How do you test CO detectors ?

Unknown

or something you can burn to simulate CO to see if the detector/alarm is working properly ? And what exactly does the test button really test on a detector/alarm ?

Mark Hunt

Ron


Youb can purchase a "kit" from AprilAire.

It's not "certified" gas mind you, but if a CO alarm doesn't sound when you hit it, only two things could be wrong. Either the gas you got was not CO, or the sensor didn't find any.

My money would be on the sensor.

Mark H

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Darin Cook_3

Yes you can test it

AprilAire has a test kit. CO in a can. RE Michel sells it. The test button test the curcuit only. I do not know if the test kit really works since I taped a couple cans open and threw them in Mark's truck. He may have a massive immune system due to the Newports.




Darin

Rudy

Testing a CO alarm

Like Darin said, the test button on a UL 2034 approved alarm is only required to test the electronics and buzzer, not the sensor.

As far as the AprilAire test gas, I tested a sample from one of their cans a couple of months ago and found over 1,100 ppm CO. Seemed like an awful high level to use - would only tell you if it's working at all.

You might look into getting some CO calibration gas either from an test instrument manufacturer particularly if you have a CO test instrument that can be user calibrated.

Another possibility is to check with a local welding shop, they can usually order tanks of CO.