The working principle of carbon monoxide alarm mainly relies on sensors to alarm. There are three main types of sensors used in carbon monoxide detectors.
Here I'll explain how these different sensors work.
How does Carbon Monoxide Alarm Work
This is the original testing technique, which is used to determine toxic gas levels by heating tin oxide with carbon monoxide.
The bionic probe's gel coating darkens in the presence of carbon monoxide, and this color change triggers an alarm. The technology is cheap and battery-powered.
The detector uses an electric current generated by a chemical reaction with carbon monoxide to trigger an alarm.
The electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor converts the concentration signal of carbon monoxide gas in the air into weak current or voltage signal, and then amplifies it through one or two levels of signal and sends it to the single chip microcomputer for signal comparison and processing. The single chip microcomputer will send sound and light alarm signal to drive LED lamp and buzzer when the preset threshold value is exceeded.
Electrochemical sensors are currently the most widely used. Electrochemical detector is highly sensitive and provides accurate carbon monoxide concentration readings. It has continuous digital output and memory, but costs more.
With all that said, do you know what type of carbon monoxide detector you have ?
How do you know if your carbon monoxide detector is working?
It is important to test your detectors monthly to ensure they are working properly. To test your CO alarms, press and hold the test button on the alarm. The detector will sound 4 beeps, a pause, then 4 beeps for 5-6 seconds. Refer to the user manual for your specific model. If the alarm does not test properly, install fresh batteries, make sure the batteries are installed correctly, be sure the alarm is clean and dust-free, and then test the detector again. If it still does not test properly, replace the CO detector immediately.
How often should carbon monoxide detectors be replaced?
If your carbon monoxide detector has replaceable batteries, they should be changed at least every 6 months. Although you replace the batteries, carbon monoxide alarms don’t last forever. They have a lifetime of 5 to 7 years, but it is important to refer to your user manual. After 5 to 7 years, replace the CO alarm completely.
Today's carbon monoxide detectors have a 10-year life span, which saves you from having to change your battery too often. It also saves you the cost of buying extra batteries.
Wolf Shield Carbon Monoxide has a sensor with a 10-year service life and an 85 decibel alarm that notifies residents when carbon monoxide exceeds 30 PPM. The carbon monoxide detector also features three LED indicators to indicate alarms, faults and normal operation.
At the same time, Wolf Shield Carbon Monoxide has passed the EN:50291 standard, and has an advantage in price under the condition of little difference in quality.