The
importance of carbon monoxide alarms should never be under estimated,
yet they are often overlooked or worse still mistaken in identity.
As installers of fire alarms systems in London we advise landlords,
business owners and home owners of the importance of not just a
working fire alarm, but also a working carbon monoxide (CO) alarm.
In many cases, customers believe that their fire alarm also acts as a
carbon monoxide alarm and don't realise that they actually need a
separate CO alarm to be protected.
Fact:
A fire alarm is NOT a CO alarm.
Other facts about CO alarms
At this time of year, problems with
CO once again return. Dangerous levels of CO in the home are the
result of the CO not being able to exit your home in a safe way. CO
leaks through cracks and poor joins in chimneys, flues and other
outlets in your home. The CO levels build up in confined areas and
can cause death to householders if the levels are high enough. CO
problems are rarely the result of faulty appliances.
- Having boilers and other fuel appliances serviced does not protect you from CO poisoning. You still need a CO alarm.
Carbon Monoxide is often referred to as the silent killer. You may
have heard of the dangers via television advertisements. CO is
odourless and colourless and you would not be aware that you were
breathing it in. As electricians in London, we have heard on many
occasions that CO is smelt on appliances and in the air. If you can
smell fuel like gas, oil or any other unwanted odour from a fuel
burning appliance then this is a different matter. It is not CO that
you are smelling, however you still need to have the appliance looked
at to rule out other problems with it.
- You cannot smell, see or taste CO. If you can smell fuel like gas or oil, this is a different problem.
Installing a CO alarm is often seen as a hassle for householders who
just feel like CO alarms get in the way and they don't know which
ones to get. Firstly, CO alarms come in a range of options. Here at
Fulcher Edwards, we often install dual fire alarms and CO alarms.
These 'all in one' mains powered devices save on ceiling clutter and
ensures reliable operation of both your fire and CO alarm system.
However, no specialist technical skill is required to obtain CO
protection in your home. It it possible to purchase CO alarms that
are free standing and require no screws or attachments.
As electricians in South East London, we are often asked where the best place is
to install CO alarms. We always recommend following the manufacturers
instructions for best placement of your CO alarm. However CO is
slightly lighter than air and therefore does rise so it makes sense
to place a CO alarm on a ceiling away from corners where air can
stagnate.
- No fixing of CO alarms is needed, however do take care over where CO alarms are placed. Having a CO smoke alarm is 100% better than not having one at all however.
Never under estimate how dangerous carbon monoxide can be. Many
householders we speak to think that CO is the result of poor
household maintenance or negligence. This is far from the case.
There are survivors of CO who have had a lucky escape with CO,
however 40 people die from CO poisoning every year in the UK. A room
with extremely high levels of CO within it will kill you within less
than 3 minutes and you would become unconscious after 2-3 breaths.
Symptoms of CO poisoning are often mistaken for other Winter 'bugs'
and include head aches, dizziness and nausea. If you are suffering
from these symptoms and do not have a CO alarm, we highly recommend
you do so ASAP. CO levels can rise to dangerous life threatening
levels quickly without your knowledge.
- Never under estimate the danger of CO poisoning. Any home which have fuel burning appliances such as a boiler, gas oven/hob, log burner, open fire, gas fire is at risk.
Pay attention to your CO alarm once installed. In the same way you
test your fire alarm, here at Fulcher Edwards we recommend you test
your CO alarm at the same time. The recommendation is to test your
smoke alarm once every week. In addition take note of any screen
display messages. CO alarms have a CO sensor and it is vital that
this works as it should. Regular servicing of mains powered CO
detectors will ensure that the sensor is working correctly. CO
sensors normally have a lifespan of 6 years, it is recommended that
the alarms are replaced after this time if it is not worth replacing
the CO sensors.
- Test and maintain your CO alarm in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
Get a CO alarm before you switch on your heating this year
If you haven't switched on your heating yet this year, then this is
an ideal opportunity to get yourself protected from the dangers of
CO. With the weather gradually turning chillier, we will start to see
increases of CO problems. Make sure you won't be this years victims.
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