Carbon Monoxide Detectors: 2014-03-09

Sabtu, 15 Maret 2014

Need Help to Choose a Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detector?

Fred

Hey everyone
I'm moving to a new apartment in Montgomery County (Maryland) and I want to get a new smoke/carbon monoxide detector. I never bought one before and I have no idea which brand is good or anything...
My new house already has a wired smoke detector and I kind of want to upgrade it. It's a one story three-bedroom condo (1000 square feet) and it uses electricity except for the water heater which uses natural gas.
I read a lot of reviews and I know I want to have both smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. I also want to use hard wire devices with backup battery. I want a smoke detector with dual sensor (Ionization + Photoelectric).
I looked at amazon.com and I found out that all the combo devices (smoke/carbon) only uses Ionization sensors and there isn't any combo device that uses dual sensors for the smoke.
So, in your experience, should I buy two separate detectors (1 dual-sensor smoke + 1 carbon monoxide) or should I only buy a combo detector (smoke/carbon) with a regular Ionization sensor and just forget the Photoelectric sensor?
Also, can you suggest a brand that you know is good?
I don't really care about the price and my main concern is safety.
I really appreciate your helps and suggestions

Answer
"kidde" brand is good..they make a combo smoke / c.o. detecter that just runs on a battery so it can located anywhere,as opposed to having it at an outlet and occupy that outlet.[ that can be inconvenient ]....it has 2 seperate sounds for smoke and c.o. ...it also has a voice that tells you which one its sounding an alarm for.... available at home depot and similar stores........

Faulty Carbon Monoxide Dectector?

jjjjjj

Ive had this old carbon monoxide dectector that we found in a house that we have recently bought and i decided to install it in our daughters room because it is a remodled basement that unfortunatly has the furnace in the corder of the room. Its been working for a couple of months and the readings have always been at zero or close to it but recently it has been showing readings of 400-800 and its been making my wife a little nervouse. The problem is that when I go down into the basement their isnt any noticable smell of any gas leakage and the furnace seems to be running properly and our daughter doesnt show any weird symptoms or anything besides being allitle light headed but the school nurse said thats just because of her animia she has had scense birth. so im thinking that I may need to go get a new detector. Me and my wife are just worried because our daughter is such a heavy sleeper that she may not wake up in time if anything were to happen and we cant take a risk by having a faulty reader.
And yes you can smell carbon monoxide, in our old house we had a detector and if we left our car running with a door open the readings would go up and the place would smell like it, Dont tell people that they cant smell it because thats dangerouse and misleading.

Answer
You should replace it. Most CO detectors use a tiny amount of radioactive material which decays over time. This causes the detectors to become less effective over time. Home Depot or Lowes carries a variety of CO detectors. Iâd go for a mid priced model as the cheaper ones are prone to give false signals and the more expensive ones just look more high tech but arenât any more effective than the mid range models.

30 yrs hvac exp

Added 1/30/12: JJJJ; There seems to be a consensus among all us answering, although some may be fuzzily rude or confused about different forms. The fact is there is only one form of carbon monoxide (CO) consisting of one atom of carbon (C) and one atom of oxygen (O) or formally (C1 O1) regardless of how it is produced. Faulty gas or oil burning appliances; fireplaces; car, motorcycle, lawn mower or any combustion engine exhaust etcâ¦ It is a FACT that pure CO is odorless however, the smell people associate with CO can be strong or subtle, can mask itself in many forms such as sewer gas, dirty socks, smoke and many other variances to individual noses. The smell is real caused by the byproducts of incomplete combustion of fuel. By the time you âsmellâ the problem you can count yourself lucky to be alive to argue about it. CO is an insidious killer of hundreds of people every winter in the US alone simply because they were unaware of the importance of a CO detector, or may have smelled something but didnât know what it was. There is nothing here to disagree about. Iâve spelled out the proven scientific facts above. The only remaining question is how much of a chance do you want to take. I believe you need to buy a new CO detector, if not 2 or 3, and spend about $40-$50 for a quality unit that wonât cause false alarms like the cheap ones do. You can spend more but it would only buy you more bells and whistles in a prettier package than the mid priced models.

Or you can rely on your nose and an old detector. Youâll probably be fineâ¦ or you and your family can become another job for a coroner, annoyed at being forced out of his warm office to tag and bag another houseful of stiff, cold bodies to be added to the sadly preventable statistics of those mostly innocent souls who pass quietly in the night. Best of luck to you jjj.

can a carbon monoxide alarm go off with a gas leak?

fraysol83

Two days ago we were awaking to our carbon monoxide alarm going off... left the apartment and call 911 like directed. The fire dept walking to the apart complex was getting a rating as they were walking in the open hallway. The fire department there 3 levels of carbon monoxide(dangerous, moderate, low)... my apartment was close to dangerous but was high moderate. My apartment is on the 3 floor and the second floor had a mid dangerous level and the first had high dangerous level of co2.
After the fire dept narrow'd the issue down to our laundry room our apt complex gas was turned off for now 2 days i like to add... and my apartment's AC is not working and KC is having temps all the way up in the high 90 degree temps... but thats another story...
I called a little ago to my apartment manager to find out about our hot water and gas and AC issue and stated that we had a gas leak and that carbon monoxide was false
My question is that can my carbon monoxide go off for a gas leak?

Answer
From:
http://www.okaloosagas.com/residentialServices/carbon_monoxide.cfm

"Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that is very toxic, because it combines with the body's blood and prevents it from absorbing oxygen. Carbon monoxide results from the incomplete combustion of fuels such as gasoline, kerosene, heating oil, propane, diesel fuel, natural gas, wood and coal. The risk of CO accumulation is greater with poorly ventilated areas. Vents, equipment and chimneys that are not properly installed or maintained are the primary cause of carbon monoxide, even when operating properly. For this reason a car engine or other type of internal combustion engine should never be operated in an enclosed area, such as a garage.

