CO test spray. 3. Use a plastic bag to enclose the CO detector and the test spray nozzle tightly. Spray the canned CO test spray for at least 3 seconds. Nest Protect combines smoke and carbon monoxide detection and works with an app. When you download it, you can get alerts to your phone and even silence alarms if necessary. With state-of-the-art sensors for both fire and carbon monoxide, this alarm is one of the best for homeowners or renters. Even though it's wired, it also comes with long Photoelectric Detectors. In one type of photoelectric device, smoke can block a light beam. In this case, the reduction in light reaching a photocell sets off the alarm. In the most common type of photoelectric unit, however, light is scattered by smoke particles onto a photocell, initiating an alarm. In this type of detector there is a T Carbon monoxide detectors activate when they sense a particular amount of carbon monoxide or a consistently unacceptable level of carbon monoxide. Biomimetic sensor: A gel inside the sensor changes color when it comes into contact with carbon monoxide. This change of color triggers the carbon monoxide alarm. Carbon Monoxide Detector Replacement FAQs. Carbon monoxide detectors, commonly shortened to CO alarms, need to be replaced regularly in order for them to continue operating correctly. Whether you have a non-digital, digital, or combo alarm, there are signs to watch out for in order to keep yourself protected. Learn How Often to Replace CO Detectors How do Carbon Monoxide Detectors work? Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are lifesaving devices designed to alert occupants when carbon monoxide, a lethal, colorless, and odorless gas, is present in the air. These detectors operate using one of three methods: biomimetic sensor, metal oxide semiconductor, or electrochemical sensor. .

how do carbon monoxide detectors work