CO can be lethal when inhaled in high concentrations. Furthermore, it’s imperceptible to human beings. So, you may be exposed to high levels of CO without even noticing. Therefore, it’s important to have a good carbon monoxide detector at home to avoid possible air poisoning.
In the presence of CO, these detectors emit a loud sound that you can hear several meters away. When high CO levels drop, the alarm stops sounding automatically. However, some models need to be manually reset to stop the alarm.
In this article you’ll learn how to reset a CO detector in a simple way. You’ll also find some valuable information about these useful devices.
Why Need to Reset Carbon Monoxide Detector?
Some dangerous gases have a characteristic odor that makes them easy to detect. However, others don’t. CO has no color, taste or odor. Furthermore, it’s lethal in very high concentrations. Heat emitting devices, like heaters and stoves, emit small amounts of CO.
Therefore, you need good ventilation if there are several devices within the property. Most of the time, heat emitting devices aren’t a problem. However, during winter they’re very dangerous.
During that season, the windows remain closed and the heaters work harder than normal. Lack of ventilation and high CO levels increase the risk of accidental poisoning.
So if in winter your heaters work all day, it’s necessary that you have a CO detector in your home. CO detectors use different methods to detect the presence of CO.
Example:
For example, MOS sensors use silica chips to detect the gas. In the presence of CO, the current that passes through the circuit varies. This variation activates the alarm. On the other hand, electrochemical sensors use electrodes. When CO touches the electrode, the alarm activates.
Biometric sensors use a CO sensitive disc that changes color in contact with the gas. The color change activates the alarm. The darker the disc becomes, the higher the concentration of CO in the air.
Step by Step Guide to Reset Carbon Monoxide Detector
Resetting a CO detector is the easiest thing to do. Usually the procedure is the same for all modern CO detectors. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide of how to do it.
If the Detector Has A Reset Button
- First of all, use a step ladder to reach the sensor.
- After that, press the “Test/Reset” button on the front of the sensor. Never remove the carbon monoxide detector batteries to silence the alarm. Doing this too often could damage the sensor.
If the Detector Hasn’t Reset Button
- Use step ladder to reach the sensor.
- Then, detach the sensor from the wall or ceiling. To do this, push the sensor against the surface. Then, turn it counterclockwise and pull it when it stops.
- After that, take the sensors outdoors to expose it to fresh air. The alarm should stop after a few seconds. Don’t remove the batteries to stop the alarm.
Conclusion
Every home with a heating system should have a CO detector. Especially if the winters are longer than usual in that place. CO is a silent killer and doesn’t distinguish race, religion or social status. So, every human being is a potential victim without an adequate detection system. Fortunately, CO detectors aren’t that expensive
If you don’t have enough money to buy all the sensors you need, you can buy one at a time. Having at least one or two sensors near your house rooms could certainly save your life.
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