A person exposed to carbon monoxide may complain of dizziness, headache, nausea, sleepiness, fatigue and flu-like or similar symptoms. In extreme cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal. If you suspect high levels of CO in your home, contact us immediately at (850)729-4700 for a CO test then get your family out of the house and seek medical attention, if necessary."

If I were you, I'd get out of that apartment. Try to find a detached duplex.

Your experience is exactly why I don't like apartment living. We never know what is going on in the rest of the building.

carbon monoxide / fire alarm detector going off?

Q. i don't know which one it is... one of them keeps going off and whenever someone goes near it it stops. i can't tell which one it is because they are right by one another and there's no sign to see which one it is. i'm scared. help?

p.s. there's no smoke or anything.

Answer
to tell which is going off---take down fire alarm-take out batteries....if alarm stops-it is the fire and probably needs new batteries---but do a real good sniff test around to make sure there is no smoke up where the alarm was...

if the alarm continues-it is the carbon monoxide one--i'd check to see if the thing takes batteries-or is it plugged into the wall--if it is in the wall--get out and call 911, or the fire co direct---if it doesn't--try putting in the battery from the fire alarm....if it still sounds---get out and call fire co.

Why didn't the carbon monoxide detector go off?

Q. We recently had our AC/heating unit replaced. The installer said the old one was leaking carbon monoxide. So why didn't the carbon monoxide detector go off? It was and still is working(the installer tested it).
The installer didn't try to sell us a new one.

Answer
The way gas furnaces work is the blower motor that circulates hot air through the house has a higher static pressure than the combustion blower moter that creates the fire making the heat exchanger get hot. When the heat exchanger goes bad or gets holes in it it can leak carbon monoxide but more likely it will lose pressure from the blower motor air forcing air into the heat exchanger and not into the house. This would cause a roll out event. This is where the flame from the furnace would travel in the wrong direction tripping a safety limit shutting down the furnace. The way furnaces are designed even if they leak carbon monoxide or have holes inb the heat exchanger they will still keep the levels in the house at safe limits.

Why does my carbon monoxide alarm keep going off?

LoveuEndle

Everytime my mother cooks using the stove, the carbon monoxide detector goes off. It seems like every sunday when she cooks for a long period of time faithfully the detector goes off like an hour after the stove has been shut off. I take it down remove the battery and open the windows. about 20 minutes later i put it back up....no alarm goes off. the battery is new so that shouldnt be an issue. The only thing i am fearing is a possible gas leak. What should i do?

Answer
It could be a couple of things.
How old is the detector? They have a sensor that only lasts so long and they should be replaced every 5 years.
If your mother is cooking with gas is there an exhaust fan that removes the air to the outside of the house? If not it could be caused by the recirculation of the combustion air back into the flames.
A good flame should also be a light blue, if it is a lazy yellow flame then there isn't enough primary air (air that is mixed with the gas before combustion) if that is the case then you should ask someone who knows how to adjust it and they should also check for soot which may be evidence of flame impingement.
Gas, like electricity, it is safe if done properly but can be very dangerous if done wrong and Carbon monoxide is very dangerous and any warnings should not be ignored.

How do I check 4 carbon monoxide?

Ash

Recently, every time the gas logs come on in my house, me, my brother, sister, and mom start getting headaches. My brother is the worst, also having nausea. Ithink it's because he sleeps near the heater.

Answer
They sell monitors that you can either plug in to a wall socket or use with batteries: You can find them at most large department stores like Walmart, Target, Sears, Home Depot, or Lowes.

They are kind of like smoke detectors.

where can you find a good and not to expensive carbon monoxide detectors in beverly hills?

Jessica l

name the places

Answer
I have no idea what type of retail stores you have in B.H.,
but you can get one at any Home Depot, Lowes, Target,
K-Mart, or probably any hardware store.

carbon monoxide?

SouthernBe

it only beeped once..about 10 minutes ago..should i be worried..i went to look at it and it only has one light and the light is red but it looks like it is flickering..the light is always red by the way..we have gas heat but our heat has been off for 2 months..our ac is on..where does carbon monoxide come from??

Answer
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless compound produced by incomplete combustion and lethal at high levels ...

The alarm points on carbon monoxide detectors are not a simple alarm level as in smoke detectors but are a concentration-time function. At lower concentrations (eg 100 parts per million) the detector will not sound an alarm for many tens of minutes. At 400 parts per million (PPM), the alarm will sound within a few minutes. This concentration-time function is intended to mimic the uptake of carbon monoxide in the body while also preventing false alarms due to relatively common sources of carbon monoxide such as cigarette smoke.

That being said ... you need to evacuate your residence ....

CO poisoning symptoms include confusion, headaches, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, etc ....

Sources may be from your water heater, chimney, etc

You need to have your home evaluated by a professional ... or at the very least have the sensor checked ...

CO poisoning symptoms include confusion, headaches, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, etc ....

Do I need a carbon monoxide detector?

barefootba

All of my utilities are electric. Do I still need to have a carbon monoxide detector in my home?

Answer
Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. Internal combustion engine such as portable generator and cars also produce CO.
If you donât have an attached garage the answer would be noâ¦.. with this caveat â¦.If you run a generator at times close to the house during power outages â¦..I would recommend it

Jumat, 14 Maret 2014

Why does my Nighthawk carbon monoxide detector keep chirping every so often and reading 248 after I reset it?

