Not sure if this is the place to post this, but figured it might be. After the terrible deaths in the RV this weekend, due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, we wanted to check our CO Alarm. Any ideas as to how to do this...short of running a hose from the exhaust pipe
I know that you can buy a spray "smoke" to test smoke alarms, but wondered if there was something like that available. I don't really trust just "push the button" on these type alarms. I'd rather do an actual test. Any help would be appreciated.
I think that this is something that many of us would be interested in, for our RVs and for many homes. We don't have any CO producing appliances in our house....all electric ...but know that many have these appliances, and may not be putting the CO alarms in the right places (down low) in their homes.
Thanks,
Bill
DH Bill / DW Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris The Paps! Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie and Annie
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April Fools Day, 2008 The Pets
The propane alarm goes down low because propane is more dense than air, but the CO monitor goes higher-at least midway up a wall, because CO is less dense than air. I have never heard of a test for CO detectors-maybe trap some exhaust in a gallon jar and open it and put it over the CO monitor face?
Consumers have been known to "test" CO alarms by placing them adjacent the exhaust pipe of an automobile, for a period of time. However, this form of testing is generally not effective, since automobile exhaust gas is dirty, and tends to contaminate the CO sensor.
There is a CO alarm testing kit currently available in the marketplace, comprising a glass vial of CO gas and a plastic bag. To test an ac operated CO alarm using this testing kit, the user must plug the alarm into an extension cord, place the alarm and the vial into the bag, close the bag around the extension cord, and break the vial. This testing kit is not always effective, because sometimes the vial leaks, and it is difficult to determine if the vial is full or empty, because CO gas is colourless. This kit is somewhat awkward for use with ac operated alarms, since it requires the user to hold the bag tightly around the extension cord for a period of time. This kit is also relatively expensive, and can be used only once.
There are test gases available in aerosol cans, but seem to be only designed to test specific models for specific manufacturers. He is a good link UL CO Alarm Information
Here is a web site offering a CO tester. I haven't used it, but it looks like it should work -- most things that burn in a starved oxygen atmosphere will produce CO.
I reckon there's no particular reason to put a CO detector close to the floor in a room. As far as density, it's actually lighter than air at room temperatures. Mole weights: O2 = 32, N2 = 28, CO = 28. Diffusion and air currents readily distribute CO in a room. This is also discussed on the same web site. More important, put it in or close to sleeping areas.
I used the exhaust method on my CO detector with no immediate problems. I did use my propane generator for this so it will run cleaner than mosts internal combustion engines.s
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...but know that many have these appliances, and may not be putting the CO alarms in the right places (down low) in their homes.
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