Placement of Toxic Gas Detectors

Purchasing Toxic Gas Detectors

• Choose a carbon monoxide detector best suited to your needs. For reliability and low maintenance, purchase a detector that is wired directly into a security or fire panel. These detectors are monitored by an outside agency, last a very long time and provide the ultimate in protection. Carbon monoxide detectors that plug into an outlet are reliable, but they must be replaced often because they have a lifespan of two to five years. To avoid guessing or worrying about reliability without purchasing a home monitoring or security system, find an electrically powered carbon monoxide detector with an "expired" sensor and battery backup. These emit an alarm when they need to be replaced. Choose a digital model in order to ensure the best accuracy--these can detect the degree to which the gas is present and record times and dates when the monitor went off.

  For the least expensive carbon monoxide detector, choose a battery-powered model. However, keep in mind that these are the least reliable and must have their batteries replaced often to keep them in top working order.

Placing Toxic Gas Detectors

• Although carbon monoxide detectors should be near fuel-burning appliances, do not place them directly above or right beside them, as a small amount of carbon monoxide may be emitted when the appliance powers on. Do not place detectors within 15 feet of heating or cooking appliances. Consider placing carbon monoxide detectors on ceilings, as they stay out of the way of interference from pets, children and others.

  Place at least one carbon monoxide detector in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms. According to homesafe.com, the International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends a carbon monoxide detector be placed on every floor of the home, including the basement. A detector should be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door, and there should be one near or over any attached garage.

  Read the installation instructions for more specific information on correctly placing detectors, and also carefully check to make sure the units are properly installed.

Installing Toxic Gas Detectors

• Carefully check to make sure that the units have been properly installed by looking for "on" or "in use" lights. If those lights are not on, inspect the wall outlet to make sure that the prongs of the detector have been pushed all the way into the outlet. Many units contain built-in test systems. When possible, test the systems to ensure that they are working properly.