Dragonlady

The last few days, the detector has chirped...does it for about an hour or less, every 30 seconds or so. Sometimes it stops for hours..even up to a day before it does it again. I've changed the battery twice. It came up low battery once...but was reading 0 the whole time the other times it happened. Then when I hit reset, it went to 888, then to 248 and once said 247. I don't understand this...makes me worry, yet it goes back to 0.

Answer
It suggests that there most likely is a malfunction if as you say that you've put new batteries in. It could also be an end of life warning (not yours, the carbon monoxide detectors'). If you've had the alarm for between 4-7 years this could be the case. People have had some problems with this particular model of carbon monoxide detector. It's probably best to contact the manufacturer directly, in this case Kidde, and if you have a valid warranty get them to send a new one asap. If not and your detector is in the end of life period it's probably better to buy a new one asap anyway. In the meantime it's better not to take any risks; make sure your house is well ventilated at all times.

Carbon monoxide alarm beeping every 30 seconds - help?

Welcome to

It is beeping once every 30 seconds- it's quite a loud beep but short and doesn't really sound like an alarm. It is plugged into the wall so I don't think it takes batteries. The display says "L6" and then "0" (it displays one then the other repeatedly). I don't smell gas. I opened the doors and windows and all the lights are turned off. All living creatures now outside. What should I do?
I found the manual on the internet and it did have another battery which needs replacing. Thanks!

Answer
Make sure it doesn't take batteries, search around your house for the manual, open ALL windows.

My house carbon monoxide alarm keeps going off?

Angel

It has gone off 3 times this week. Should I be worried? It has been 3 hours since the garage was open.

Answer
Better get it checked by the fire department. When my grandson & I came home a couple years ago I heard my carbon monoxide alarm going off as soon as I parked the car in the driveway. The dispatcher said she would send someone immediately, but in the meantime we were supposed to go outside for our own safety "just in case". It was winter, we'd just had a snowfall, and it was freezing, but at least the car was still warm. When the firemen got there they told my grandson to stay in the car but had me come in to show them where the alarm was. I had already checked the battery before calling, but they took it out again. Even though it was a relatively new battery they replaced it with another. The alarm still kept going off. It was placed on a wall fairly close to the closet where the furnace was. They checked that out thoroughly to make sure there was no leak. Then one guy went through the entire house with a monitor checking each room. Another one inspected my gas stove and my water heater. They couldn't find anything wrong and said it must have been a defective alarm. They suggested I get another one and also have my plumber/electrician come in to reinspect the furnace if the new one went off. They were there almost 2 hrs. but I felt a lot safer when they left. My grandson, however, was frozen from staying in the car.

Better get it checked ASAP--carbon monoxide, as you probably know, is odorless and colorless. You won't know you have a problem unless the alarm goes off. Make sure you're not feeling headachy or lightheaded or just generally not well. Get into the fresh air if you are and use your cell to call the fire dept. It may be an old battery. I was told to change them every time I changed the batteries in my smoke detector.

Why does my carbon monoxide detector keep beeping?

MirandaT

2 days ago my detector started a slow beep every 30 seconds. I has no idea what was going on & turned the heater off & opened the windows. It stopped after about 10mon & I thought I solved the problem. Then yesterday it did it again! I did the same process over & even pushed the test/silence button to make it stop. I called & was told that it was a low battery that needed to be changed, So I went & bought new ones to exchange with the old. Again, I thought I solved the problem. Now, only 8 hours after purchasing new batteries the slow beeping has started up again!! I don't know what to do?? The heater hasn't been on since the first incident yesterday & the windows are still open. What should I do?!

Answer
What I would suggest is to try new batteries, If that fails, then put a different detector in same area and see if it happens with that one. If not, its safe to say you have a faulty detector. However, if it too goes off then there is always a possibility that you have a monoxide problem. Hope this helps.

Whats the best carbon monoxide detector to get?

Q. What would be the best kind to get? Or at least a good kind, but at a good price?

Answer
Bryant or Carrier CO detectors are good ones. Nighthawk also makes a good CO detector. I'd stay away from First Alert, their smoke detectors may work well but their CO detectors suck.

What is a high number on a carbon monoxide detector?

LINK

I have a Nighthawk carbon monoxide detector and what is a number to know so that i know it's dangerous and should get out? I know it goes off when theres carbon monoxide in the air but i wanna know the number just incase. And I just tested it to and it said 214 is that bad?

Answer
The nice thing about Nighthawk is that they have a digital readout of the CO level so that you can monitor it even if the CO level isn't high enough to trigger the alarm. Under normal circumstances, the display should always read 0. Now, there are things that could cause the reading to temporarily rise, like cooking with a gas stove or oven. But, after you are done cooking, the level should drop. If your detector is reading anything but 0 all the time, you need to find the source and have the problem corrected. I would normally red flag anything over 9 or 10 ppm. Although that is no where near lethal levels, it still indicates a problem. Long term exposure to low levels of CO is not good for you.

Kamis, 13 Maret 2014

I need help getting a recently purchased RV (USED) readyfor the season to camp & travel?

chris b

FLUSH SEWER ,WATERLINES,AND LIGHT WATER HEATER

Answer
I know this is a long answer, but your question warrants it, so here you go...

*Depending on how your unit was winterized it will need to be de-winterized. If you used non-toxic RV antifreeze you need to run fresh water through the entire system until the antifreeze is gone. To remove it from the 12-volt water pump add water to the fresh water-holding tank, turn the pump on and open all of the water faucets. When the antifreeze is out of the system turn the pump off and take the water heater out of the by-pass mode (if applicable). Replace any water filter cartridges you removed for storage.

