CO detectors (SE)

Mark Hunt

According to Kidde, they have sensors that will last 7 years. <a href=http://www.kidde.com/utcfs/ws-384/Assets/KN-COB-B(9CO5)en.pdf>Kidde pdf</a>
I have always been told that 5 years is the max you could expect.

This is where it gets complicated though. Regardless of the manufacturers claims, the life expectancy is based upon the date the sensor was made, NOT when the unit was purchased. You have no way of knowing when the sensor was made or how long an alarm has been sitting in a stock room. Also, independent testing has shown that some of these units do not work right out of the box. Contrary to popular belief, they are NOT tested at the factory. So how does one know if their new unit even works? Pushing the “test” button on the unit ONLY TESTS THE ALARM, NOT THE SENSOR!!! To test the sensor, you have to expose it to CO AND you have to know how much CO you are exposing it to. If a UL2034 compliant alarm is hit with 70ppm, it must sound within 4 hours(240 minutes). How would an average consumer test this?

George Kerr states a 5 year sensor life expectancy on his <a href=http://www.coexperts.com/>CO Experts</a> low level alarm.

According to NCI, their NSI3000 has a 2 year sensor life expectancy.

Both of these units will alarm well below 70ppm.

Take a GOOD look at the Kidde PDF. It clearly states that it is designed to protect healthy adults. Children(even fetuses), elderly and foks with chronic illness will NOT be protected by a UL2034 compliant alarm.

I hope this helps.

Mark H


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S Ebels

Co detector sensors

How long does the CO censor last on a typical $39.95 detector from Lowe Depot? For that matter, how long do they last on any residential CO detector. Any documentation to back up what you know?

jp_2

mark

does the CO experts 'test' button test the sensor?

I'd be really curious as to how its done? far as i can see, it takes a sensor to test a sensor, self test that is.

ALso, I have seen replacement sensors for kidde(I think) at the hardware store.

has anyone measured the CO of a cigarette? a somewhat 'yes' the sensor 'seems' to be working test?

i would like to be able to check my CO experts now and then to make sure it can sense CO.

Mark Hunt

jp

No, the CO Experts test button is no different than the rest.

I'll test a cigarette and get back to you on the ppm.

Merry Christmas jp.

Edit* Just tested and depending on how close I put the probe I got anywhere from 25ppm to over 3000ppm.(That was right on the cigarette) Your CO experts detector will read this but I would not suggest putting it close to the source.

Again, Merry Christmas.

Mark H

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Perry_2

Is anyone dating the CO alarms?

Why not just date code the CO alarms based on when they are Mfr'd. "18 JY 06" is a standard format used in other federal standards for certain products that are required to be date coded.

Without date coding the Mfr of the sensor - how are we to know if it is good and when it should be replaced.

This is the a large part of my basis for not purchasing and install a CO alarm to date. The local hardware store does have some gathering dust on the shelf...

Of course, I also installed a Vitodens 200 to severely reduce the chance of getting CO from the boiler in the basement.

Perry

Mitch_6

NCI puts the date of MFG right on the back.

Does any one here use the belt clip alarms.

I have a UEI but I have sent it out for repair once and have not been satisfied that it reads properly.

Mitch S.

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jp_2

great mark!

good info, gives me some ideas!!! merry christmas