Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

A friendly reminder from the Bayport Fire Department

Bob Fleming, 2nd Assistant Chief Bayport F.D.

First off, what is carbon monoxide? Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas. Carbon monoxide results from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, such as wood, kerosene, gasoline, charcoal, propane, natural gas and oil. In the home, it is from any flame fueled (not electric) device, including ranges, ovens, cloths dryers, furnaces, fireplaces, grills, space heaters, vehicles and water heaters. If vented properly, furnaces and water heaters are safe allowing carbon monoxide to escape to the outside. Vehicles are the most common cause of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon Monoxide detectors are made to trigger an alarm based on the accumulation of carbon monoxide over time. Underwriters Laboratories specifies response times from carbon monoxide alarms as follows:

At 70 parts per million – Unit must sound alarm within 60-240 minutes

At 150 parts per minute – Unit must sound alarm within 10-50 minutes

At 400 parts per minute – Unit must sound alarm within 4-15 minutes

Most detectors require a continuous power supply, so if the power cuts off then the alarm becomes ineffective. Models are available that plug into electric outlets or are hardwired but also have battery back up. The detector is meant to give off a piercing continuous beeping noise that would be able to wake you if you are sleeping. If the detector beeps once every 10-20 seconds or if you have a detector that displays numbers and reads 97 or L.B. most likely there is a malfunction of the detector or the battery is going dead.

Please take time to read the instructions when you install the detector and BEFORE it activates. Each brand of detector may have a different way of telling when the battery is going dead.

IF FOR ANY REASON YOU SUSPECT THERE MIGHT BE A LEAK OR YOU ARE NOT SURE IF IT IS ACTUALLY THE BATTERY OR A MALFUNCTION, EXIT THE BUILDING IMMEDIATELY AND CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.

Since carbon monoxide is slightly lighter then air and may be found with warm, rising air, detectors should be placed on a wall about 5 feet above the floor. The detector may be placed on the ceiling but do not place it over a fireplace or flame producing appliance.

“The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends a carbon monoxide detector be installed on every floor of the house, including the basement. A detector should be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door and there should be one near or over any attached garage. Each detector should be replaced every 5-6 years.”

If the alarm sounds DO NOT IGNORE IT! The detector is intended to go off before you are experiencing symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to flu or cold like symptoms. Low level carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms may include shortness of breath on mild exertion, mild headaches and nausea. Higher levels may include dizziness, mental confusion, severe headaches, nausea and fainting or exertion. Ultimately, carbon monoxide can result in unconsciousness, permanent brain damage and death.

 As you can see carbon monoxide is nothing to take lightly. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our NON EMERGENCY phone number at 631-462-0641.