*At this point I like to sanitize the water system. Make sure all of the drains are closed and drain plugs are installed. Take a quarter cup of household bleach for every fifteen gallons of water your fresh water tank holds. Mix the bleach with water into a one-gallon container and pour it in to the fresh water holding tank. Fill the fresh water holding tank completely full of water. Turn the pump on and run water through each hot and cold faucet, until you smell the bleach. Close the faucets and let it sit for twelve minutes. Drain all of the water and re-fill the tank with fresh water. Turn the pump on and open all faucets until you no longer smell any bleach. It may be necessary to repeat this process to eliminate all signs of bleach.

*With water in the fresh water holding tank turn the 12-volt water pump on and pressurize the water system until the pump shuts off. If the water pump cycles back on, even for a short period of time, there is a leak somewhere. Locate the leak and repair it or take it to an authorized RV service center to be repaired.

*Check the operation of the toilet. Add several gallons of water to the black water holding tank and treat the tank with holding tank chemicals.

*Wash the unit thoroughly. This is a good time to inspect the roof, body seams, and window sealant for cracking that would allow water to get in. Inspect sealants everywhere the manufacturer cut a hole in the RV. Consult a dealer for sealants compatible with these materials.

*Inspect the operation of the awning, clean and check the awning fabric for any damage. Inspect the tires for signs of dry rot. Inflate all tires to the recommended cold tire pressure. Lubricate all hinges and locks with spray lubricant.

*Remove any tape or protective covering you may have put over LP gas vents to keep insects and rodents out. Check any mousetraps you may have put out. Open all doors and compartments and check for rodent intrusion and water damage.

*Inspect and clean the interior of the RV.

*Plug in any appliances that you unplugged for storage and replace any dry cell batteries you may have removed. This is a good time to put new batteries in items like smoke alarms.

*Test the operation of the carbon monoxide detector, LP gas leak detector and smoke alarm.

*Check the fire extinguisher. Be sure it is fully charged.

*Reset any breakers you may have turned off. If you removed any fuses for storage re-install them.

*Clean or replace air conditioner filters if it wasnât done prior to storage and remove any covers that were put over air conditioners.

*Open vents and windows and air the unit out.

*If you removed the coach and chassis batteries for storage install them. Whether they were removed or not check the electrolyte levels, clean the terminals and clamps, and check the state of charge in all batteries. Recharge batteries as necessary.

*Check the operation of the electric steps if applicable. Lubricate step mechanism.

*Test the operation of the hydraulic jacks if applicable. Check hydraulic fluid level.

*Test the operation of the back up camera and monitor if applicable.

*If you didnât change the oil and filters in the generator prior to storage this is a good time to do it.

*Inspect the generator exhaust system for any damage prior to starting it. Start and run the generator for one hour with at least a half rated load on it. Consult the generators owner manual for proper load ratings.

*Turn the generator off and plug the unit in to shore power. Turn the refrigerator on in the electric mode. Allow sufficient time for it to cool and check for proper operation.

*Check all 12-volt interior lights and accessories.

*Test the monitor panel for proper operation.

*Check the operation of slide outs if applicable.

*Check the remaining 120-volt appliances for proper operation.

*Test the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) for proper operation.

*Turn the refrigerator off, leave the doors open and allow sufficient time for it to get to room temperature so it can be checked in the gas mode.

*Before I use the LP gas system I have a leak test and gas operating pressure test preformed. A qualified technician with the proper equipment should do these tests.

*Turn the LP gas valve on and check the operation of all LP gas appliances. Be sure the water heater is full of water before testing the water heater. If a gas appliance is not operating properly have it inspected by a qualified technician. Insects are attracted to the odorant added to LP gas and build nests that can affect the appliance from operating properly.

*If your unit was in long-term storage and you didnât change the engine oil and filter prior to storage this would be a good time to do it.

*Check all fluid levels in the transmission, power steering, engine coolant, engine oil, windshield washer and brakes. Consult vehicle ownerâs manual.

*Start the engine and check for proper readings on all gauges. Check for proper operation of the dash air conditioner.

*Chassis lubrication should be preformed if it wasnât done prior to storage.

*Check the condition of windshield wiper blades and replace if necessary.

*Check the operation of all chassis lights.

*Make sure the vehicle emissions / inspection sticker is up to date.

In addition to this if you have a pop up or travel trailer the wheel bearings and brakes (if equipped) should be inspected at least once annually. Inspect any canvas for dry rot and tears; inspect all hitch work and the coupler for any damage. Inspect the breakaway switch and pigtail for proper operation. It really doesnât take a lot of time to get your RV ready for another camping season, and you can rest assured that when itâs time to go camping your RV is ready too. Now for the fun part, load your clothes, food, and personal belongings, hit the road and have fun exploring this wonderful country we live in.

Why my fridge dont work?

he_who_squ

My fridge in the rv aint working at all. I checked just bout everything there is to check. But I am thinking that I needa new fridge.

Answer
RV Fridges are usually 3-mode (LP/Electric/Battery). Make sure that it is in the correct mode for what is available. If in LP, you have to have propane in the tank, the tank turned on and the unit must be dead-level. If Electric, mains electric must be connected properly and the breaker for the fridge turned on. If Battery, then there has to be a battery in place with an adequate charge and the change-over switch in the correct position if so-equipped. Further, if in LP, you may have to go through a manual start procedure.

Safety Tip: Don't run a propane appliance of any nature in an RV unless you have both a Carbon-Monoxide detector *AND* an LP Gas-Detector in place and working.

Read the manual for the unit if you can find it.

