Carbon monoxide detector

A carbon monoxide detector or CO detector is a device that detects the presence of the carbon monoxide (CO) gas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. In the late 1990s Underwriters Laboratories changed the definition of a single station CO detector with a sound device to carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. This applies to all CO safety alarms that meet UL 2034 standard;[1] however for passive indicators and system devices that meet UL 2075, UL refers to these as carbon monoxide detectors.

Carbon monoxide detector connected to an electrical outlet
Carbon monoxide alarm

CO is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials. It is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it is virtually undetectable by humans. In a study by Underwriters Laboratories, "Sixty percent of Americans could not identify any potential signs of a CO leak in the home".[2] Elevated levels of CO can be dangerous to humans depending on the amount present and length of exposure. Smaller concentrations can be harmful over longer periods of time while increasing concentrations require diminishing exposure times to be harmful.[3]

CO detectors are designed to measure CO levels over time and sound an alarm before dangerous levels of CO accumulate in an environment, giving people adequate warning to safely ventilate the area or evacuate. Some system-connected detectors also alert a monitoring service that can dispatch emergency services if necessary.

While CO detectors do not serve as smoke detectors and vice versa, combined smoke/CO detectors are also sold.[4] In the home, some common sources of CO include open flames, space heaters, water heaters, blocked chimneys or running a car or grill inside a garage.[5]

Installation

The devices, which retail for $15–$60 USD and are widely available, can either be battery-operated or AC powered (with or without a battery backup). Battery lifetimes have been increasing as the technology has developed and certain battery-powered devices now advertise a battery lifetime of up to 10 years. All CO detectors have "test" buttons like smoke detectors but the Test Button on a CO alarm only tests the battery, electronic circuit and buzzer, not the alarm’s ability to sense gas.

CO detectors can be placed near the ceiling or near the floor because CO has nearly the same density as air,[6][7] but the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states: "Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height".[8]

Since CO is colorless, tasteless, and odorless (unlike smoke from a fire), detection in a home environment is impossible without such a warning device. It is a highly toxic inhalant and attaches to the hemoglobin in the blood stream with an affinity 200x stronger than oxygen,[9] producing inadequate amounts of oxygen traveling through the body.

When carbon monoxide detectors were introduced into the market, they had a limited lifespan of 2 years. However as battery technology developments have increased this and many now advertise up to 10 years however the sensor components can fail at any time for many reasons and failure may not be detected by the test button. Newer models are designed to signal a need to be replaced after a set time-span but the sensor could still fail at any time.

According to the 2005 edition of the carbon monoxide guidelines, NFPA 720,[10] published by the National Fire Protection Association, sections 5.1.1.1 and 5.1.1.2, all CO detectors “shall be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms,” and each detector “shall be located on the wall, ceiling or other location as specified in the installation instructions that accompany the unit.”

According to the 2009 edition of the IRC,[11] published by the International Code Council, section R315.1, "For new construction, an approved carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms in dwelling units within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages", and section 315.2, "Where work requiring a permit occurs in existing dwellings that have attached garages or in existing dwellings within which fuel-fired appliances exist, carbon monoxide alarms shall be provided in accordance with Section R315.1."

Installation locations vary by manufacturer. Manufacturers’ recommendations differ to a certain degree based on research conducted with each one’s specific detector. Therefore, make sure to read the provided installation manual for each detector before installing.

CO detectors are available as stand-alone models or system-connected, monitored devices.[12] System-connected detectors, which can be wired to either a security or fire panel, are monitored by a central station. In case the residence is empty, the residents are sleeping or occupants are already suffering from the effects of CO, the central station can be alerted to the high concentrations of CO gas and can send the proper authorities to investigate.

The gas sensors in CO alarms have a limited and indeterminable life span, typically two to five years. The test button on a CO alarm only tests the battery and circuitry, not the sensor. CO alarms should be tested with an external source of calibrated test gas, as recommended by the latest version of NFPA 720. Alarms over five years old should be replaced but they should be checked on installation and at least annually during the manufacturers warranty period. Most alarm manufacturers now recommend sensor inclusive testing on installation and at least annually.

Sensors

Early designs used a chemical detector consisting of a white pad that faded to a brownish or blackish color in the presence of carbon monoxide. Such detectors are cheap, but only give a visual warning. As carbon monoxide related deaths increased during the 1990s, audible alarms became standard.

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, e.g. 100 parts per million (PPM), the detector does not sound an alarm for many tens of minutes. At 400 PPM, the alarm sounds 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 brief bursts of carbon monoxide from relatively common sources such as cigarette smoke.

Four types of sensors are available, varying in cost, accuracy and speed of response.[13] Most detectors do not have replaceable sensors.

Opto-chemical type

The detector consists of a pad of a coloured chemical which changes colour upon reaction with carbon monoxide. They only provide a qualitative warning of the gas however. The main advantage of these detectors is that they are the lowest cost, but the downside is that they also offer the lowest level of protection.

