Instructions for Mounting Carbon Monoxide Monitors

Purchasing a Carbon Monoxide Detector

• The National Fire Protection Association says that long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide is just as dangerous as temporary exposure to high levels, so don't wait for visible symptoms to arise before buying a carbon monoxide detector. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that consumers buy detectors that have the UL symbol. This signifies that the product has been subjected to third-party, independent testing and has met the UL safety standards.

Installation Guidelines

• Carbon monoxide is produced when fuel burns incompletely. Automobiles, old chimneys and malfunctioning, un-vented or leaky fuel-burning appliances are all common sources of carbon monoxide. The first step in preventing carbon monoxide poisoning is to follow proper installation and maintenance procedures. Also, have a trained professional inspect your home's appliances and heating systems every year.

  The second step is to place carbon monoxide detectors strategically around your home. The National Fire Protection Association recommends placing detectors in central areas outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Additionally, there should be at least one detector on every floor of a home. If possible, link your detectors together so that all the alarms go off at once. This alerts the entire household at once to any emergency.

  NFPA also suggests contacting your local authorities to see if your region has specific regulations for the placement of carbon monoxide detectors. For example, the state of Massachusetts requires one carbon monoxide detector on every habitable floor. If there are sleeping areas on the floor, the detector must be installed within ten feet of them.

  The exact installation procedure differs for every type and brand of carbon monoxide detector. UL recommends a strict adherence to the installation instructions that come with your particular device. For example, make sure that the detector is mounted at the exact manufacturer-recommended height. Installation at the wrong height can affect a detector's performance.

Maintenance

• Both UL and the NFPA recommend regularly testing your battery-powered detectors. Detectors that are wired into your home's electrical system should have a fresh battery at all times, in case the power goes out. Also, keep household chemicals (such as nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol) far away from detectors in order to avoid false alarms.