If I haven't used my wood stove in over a week, can it still put off carbon monoxide?

megrwest

I haven't burnt a fire in our stove in over a week. But, I haven't been feeling well the last few days. I went to the doctor today and she said she could smell smoke on me and wanted to check me for carbon monoxide. Today is friday and I won't know anything until monday. I am kinda worried.

Answer
I really doubt the coals would still be smoldering, but if you have any concerns what so ever, I would go to the local hardware store and buy a Carbon Monoxide detector. You could even call the fire dept. and see if they would recommend any particular model or brand. Whatever the price, it is well worth the peace of mind knowing that if the gas is present, that you would be alerted to it.

Do you have a working carbon monoxide dectector in your home at this time?

Eileen J

Answer
I don't because I don't have anything that burns fuel. If you have any appliance that burns fuel, oil, wood, etc you most definitely should have a co detector. Pay the price and get the best one that you can.

Does anyone own a KIDDE smoke or carbon monoxide detector?

catherine

I installed fresh batteries twice in both detectors & they are still going off intermittently. Coincidentally-both detectors did this on the same night. Any answers?

Answer
Check the build date on each unit. If they are more than 5 years old they need to be replaced. These detectors do not last forever.

Carbon Monoxide - Possible Sources?

Melissa

We live in the middle of a block of rowhomes in Baltimore City. For the second time in a month, the CO alarms have gone off at the houses on either side of us. This time, I was the only one of all of us who was awake. I had used hot water for a shower and washed a few dishes about an hour before. Firefighters checked our three homes, as well as the two other houses adjoining my neighbors. Readings were 30 ppm in one of the alarm houses and 90 in the other; zero in my home and the two other neighbors. When the firefighter turned on the hot water and held the meter next to my water heater for ten minutes, the highest reading he got was 8 ppm. We immediately replaced our CO alarm with a detector with a constant display, which is still showing 0 ppm after two hours in the room with the furnace (not running) and the water heater. The alley behind our homes is too narrow for a car or truck. We are at a loss for the source. Any ideas?
We have a Weber kettle grill and a Weber smoker, which we haven't used yet this year because we are having a particularly rainy summer. The alarm houses have gas grills, but this was 4.30 in the morning. Even if they both happened to have faulty tanks, they would have had to have been lit sometime around the time of the alarm, right? The 30 ppm house was gutted and rebuilt last year. The contractors were questionable, but the HVAC sub-contractors are reputable, as far as we know.

Answer
CO comes only from incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons (including charcoal), and not from any other sources. It is also lighter than air, and so may build up well away from where it is generated.

As you are in a row-house - if you share a chimney with a neighbor, and their flue is partially or entirely blocked, that CO may penetrate into your flue/house from next door. It is also possible that you may even share a flue, although that is unlikely.

Other sources might include a charcoal-fired grille near an open window or intake fan that might draw CO into the house. A partially blocked flue - or one that is blocked intermittently by a nest, or a loose brick or something similar such that the CO builds up at odd times.

I suggest that you check all your flues - all of them - and make sure that they are clear, free of any obstructions and draw properly. I suggest that while you are at it, you check any flues on your common walls and any that may vent near any of your windows at any level. You should also (if at all possible), see if your neighbors might be operating a charcoal device such as even a small hibachi inside their house - or may be using some other device such as a still, retort or other equipment that uses a fairly large flame, but may be in an area with restricted air intake.

NOTE ALSO: if you have your water heater in a tight basement, closet or other area without free access to outside (fresh) air in quantity, it might operate perfectly normally with the fire department standing around (all the doors open), but when you close the doors and restrict air-flow to it, start to produce CO in quantity.

You have done the right thing with the detector. Good luck with it in general!

Rabu, 12 Maret 2014

is it necessary to ventilate a gas fireplace?

Marsha

We have a gas fireplace. It has a chiminey. Do you need to have ventilation to the outside

Answer
If you do not have a ventless gas fireplace it must be vented outdoors. Some states have banned these fireplaces due to environmental and safety hazard reasons. They potentially build up carbon monoxide, deplete oxygen, and lead to unconsciousness or even suffocation. Even with a outdoor vented fireplace, when you are burning indoors any type of liquid or solid fuel for heating, cooking or other use, you should have an active carbon monoxide detector installed in your home.

If you have fuel-burning appliances on more than one level of your home, you should have a carbon monoxide detector on each floor. For example, if you have a gas range on the main floor and a furnace on the lower level, you should have detectors on each of these floors.

Such fuel-burning appliances are generally tested and safe to use, but should there be a clogged vent line or any part of the appliance that becomes faulty, it could release hazardous levels of carbon monoxide in your home and death can occur within minutes. But you can keep your family safe by using a carbon monoxide detector which can alert you to the presence of this silent toxic gas.

If you work regularly on running vehicles in a closed garage, you should also consider installing a unit in that area.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N8OYXI/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=1278548962&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00002N86A&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1E7V02E19TH8EPM6VSVQ

What impact do humans have on the carbon cycle? ?

Q. What impact do humans have on the carbon cycle? ? i need help on that
my teacher told me "You are confusing carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide"

here is my answer[you don't have to read if you don't want]
"Humans take fossil fuels, burn them to release energy, and produce CO2 in the atmosphere. Humans and other animals breathing CO2 is normal part of the cycle. Taking billions of years of collected solid carbon deposits, and burning them into the atmosphere as CO2 within a couple-hundred years, is NOT the normal part of the cycle. The CO2 breathing plants are not keeping up, and the CO2 is accumulating. It's bad that Carbon Dioxide is accumulating because it has a greater affinity for hemoglobin than oxygen and can kick the oxygen off of hemoglobin causing a person to suffocate, but you can't smell it or taste it so it is extremely dangerous. That's why they have home CO detectors.
"

so what's the correct one?

