How to Test a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that cannot be seen. Fuel-burning appliances in your home produce the carbon monoxide, which is not harmful unless something prevents the gas from venting properly. Having a carbon monoxide detector in your home is an excellent safety measure. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends putting a carbon monoxide detector in the hallway of each sleeping area. Testing your carbon monoxide detector is essential to keeping your family safe. You can test your carbon monoxide detector in a few quick steps. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Find the test button on your carbon monoxide detector. It is usually on the front of the detector.
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Press and hold the test button down for at least 20 seconds.
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Listen for the beeping that tells you the carbon monoxide detector works.
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Release the button.
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Repair or replace your carbon monoxide detector immediately if it fails the test.
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Tips & Warnings
Testing a carbon monoxide detector confirms that the detector is operating, not necessarily that it is accurate. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on when to replace your carbon monoxide detector.
Test your carbon monoxide detector at least once a month.
In some areas, carbon monoxide detectors are required. Check with your local department of housing to find out if your area is one of them.
References
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Comments
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Test it by pushing the test button, huh? So what if the electronics that sense the gas isn't working and the unit isn't functioning properly. (?) A way to actually TEST the unit with real life C02 to make sure the sensors are working is what I was looking for. I guess I'll light a gas torch near it to see if it registers what the torch puts off. (the tips here are worthless at best, lethal at worst).
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Please take this seriously! I have 2 CM detectors, one upstairs and the other downstairs. After reading an article in USA Today (today), I tested both of them. NEITHER worked. I bought 2 new detectors at Walmart today (about $18.00 each) and now I'm protected. If your home is more than 5 years old you need to check these devices. 6 people, including 4 young children, recently died in PA because their CM detectors were not working!