One reaction used for carbon monoxide detection is potassium disulfitopalladate (II) catalytic oxidation:

As reaction progresses, atomic palladium release causes the color to change from yellow to brown to black.

Biomimetic type

A biomimetic sensor works in a fashion similar to hemoglobin which darkens in the presence of CO proportional to the amount of carbon monoxide in the surrounding environment. It uses cyclodextrins, a chromophore, and a number of metal salts. This can either be seen directly or connected to an infrared source of photons such as an IR LED and then monitored using a photodiode. Battery lifespan usually lasts 2–3 years with conventional alkaline, but a lithium battery will last the life of the product. The biotechnology based sensors have a useful operational life of 6 years. These products were the first to enter the mass market, but because they cost more than other sensors they are mostly used in higher-end areas and RVs. The technology has been improved and is the most reliable technology, according to a report from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.[14] The technology is the only one tested false alarm free and is preferred by those with larger facilities like hospitals, hotels and apartments that use air fresheners, alcohols and other disinfectants where the cost of one false alarm is very high. This technology was invented in the United States and is manufactured in California.

Electrochemical type

The electrochemical detector uses the principle of a fuel cell to generate an electrical current when the gas to be detected undergoes a chemical reaction. The generated current is precisely related to the amount of carbon monoxide in the immediate environment close to the sensor. Essentially, the electrochemical cell consists of a container, two electrodes, connection wires and an electrolyte, typically sulfuric acid. Carbon monoxide is oxidized at one electrode to carbon dioxide while oxygen is consumed at the other electrode. For carbon monoxide detection, the electrochemical cell has advantages over other technologies in that it has a highly accurate and linear output to carbon monoxide concentration, requires minimal power as it is operated at room temperature, and has a long lifetime, which typically is five years to ten years. This technology has become the dominant technology in the United States and in Europe. Test buttons only indicate the operational effectiveness of the battery, circuit and buzzer. The only way to fully test the operation of a CO alarm using an electrochemical cell is with a known source of calibrated test gas delivered in a shroud to maintain the concentration level for the test period.

Semiconductor type

Thin wires of the semiconductor tin dioxide on an insulating ceramic base provide a sensor monitored by an integrated circuit. This sensing element must be heated to approximately 400 °C for operation. Oxygen increases resistance of the tin dioxide while carbon monoxide reduces resistance. The integrated circuit monitors the resistance of the sensing element. Lifespans are approximately five years and alarms need testing on installation and at least annually with a test gas.

The large power demand of this sensor means that it is usually powered from the mains. A battery-powered, pulsed sensor is available with a lifetime in months.

This technology has traditionally found high utility in Japan and the far east with some market penetration in USA. However the superior performance of electrochemical cell technology is beginning to displace this technology.

Digital

Although all home detectors use an audible alarm signal as the primary indicator, some versions also offer a digital readout of the CO concentration, in parts per million. Typically, they can display both the current reading and a peak reading from memory of the highest level measured over a period of time. These advanced models cost somewhat more but are otherwise similar to the basic models.

The digital models offer the advantage of being able to observe levels that are below the alarm threshold, learn about levels that may have occurred during an absence, and assess the degree of hazard if the alarm sounds. They may also aid emergency responders in evaluating the level of past or ongoing exposure or danger. The accuracy of these digital readouts has been reported in USA as highly inaccurate.

Portable

Portable CO detectors are also available; these are typically used for professional applications or in some cases by consumers such as property managers for maintenance and diagnosis issues (i.e. sourcing a CO leak). Most offer real time measurements of CO down to a few ppm (usually shown on a digital display), and are more expensive than home safety CO detectors (e.g. ~$250 vs $25). There are two types of portable detectors, one that is designed for aircraft, cars and trucks. They will warn the driver and passenger if there is a CO hazard. Another type is used by industrial hygienists and first responders. Digital, fast responding portable type CO detectors are usually a better choice for real time "on the go" applications as they respond to low levels of CO in seconds rather than minutes or hours (which is the case for UL2034 listed residential alarm). Most manufacturers recommend that portable detectors are returned for re-calibration annually. Portable detectors should be regularly bump tested with a calibrated test gas to ensure that the sensors are still operative.

Wireless

Wireless home safety devices are available that link carbon monoxide detectors to vibrating pillow pads, strobes or a remote warning handset.

Legislation in the United States

In the U.S. (as of January 2017) 32 states have enacted statutes regarding carbon monoxide detectors, and another 11 have promulgated regulations on CO detectors,[15] as well as in Washington, D.C. and New York City. In Canada CO alarm requirements came into force on October 15, 2014 in Ontario,[16] there is a strong movement in Alberta to make CO detectors mandatory in all homes.[17]

More and more states are legislating for their installation as a mandatory feature.[18]

House builders in Colorado are required to install carbon monoxide detectors in new homes in a bill signed into law in March 2009 by the state legislature. House Bill 1091 requires installation of the detectors in new and resold homes near bedrooms as well as rented apartments and homes. It took effect on July 1, 2009. The legislation was introduced after the death of Denver investment banker Parker Lofgren and his family. Lofgren, along with his wife and children were found dead in their home near Aspen, Colorado on Nov. 27, 2008, victims of carbon-monoxide poisoning.