Answer
Good answer but the chemical that you described at the end is Carbon Monoxide not Carbon Dioxide (two very different chemicals in the way they behave and abundance). CO2 is far more abundant than CO not as nearly as dangerous (or at least not as inherently dangerous). CO2 does NOT have a greater affinity for hemoglobin than oxygen, however CO does and that is why it is so much more dangerous.

How many carbon monoxide detectors are to be installed?

cpxchiseen

Beginning as of July 1, 2011, all homes of California must install carbon monoxide detectors. However does the law specify where the detectors are to be installed and how many? Should I just replace every smoke detector with a carbon monoxide/smoke detector or add carbon monoxide detectors in specific spots?

Answer
Our towns code states that there should be one for every smoke-detector. And there has to be 1 smoke detector on each story + one in each room that could, possibly, maybe be used as a bedroom someday + one directly outside each room that could, possibly, maybe be used someday as a bedroom + one inside and outside each hallway + one by each egress door + one within 5 feet of the furnace + one in each bathroom
I would need 17 in the house I'm living in. Since the regulations are so stupid and overbearing, I only have 1 (and am in gross violation of the International Property Maintenance Code)

btw I live in a crappy little ghost town in the Midwest
Republicans LOVE pushing regulations on poor people

Is a landlord allowed to park in the garage if he is renting the apartment inside the garage?

Deanna

The exhaust pipe is literally 2ft from the door of the apt. In California. Everyday it's in and out with an SUV! No carbon monoxide detector was provided by landlord. I had to get one myself. I have 2small children in the house and I'm worried about our health. Is there a law that protects us from this?

Answer
Who has access to the garage really should be provided for in the lease; if it isn't, talk to your landlord about setting up clearer terms.

That said, unless he's idling in the garage, you don't have to be that worried about carbon monoxide.

Why does my Nighthawk carbon monoxide detector keep chirping every so often and reading 248 after I reset it?

Dragonlady

on a nighthawk detector what numbers are considered unsafe?

Nay

We have a Nighthawk carbon monoxide detector in our home. The number 8 just recently appeared on the screen. Should we be concerned? No alarm has gone off.

Answer
I just installed one of those the other day and I would have sworn that 8 was an error code that I got and that you just have to unplug the detector and plug it back in. But I just looked at the manual online and there is no mention of 8 being an error code. It does display "888" for a few seconds when you fist plug it in.

If it is steadily displaying an 8 then that is the level of carbon monoxide that it has detected since last reset. On the one hand that is a very low level and is safe - some references put the maximum continuous exposure level at 35 ppm and some say 50 ppm. Either way, 8 ppm is very low.

But then you have to wonder where the 8 ppm came from and if it is from a leak than may get worse over time. Having a CO detector is a good thing, it will make plenty of noise if the levels ever get to the point that you need to take action.

You could call Kidde at 800-880-6788 and talk to them if you want some reassurance.

my carbon monoxide detector is reading 40 and it beeps like once a minute. should I be concerned? its a Kidde?

tx4jones

Answer
Check your Battery or replace your battery if it still says the same thing then this may sound crazy but call your local fire dept. NOT !!!!! 911 local fire dept. -n- ask them about the %

can you please answer!! abt carbon monoxide!!?

Sarah

basically i woke abt an hr ago to the sound of the carbon monoxide alarm beeping! it isnt very loud and it beeps every 40 seconds. is there carbon monoxide in the house or is it just the battery????? i dont think it would b the battery cuz we just got the alarm less than 3 months ago!! please answer!! would it make a louder noise if there was carbon monoxide here?? thanks and have a great day!!!!!!!!!!

Answer
CO detectors also detect smoke. When a battery gets low the detector usually chirps once every few minutes or so. Every 40 seconds doesn't sound right, the unit may be defective, or they designed it to be more insistent when you have a low battery.

If the alarm was detecting something that needed to be announced the alarm would be beeping rapidly - continuously until the battery went dead. Since yours isn't doing that I'd have to guess it's probably safe to still be in the house.

My wife just bought a new clock. Came with a new battery. But it wasn't working. She was going to take it back but I thought why not just switch the battery. Turned out the contacts were dirty and only needed to be cleaned. Sometimes you get a defective device. I've had plenty of NEW batteries that were almost dead when I took them out of the package. Could just be you need a new battery. No telling how long that thing sat on the shelf - or even if someone bought it and decided they didn't want it any longer. Or maybe they had an old one and bought a new one then put the old one back in the box and brought it back for a refund. These ARE hard economic times and there's no telling what someone may do.

My advice is if the device is acting suspiciously (as I suspect based on the 40 second chirp) I'd think it might be time to either read the instructions or take it back for a new one.

Hope this helps.

'av'a g'day mate.

")

Carbon Monoxide detector went off (level 123) post tub refinishing.?

Linda

My apt. management had my tub refinished when I was not at home. I returned home to horrendously strong odor, my cat hiding under the couch. Doesn't seem worker vented the spray to the outside. I was home the first time the tub was refinished and know that a vent hose went out the window and the smell was strong, but not intolerable. This time it was terrible with deposits on towels, etc. - required washing. It took 3-4 hours for the 123 level on the detector to slowly return to zero with doors and windows open and several days for the smell to pretty much dissipate. I am worried about the health hazard me and my cat were exposed to. My cat was exposed possibly for 2-3 hours. She has coughed and I am worried about long term effects. I am assuming the detector went off because of low oxygen level. Is this right? Linda

Answer
it went off because of high CO levels what are the levels now?
if over 44 you should call the fire dept.
call your vet about the cat but there isnt anything they can do for it anyway.
as for you you may need to be tested, and should call your physician, or
your local hospital, CO DOES NOT leave the body, as im aware.
so there are side effects you may experience, and as i said you should be
advised by your medical counsel.

carbon monoxide?

