Checking for CO

Mitch_6

If you get a good basic analyzer you can check the flue gasses by drilling a small hole. If all is good there you then take a sample in the supply side of the furnace. If you get a bump in readings when the fan kicks in you may have an issue. You may not actually read co on the meter, typically it is a change in 02.

Try to get a manual from Tim, Jim travels so you may get close. There is a you tube video off our web sight we have a link to it is rough but may give you an idea.

Mitch S.



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PeterGriffin

Do I need a combustion analyzer to check for CO? I have decided to hold off on getting one for the time being, but I'd like to have something to check for CO when I get calls to service furnaces, we've been doing a visual inspection but I'm kind of wary on that because it seems like it could be so easy to miss a hairline crack.


Thanks

Rankin

Timco

There are a few different types of analyzers. Some just CO and O2. You will not always have increased CO or CO in the warm air because the FA side is positive pressure. I believe the salt test is a good test for HX leaks.

Tim

[Deleted User]

Salt test...

What the heck is a salt test?

Adds new meaning to the phrase "We're cookin' with gas now!!!"

Maybe a wet heads cook book. I've got a killer green chili formula, er I mean recipe :-)

Salt test? Spraying salty water on the air side o fthe heat exchanger and looking for obvious signs of leaching and consequential crack? Or what?

Curious minds want to know.

ME

[Deleted User]

Rankin...

How old are you? Seriously. I get the impression that you are young compared to this group, but regardless, if you set it up right, you can save lives and make money doing CO inspections. Everyone needs it, including yourself. Pretty scary when we see what we've been "living with".

If I were you, I would make the investment to get to Jim Davis' NCT class on CO. Forget everything you THOUGHT you knew,and let Jim tell you how it works. THat investment should pay for itself in less than one heating season, to say nothing of the peace of mind you give in providing a service. Education is key. Your education first so you can then educate them. And lives WILL be saved in the process.

Buck up and get a good full range analyzer. See if you can get it expanded to cover Nox later. I suspect that will be the next regulated gas. Already is in some parts (SQUAMUD?) of the country.

You can get a simple CO detector, but why not look at the efficiency of the appliance and provide additional value to your services.

ME

Timco

ooooops!

Timco

As it was explained to me, salt was sprinkled (or sprayed) on the HX and the air leaking from a crack makes a blue flame. (or was it pink) A HO wrote in a year or so ago and said the tech wanted to do a salt test on her boiler. Now THAT is a rip-off!!!

Tim

Mitch_5

Don't forget

you should also have a co alarm on your belt when you walk in. I have a testo and it works well.

You do no want to walk into a bad situation.

jp_2

Timco

salt will burn yellow.



added: try this at home!!!

matches and a salt shaker.....

Bob Harper_2

There are two basic types of CO meters: ambient air CO and Air Free, which have an O2 sensor to subtract the air to reveal the true or "air free" CO in the stack. The other difference is whether or not the unit has a pump. Non-pump units must be placed within the gas cloud to sense. Pumps can draw vapors from several feet away.
Regardless, a meter is only as good as its calibration and if zeroed in fresh air.

I agree with personal entry protection as well as routine ambient air sampling along with a thorough combustion analysis of the unit. There are several places you can get training, none of which totally replace any of the others so I suggest eventually taking them all. Check out Timmie McElwain, NCI, and Bacharach for starters. Visit Bacharach's Training Room online and get the book CO-A Clear and Present Danger.

That should get you started.
HTH,
Bob

JohnNY

Every company that works on fuel-burning equipment has an obligation to their clients and employees to own and know how to use carbon monoxide detection equipment and at least the basic functions of combustion analyzing equipment.



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PeterGriffin

20

20 Years old. I got my start through a high school program that lets you do a semester of school and a semester of work that counts towards your apprenticeship in Grade 12. I've got one year of schooling done (should have three, I regret it now, and I'm doing my best to get my butt back in there!)

I work for a licensed plumber/company (2 man outfit, bossman and me), but the reason for this question is our servicing of forced air consists of checking the high limit, man. pressure, bearings (if necessary), and visual on the hx. We don't do them often, and I have never offered to do one, I'm not easy telling a customer a furnace is "safe" if I'm not 100% sure it is.

I would absolutely LOVE to get some NCI training, but I'm in Northern Canada, which doesn't make it easy. Although, I am looking at maybe going South and getting a few at a time.

I priced out a Testo ambient today at a wholesaler and will hopefully get it once the truck payment clears...:) From there I guess I'll just save up for an analyzer.

Thanks!!

PeterGriffin

Wouldn't I need to remove the plenum from the furnace to do a salt test? If I had a probe would I be able to cut a small hole and put it over the HX before the fan kicks in?


Thanks!

Rankin

PeterGriffin

Agreed



I completely agree with you, I just don't own the company.

Steamhead (in transit)

Rankin, spend the money

if your boss won't do it. That way, you can take the analyzer with you when you switch companies.

Then get the know-how from Tim or Jim. This is called "investing in yourself".

When you get the money, get a second analyzer so you'll have one you can use while the other one is being calibrated or repaired. Our company has four analyzers for two people.

Since your boss won't get an analyzer, do you really think he won't throw you to the lawyers (wolves) if something goes wrong?

"Steamhead"

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