Verify that the alarm system is functioning properly. All rights reserved. If the unit continues to beep or chirp after the test, and it does not have a replaceable battery, the unit may need to be replaced, having expired. Like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors ought to be tested regularly. Pressing this button tests the alarm as to whether or not the audible warning is operational. Copyright© 1 beep every minute: This means that the alarm has low batteries and you should replace them. 4 beeps and a pause: This means that there is carbon monoxide in the air and you should seek fresh air immediately and call 9-1-1. Knowing if your carbon monoxide detector is working properly is a serious matter. At 200 ppm, the alarm must activate within half an hour. That way a homeowner can have peace of mind, and doesn’t have to worry about whether the CO2 levels are getting too high in the house to be safe for them. Replace your CO detector. Inhalation of canned CO or contact with the spray is not dangerous, if used as directed. A carbon monoxide detector is specifically designed to look for the presence of CO2 in a home. [2] X Research source Inhalation of canned CO or contac… So, really, the way that you test your detector depends on what you’re trying to test. An air concentration of CO above 400 ppm will be fatal within three hours. This is a similar measurement to a percentage. Carbon monoxide detector test kits can be purchased where you buy your CO detector. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. You should test the sensor on the unit annually with a special tester spray, and check the alarm circuitry once a month by pressing the test button. Your CO alarm must buzz within 15 minutes of a CO level of 400 ppm. Follow the guidelines below to test your carbon monoxide detectors for accuracy in detecting a poison in your home that can be lethal. They include a small container full of gas at a high CO concentration, usually up to 1000 ppm, and a plastic housing that you put around the detector for the test. If you change the batteries and the unit still doesn't work, or it continues to give a low-battery alarm, it may have expired. In photoelectric smoke alarms, the test button causes a reflective material to go in front of the light-emitting diode (LED), causing light to scatter throughout the sensing chamber similar to the way smoke particles would. Facts About Carbon Monoxide Detectors an... Facts About Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Alarms, Part 2. This tests the unit completely, not just the battery. You can test a carbon monoxide detector in two ways: by using the test button on the detector or by simulating a carbon monoxide leak. home improvement and repair website. Private companies are available to perform indoor air quality and improvement tests that include carbon monoxide testing. Test your alarm regularly using the test button, and replace the batteries annually or when the low battery signal sounds. If your detector is older, you may have to purchase a carbon monoxide test kit to ensure that it’s fully functional. Carbon monoxide leaks can be very scary because they are so dangerous. If the skin is frosted, thaw it with lukewarm water, but do not rub the affected area. wikiHow's. I have a funny question. Website operating Carbon monoxide is measured in parts per million, often abbreviated as PPM, which is a measurement used to describe diluted fluids in water or gases in air. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors weekly and vacuum them monthly. Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because it is odorless, tasteless and colorless. After a few seconds, you should hear two beeps which signify that the device has entered testing mode. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent As you move the cigarette or wand within eight inches of the CO detector, the digital display should change to register the presence of carbon monoxide. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 24,469 times. Remember to regularly test your alarms and replace the batteries when specified. As the name suggests, a carbon monoxide detector senses the presence of carbon monoxide. Otherwise, they might send emergency personnel to your home. Check your user manual for specific instructions on how to turn it off and to properly dispose of it. By using our site, you agree to our. If the CO level detected is below 70 parts per million (ppm) the alarm will probably not go off. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. The heated air rises in cooler air, naturally carrying the CO with it, as the CO mixes with the air. Biomimetic sensor: a gel changes color when it absorbs carbon monoxide, and this color change triggers the alarm. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. hello I recently installed a Honeywell vista 20p from a 10se and reused all... Changing carbon detector connected to alarm. Some regular maintenance also helps keep a detector functioning correctly. References. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. All information is provided "AS IS." Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. Carbon monoxide detectors sound an alarm when they sense a certain amount of carbon monoxide over time. It also has the test button function, enabling you to check the alarm’s performance and reset it. We recommend reading: How Long Do You Smoke A Tri Tip? Different sensors set off different types of alerts. The test button is the best way to test it, because it will tell if the alarm is still sounding. If a person comes into contact with canned smoke, flush the skin with plenty of water. It will tell you if the device has enough electrical power from the batteries or outlet. Testing the CO Sensor with Canned CO Test Gas, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Test-a-Carbon-Monoxide-Detector-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Test-a-Carbon-Monoxide-Detector-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Test-a-Carbon-Monoxide-Detector-Step-1.jpg\/aid9636715-v4-728px-Test-a-Carbon-Monoxide-Detector-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"