April

the oven gives off this burnt smell while on... could it be carbon monoxide? how long after you smell it will it affect you, does it happen right away or does it take hours

Answer
You can't smell carbon monoxide. You burned something in the past and it's coming back to haunt you.

Carbon monoxide in a concentration of 1500ppm will kill you in about 5 minutes. If you have a CO detector, they go off at 100.

However, the effects of CO are cumulative. What it does is replace the oxygen in the hemoglobin. The bond is about 200 times stronger than oxygen's bond, so you can't rid your body of it without medical attention. The doctors stick people in hyperbaric chambers (pressurized with pure oxygen) and leave you in there until your oxygen level comes back up to normal levels.

I wouldn't worry about CO that much with what you're describing, but I would clean out that oven. If it's self-cleaning, that's the best. Also, you should have a CO detector in your home with a digital display. Once it gets to 35ppm, OSHA says that it's too dangerous to work there.

Selasa, 11 Maret 2014

If I haven't used my wood stove in over a week, can it still put off carbon monoxide?

megrwest

Do you have a working carbon monoxide dectector in your home at this time?

Eileen J

Senin, 10 Maret 2014

I am 16 and pregnant. what different kinds of baby items do I need?

Q. I am expecting a baby at only 16 years old (im 18 weeks pregnant) and I need a little help at where to start when picking the baby items for my baby. Also, I am having a little girl! What is needed for a baby? I am looking for fun, cute, in style, girly baby items. I would really like to have all-natural/recycled/organic items. I chose an organic baby formula for my baby. What all do I need to have? I need to know everything that I might need. Anything from a baby crib to a diaper disposal or even what types of baby clothes I need (pajamas,dressy clothes,play clothes, etc.) I would also love to have links. Especially ones that lead me to anything organic/natural/recycled. Is there such a thing as a organic baby mattress? Anything information about infants and what they might need when born is extremely helpful. Thanks!
I know some people say that I am giving teens a bad image but I know that I made a mistake and I accepted that. I know not going to raise my baby thinking that she was a mistake. I want to make the best of my situation. So please I am not here to be told what I did wrong or how I could be better but all I want is advice. Thanks!
Money isn't a problem right this minute. I want my stuff to be organic and natural. Thanks! =]

Answer
Just a little warning: Babies can get very expensive, so when the baby shower comes around, don't be shy to ask for what you really need.

BABY GEAR
Car Seat
Stroller
High Chair

FURNITURE
Crib
Crib Mattress
Play Pen
Changing Table
Dresser
Rocking Chair

CLOTHING
Onsies
Dresses
Socks/Booties
Sweaters
Mittens
Shoes
Hats

DIAPERING
Diapers
Wipes
Ointments
Powders

FEEDING
Bibs
Bottles & nipples
Plastic Spill mats for around highchair.
Plastic bowls
Plastic sip cups
Rubber tipped baby spoons

BATHING
Baby Tub
Tub seat
Slip resistant bath tub mats
Tub spout cover
Washcloths
Soaps & Lotions
Hooded towels

SLEEPING
Waterproof crib / mattress liner
Fitted Sheets for crib, bassinet or playard.
Bumpers for crib sides
Blankets

SAFETY
Baby Monitor
Smoke alarm / carbon monoxide detector for baby's room.
Rectal thermometer
First Aid kit
Safety Gates
Outlet covers
Toilet seat latches
Stove & Oven guards
Cabinet & drawer latches
Bumpers

FOR MOM
Nursing bras
Breast pads
Breast shields
Cream for nipples
Panty liners / pads (only needed for first few weeks or so after birth)
Most items only needed while breastfeeding

MISCELLANEOUS
Small lamp or nightlight for baby's room
Classical or Lullaby music
Reference books on safety issues, parenting, etc.
Books that you can read to your baby
Baby nail clippers
Nasal aspirator
Car seat & Stroller toys
Crib Toys
Dreft laundry soap (Doctors & parents alike recommend this very mild laundry detergent for washing your baby's clothes)

Here are some ADORABLE baby clothes:
http://www.babyme.cc/newborn_baby_girls_clothes_1.htm

â¥

what company makes carbon monoxide detectors?

sherry m

Answer
First Alert makes a great Carbon Monoxide detector. These can be found at most home improvement stores such as Home Depot, or Lowes, some hardware stores carry them as well.

I think my house has carbon monoxide?

Julia

My mom turned the heat on tonight for about 5 or 10 minutes. As soon as i noticed i was getting dizzy i checked my vent and closed it. I am now sitting outside worrying myself to death because I over think everything. I am a little queezy and dizzy but no headaches. I was in the shower when i started to feel the dizziness become worse. I immediately got out of the shower and stuck my head out the window. My mom turned the heat off and i seem to be the only one feeling this way. i might just be worrying myself sick. I tend to do that. But still should i be worrying this much or am i olay now that the heat is off? Im afraid to go back into my house.

Answer
There are Carbon Monoxide detectors available. You can get them from Lowe's or Home Depot. They are about the same price as a smoke detector.

Would I know if I had carbon monixide poisoning?

Chris

I know it's unlikely, but about a year ago I woke up feeling sick out of it, loopy, and had ongoing headaches, this has been less intense and more bearable than it had been in the past year, I came across carbon monoxide poisoning and questioned if that was a possibility. I smoked weed the night before so maybe anxiety of depression was triggered and I hadn't smoked since.

