Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors' Alarms
Make sure the alarms on your detectors are working, so they can alert you to a hazard.
|
Time |
1 minute per detector |
|
|
|
|
Difficulty |
Easy |
|
|
|
|
Expertise |
None |
|
|
|
|
Frequency |
Once a month |
Overview
Your best defense against carbon monoxide is detectors installed near fuel-burning appliances and near sleeping areas. Make sure the alarm works correctly. This test doesn't determine if the detector functions correctly, just its alarm.
The risk associated with carbon monoxide poisoning is related to the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air and the duration of the exposure. Therefore, alarms sound if they detect low concentrations for a long, or high concentrations for a short time.
Steps
- Press the TEST button.
- Replace any detector with a non-functioning alarm.
Tips & warnings
- If an alarm goes off, immediately open doors and windows to ventilate the house. Call the fire department and evacuate everyone from the home. Because carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, never ignore an alarm, even if you feel no symptoms.
- In general, alarms manufactured after October 1998 are more likely to perform properly. Replace all detectors after 10 years from date of manufacture.
Comments(1)