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Carbon monoxide (CO) is created anytime a fuel such as gasoline, oil, natural gas, wood, or propane is burned. It is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in North America. Odorless, tasteless and invisible, the only safe way to know if you are being poisoned in your home is to install a carbon monoxide alarm on every level and in sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide alarms are designed to alert the homeowner when carbon monoxide levels accumulate over a period of time, and will alarm before most people would experience any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. However, it is important to note that not all brands of carbon monoxide alarms are the same.
Below are key elements to consider when purchasing a carbon monoxide alarm:
Electrochemical Sensors
Installing carbon monoxide alarms with electrochemical sensing technology in the home provides the best protection to residents. Some alarms use technologies that are not as accurate or reliable. The more accurate a carbon monoxide alarm, the greater your chances of appropriately responding to the problem.
Major benefits of electrochemical sensing technology include:
Stability against changing temperatures and humidity to avoid false alarms or no alarms.
Accurately alarming to carbon monoxide and not other common household gases, such as ammonia.
Avoiding false alarms is particularly vital, as residents may be tempted to avoid nuisance alarms by disabling or removing the alarm, which eliminates the protection they need.
Carbon monoxide alarms with electrochemical sensors are also better able to detect carbon monoxide levels accurately for many years. Kidde is the only major manufacturer that tests carbon monoxide alarms for reliability throughout the product’s life in accordance with strict third party standards.
End-of-Life Warning
This important feature alerts consumers when it’s time to replace the alarm. Kidde is the only major manufacturer whose carbon monoxide alarms have a built-in end-of-life feature. Kidde recommends replacing carbon monoxide alarms every 5 years so that consumers benefit from the latest technology upgrades.
UL or CSA Listed
Carbon monoxide alarms should meet the strict third-party standards set by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA). A “UL Listed” or “CSA Listed” label should be printed on the product’s packaging. Both UL Standard 2034 and CSA Standard 6.19-01 requires CO alarms to meet the following performance standards:
30 PPM (parts per million): Must not alarm
70 PPM: Must alarm no sooner than 60 and no later than 240 minutes
150 PPM: Must alarm no sooner than 10 and no later than 50 minutes
400 PPM: Must alarm no sooner than 4 and no later than 15 minute
Canadian Standards Association Standard 6.19-01 also requires carbon monoxide alarm manufacturers to test their units at various intervals throughout the expected life cycle of the product before earning the CSA listing. Kidde is the only major manufacturer whose carbon monoxide alarm technology currently meets the strict standards set forth by both UL and CSA.