Answer
If you have a worry about carbon monoxide although it is quite rare unless you have a faulty gas heater nearby then get a detector. They are quite reasonably priced these days.

If I haven't used my wood stove in over a week, can it still put off carbon monoxide?

megrwest

carbon monoxide detector?

niknac

My carbon monoxide detector beeped three times and read 47 than 97 and went off what does this mean? Should I be concerned?

Answer
yes, open your windows and call a gas man

Smoke alarm won't stop beeping?

katesomes8

We just recently installed a new light fixture in our house, and we had to turn off a breaker to do it... unfortunately, it was the same breaker as the smoke alarms, and now they're all going haywire. I have two Kidde KN-COSM-IB combo smoke/carbon monoxide detectors that are three years old. At first they were just beeping every minute or so, so I tried to reset them by turning the power back off and taking out the batteries for a few minutes, but now they're beeping and saying "low battery." So I replaced all the batteries. Still beeping every 20 seconds telling me the batteries are low. Any idea how to get this to stop? Otherwise I'm going to disconnect them and remove the batteries so my ears stop ringing!
Sorry, I wasn't clear... they kept beeping the entire time the breaker was off, but even now that I've reconnected it it's happening. I've changed the batteries twice with no luck...
We actually went to the store and got a new set of batteries, and after we installed those and reset the breaker, it's been quiet. I guess I was just unlucky with two sets of bad batteries! Regardless, I'm just glad that it's stopped... the light fixture is working without any problems and the smoke/carbon monoxide detectors are testing normal. Thanks everyone for your help!

Answer
Try re-connecting your breaker to turn on the lights and fix the annoying beeping noise, if that fails, unplug and then plug in all of the smoke alarms. And if all of that doesn't work, replace the batteries.

I hope this helped :)

A.W.

Minggu, 09 Maret 2014

Carbon Monoxide Detector - Peak Level Reading Question?

Alex

I have the Kidde KN-COPP-3 detector and I'm having a little trouble figuring out how it's operating.

So far I have not had any alarms go off, and I always get a reading of zero. However, today when I came home I had the "Err" error message displayed, and when I tested the Peak Level Memory it came up as "999." When I test now, however, the unit is reading "0".

How can it be possible that I have had a 999ppm reading and the alarm never went off? Could this be due to the error that was displayed today? The unit was safely plugged in when I checked, my only guess for what might have happened was a brief power surge/outage but my neighbors are saying they didn't have anything of that sort.

Just concerned and wondering what this machine is trying to tell me. I'm looking for a customer service number so I can check it myself.

(For reference, I'm not currently nor have I recently experienced any symptoms of C.O. poisoning, but for safety's sake I've opened my windows and done several Tests on the unit.)

Answer
Check you peak reading often, but 999 would be so lethal. I've heard anything more then 100 for a few minutes can be fatal. Most likely it was apart of your err. message. Mine reads a peak sometimes around 16, but the only time i've seen err or high numbers is when the battery is dead, and changing the battery/resetting the unit.

Where can I rent a large cylinder of carbon monoxide?

Christophe

How much would it cost as well?

Answer
Well you have lots of good advice if you are thinking of harming yourself and if you are I urge you to follow it.

I am hoping you might be a budding entomologist ( Insect collector) wondering how to euthanize bugs. Or perhaps you want to test a bunch of carbon monoxide detectors or perhaps you do have a project in mind like the wood burning vehicles they used to get around during WW2 or want to try smelting some iron ore.

Anyway CO is not available to the general public in tanks such as co2 or O2 or other useful gases as it is much to dangerous to fool around with.

I need to carry a compressed canister of Carbon Dioxide in my van.?

canislupus

What safety precautions should I take. Where can I buy a cheap CO2 detector online.

Answer
The main thing is to be sure the cylinder is in proper condition. If you are not sure, companies that test and maintain fire extinguishers can run the hydrostating test. After that, being sure that the valves and fittings are the proper type and in good condition is important. Safety in transportation depends upon the cylinder being properly secured so that it does not roll around or move when the vehicle moves. Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are pretty common and not too expensive but will not help with CO2. CO2 is present in extremely low levels in the air and a detector would have determine a change in the level and would thus be expensive.

Popular Post

Sabtu, 15 Maret 2014

Faulty Carbon Monoxide Dectector?

carbon monoxide / fire alarm detector going off?

Why does my carbon monoxide alarm keep going off?

where can you find a good and not to expensive carbon monoxide detectors in beverly hills?

Do I need a carbon monoxide detector?

Jumat, 14 Maret 2014

Carbon monoxide alarm beeping every 30 seconds - help?

Why does my carbon monoxide detector keep beeping?

What is a high number on a carbon monoxide detector?

Kamis, 13 Maret 2014

Why my fridge dont work?

Do you have a working carbon monoxide dectector in your home at this time?

Carbon Monoxide - Possible Sources?

Rabu, 12 Maret 2014

What impact do humans have on the carbon cycle? ?

Is a landlord allowed to park in the garage if he is renting the apartment inside the garage?

on a nighthawk detector what numbers are considered unsafe?

can you please answer!! abt carbon monoxide!!?

carbon monoxide?

Selasa, 11 Maret 2014

Do you have a working carbon monoxide dectector in your home at this time?

Senin, 10 Maret 2014

I think my house has carbon monoxide?

If I haven't used my wood stove in over a week, can it still put off carbon monoxide?

Smoke alarm won't stop beeping?

Minggu, 09 Maret 2014

I need to carry a compressed canister of Carbon Dioxide in my van.?

Search blog

Blog Archive