In New York State, "Amanda's Law" (A6093A/C.367) requires one- and two-family residences which have fuel burning appliances to have at least one carbon monoxide alarm installed on the lowest story having a sleeping area, effective since February 22, 2010. Although homes built before Jan. 1, 2008 are allowed to have battery-powered alarms, homes built after that date need to have hard-wired alarms. In addition, New York State contractors have to install a carbon monoxide detector when replacing a fuel burning water heater or furnace if the home is without an alarm. The law is named for Amanda Hansen, a teenager who died from carbon monoxide poisoning from a defective boiler while at a sleepover at a friend's house.[19]

Alaska House Bill 351 requires a carbon monoxide detector be installed in dwelling units that contain or are serviced by a carbon based fuel appliance or other device that produces by products of combustion.

In July 2011, California required installation of carbon monoxide detectors in existing single-family homes, with multifamily homes following in 2013.[20] CA Law 2015 require all new installation of smoke and CO alarms to be 10 year non serviceable type.[21] Existing alarms may not need to be replaced for home owners, see local codes. Required alarm location also vary per local enforcing agencies.

In Maine all rental units must have carbon monoxide detectors and non rental homes are recommended but not required to have carbon monoxide detectors [22]

Standards
North America

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Association reports, "The standards organizations of Canada (CSA) and the United States (Underwriters Laboratories or UL) have coordinated the writing of CO standards and product testing. The standards as of 2010 prohibit showing CO levels of less than 30 ppm on digital displays. The most recent standards also require the alarm to sound at higher levels of CO than with previous editions of the standard. The reasoning behind these changes is to reduce calls to fire stations, utilities and emergency response teams when the levels of CO are not life threatening. This change will also reduce the number of calls to these agencies due to detector inaccuracy or the presence of other gases. Consequently, new alarms will not sound at CO concentrations up to 70 ppm. Note that these concentrations are significantly in excess of the Canadian health guidelines,"[23] (and also in excess of US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible exposure limits, which is 50 ppm).[24]

UK

In the UK a domestic/Type-B alarm compliant with BS EN 50291:2001 should emit an audible alarm after about 3 minutes exposure to 300 ppm CO, or 10 to 40 minutes at 100 ppm, or 60 to 90 minutes at 50 ppm.

References
  1. "Standard for Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms". UL. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  2. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved February 28, 2016.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. NFPA 720: Standard for the Installation of Household Carbon Monoxide (CO) Warning Equipment, 2005 Edition, Annex B Dangers of Carbon Monoxide, B.1 Carbon Monoxide, Table B.1 Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Exposure Based on Concentration
  4. "Carbon Monoxide Detectors Buying Guide". ranky10.com. September 22, 2017. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  5. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Carbon Monoxide Detectors Can Save Lives (CPSC Document #5010), archived from the original on April 9, 2009, retrieved July 29, 2007
  6. Metropolitan Utilities District, Carbon monoxide detectors, archived from the original on August 14, 2007, retrieved July 29, 2007
  7. CO Alert, Placement of Carbon Monoxide Detectors Important, archived from the original on June 6, 2013, retrieved January 11, 2009
  8. "Public Education - Carbon monoxide alarms - Safety tips". National Fire Protection Association. 2019. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
  9. Guyton A C: Medical Physiology 12ed. 2010, page 502
  10. NFPA 720: Standard for the Installation of Household Carbon Monoxide (CO) Warning Equipment, 2005 Edition
  11. 2009 International Residential Code® for One- and Two-family Dwellings
  12. "Top 5 Things to Know About CO," LifeSafety magazine, Fall 2006
  13. Guide to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, retrieved July 29, 2007
  14. Gundel, Lara A.; Michael G. Apte; Albert R. Nematollahi (1998). Carbon Monoxide Detector Technology Comparison: Response to Various Gases (PDF) (Technical report). Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. LBNL-40556. Retrieved January 14, 2014.
  15. "Carbon Monoxide Detector Requirements, Laws and Regulations". National Conference of State Legislatures. April 3, 2017. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  16. "Carbon Monoxide Alarm Questions and Answers". Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  17. Eva Ferguson (January 6, 2017). "Carbon monoxide safety advocate to lobby Alberta to make detectors mandatory in Alberta". Calgary Sun. Archived from the original on October 24, 2017. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  18. http://artclesgalore.com/article.php?id=2879%5B%5D
  19. "Welcome Page". New York State Office of Fire Prevention & Control. Archived from the original on May 21, 2010. Retrieved March 18, 2010.
  20. Senate Bill 183
  21. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on May 6, 2016. Retrieved November 6, 2015.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  22. Carbon Monoxide Environmental & Occupational Health Programs.
  23. Canadian Mortgage and Housing Association Archived April 11, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  24. "Carbon monoxide". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). April 11, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2016.


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