Every year, there are several thousand emergency ambulances in Germany as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. The dangerous breath poison is not to be seen, not to taste and not to smell and is therefore considered a silent killer. CO gas is produced when carbonaceous fuels such as natural gas, wood, or oil charcoalburn with too little oxygen. Often defective gas heating and heating systems and poorly maintained Stovesresponsible for the leakage of the deadly gas. Affected initially feel only mild symptoms such as headache or dizziness. As a result, CO gas leads to powerlessness and suffocation. To avoid accidents with CO gas should be in every household CO detectors be installed. He records the smallest amounts of carbon monoxide in the air and alerts the residents like a fire alarm with a loud beep. This can save lives in an emergency.

To protect CO detectors from poisoning

The basic technical principle is the same for all CO detectors: An electrochemical sensor registers very small amounts of the dangerous gas in the ambient air. For the alarm, the amount of carbon monoxide registered is crucial. Recommended detectors such as the Binwo CO detectors are based on the values ​​of the EU standard EN 50291. It determines when the alarm is to be triggered. The detectors use the measuring unit PPM („parts per million“, German: „parts of a million“). At a value of 50 ppm, the CO detectors after 60-90 minutes alarm. At 100 ppm already after 10-40 minutes. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting. With life-threatening values ​​from 300 ppm, the alarm sounds within 3 minutes. Some devices are also equipped with a pre-warning function. As soon as the CO concentration increases even slightly, this can be seen on the optical display.

To protect against CO gas, homeowners need to replace the detectors after a few years. The reason for this are the electrochemical sensors, which age over time and lose their functionality. Depending on the manufacturer, the devices have a maximum lifespan of five to ten years. An equally important point is the energy supply. Cheap detectors use commercially available AA batteries. Here is after a while a maintenance to the batteriesreplaced. However, most appliances give an early warning tone that the batteries are soon empty. Are more comfortable CO detectors with 10-year battery. An example of this is the KIDDE CO alarm X10-D. It is equipped with a lithium battery according to EN 50291 and usually requires no further maintenance after installation.

The assembly of CO-detectors is usually easy. Some manufacturers recommend the devices in the room – for example, on one shelf– set up. Other devices, like the X-Sense CO03D CO detectors , are suitable for wall mounting. The Warner can be attached safely with two screws. It is important to ensure that the device is not directly to a window or in a bathroom with showerto install. There can be false alarms in these places.

Equipment and functions of CO detectors

CO detectors differ in their technical features and their additional functions. In addition to typical CO detectors that only measure the carbon monoxide content, manufacturers like X-Sense also offer combined devices with the DS51. They are also equipped with a photoelectric sensor that detects smoke and warns residents of a possible fire. Some CO detectors also have an integrated LCD display. It provides information about the current CO concentration in the room air. Detectors that have a built-in memory function also allow the highest measured CO values ​​since the last reset to be recalled. Great importance is attached to the self-test function of the detector. By pressing a button on the CO detector, it is possible to check whether the device is working properly and the alarm triggers correctly. This function provides security and gives the good feeling that the detector works reliably in an emergency.

In large houses and apartments, the installation of networked CO detectors may be recommended. These detectors work in tandem to give an alarm when CO levels increase somewhere in the house. This can be useful, for example, if a CO detector is installed in a closed cellar room and triggers an alarm. The warning sound may not be heard on the upper floors. If a second, networked detector is installed on the upper floor, it also raises the alarm and can warn residents against the danger.