DIY Guide: How to Detect Carbon Monoxide?

CO is a very toxic gas. Also, it’s imperceptible to human beings. Exposure to high concentrations of this gas is life threatening. So, CO is also known as a silent assassin.

During cold winters, cases of CO poisoning are very frequent. The most common cause is the emission of gases from heating equipment. So, if you have heating devices at home, you should do a quick CO test.

If you want to learn how to do it yourself, pay close attention. Here you’ll find a step-by-step guide to learn how to detect CO at home.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

CO is a tasteless, odorless and colorless gas. It’s also very toxic to humans and certain animals. It’s lighter than air and is also essential for the formation of ground-level ozone.

A CO molecule has a single oxygen atom and a single carbon atom. Both atoms have a triple bond. CO is also the result of the oxidation of certain substances. These substances must be:

Carbon Monoxide Detector Kit List

All CO sensors are different. But, they all work on the same principle. Here’s a list with all the different types of sensors and components common to all the models.

Types of Sensors

This part of the article will show you about types of sensors. So if you like to buy any carbon monoxide detector kit, you can understand, which one is good for you.

Electrochemical sensor

These sensors use electrodes immersed in a chemical to detect CO in the air. In the presence of the gas, a variation in the electric current also occurs. These sensors react when CO levels are dangerous.

MOS Sensors

These sensors use circuits based on silica chips. The electrical resistance of the circuit also varies in the presence of CO. This generates a variation in current that then triggers an alarm. Sensors using this technology also need an AC source to function.

Bio-Metric Sensor

This sensor has a disc that changes color in the presence of CO. Then the color change triggers an alarm. Usually, the darker the disc becomes, the higher the CO level in air.

Common Elements

Here are some common elements of a carbon monoxide detector. If you keep an eye on these, you can understand easily all of factors of this carbon monoxide detector kit.

Reset Button

This button lets you reset the alarm and activate all the basic functions of the sensor.

Detection Chamber

It’s the plastic case that contains the electronic components of the sensor. Usually, the detection chamber also allows fixing the sensor to walls and ceilings.

LEDs

Usually one or more LEDs let you know if the sensor is working right. Some models also use LEDs to show when to replace the batteries.

Microchips

Microchips tell the sensor what to do in certain circumstances. In simple words, the microchip is the brain of the sensor.

Step by Step DIY Guide to Detect Carbon Monoxide

Using a CO detector isn’t as difficult as it seems. In fact, most models don’t need a previous configuration to work well. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to install and activate a CO detector.

1 All CO sensors must be at 10 feet within each room of your home. So, use a measuring tape and a pencil to mark the point where to install the sensor.

2 After that, cut a hole over each mark on the ceiling using a drill and a hole saw.

3 Then, install the backup batteries in each sensor.

4 Install sensors in each hole.

5 After that, connect the power and data wires in each sensor.

6 Then, connect the power cable to a 110 volt source.

7 Interconnect the data wires between sensors.

8 After that, burn a piece of paper and move it closer to one of the sensors. Wait for the smoke to penetrate inside the sensor. After that, all the sensors should start beeping. Finally, press the reset button to silence the alarm..

Conclusion

Certainly, using a CO detector is too easy. You only need to follow all the steps in this guide to do it right. After installing the sensors, don’t forget to do a quick test. If you don’t hear an alarm after long exposure to smoke, you should return the product and demand a replacement.