Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, tasteless, odorless, poisonous gas that can kill in low concentrations over long periods of time. A functioning carbon monoxide detector, placed properly near a sleeping area and in good working condition, is the best way to help cut down on deaths from this silent killer.
Carbon monoxide detector detectors work by sensing the presence of CO in the air. They have a variety of sensor types that range in price, accuracy and response time. Most detect CO through an electrochemical sensor that consists of electrodes submerged in a chemical called an electrolyte. The electrolyte is gas permeable and a small voltage is applied between the two electrodes. When carbon monoxide enters the sensor, it reacts with the oxygen present in the air, causing the current to surge. The specific amount by which the current increases tells the detector how much carbon monoxide is in the air.
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Other types of carbon monoxide detectors rely on metal oxide sensor chips that change resistance when exposed to carbon monoxide. These sensors have a higher affinity for CO than for oxygen, so when carbon monoxide bonds with the sensor chip, it makes it less resistant to the flow of electricity. The detector’s circuitry then registers the change and triggers the alarm.
If a CO alarm sounds, open windows and doors if possible to get fresh air and evacuate the area. Do a head count to make sure everyone is out of the house, then call 911.