How to Mount Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, poisonous and potentially deadly gas. Home appliances using fuel --- for example, furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters --- all pose risks of gas leaks that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. A carbon monoxide detector is designed to warn you before potentially deadly levels of the gas are reached. One alarm should ideally be placed in the middle of the hallway in each sleeping area of the house. Many states now require detectors in homes.

Things You'll Need

• Drill with screwdriver bit
• Screws
• Battery

Instructions

1. Take the base off the body of the battery-operated monitor. Using the premade holes in the base, screw the base of the detector to the ceiling or a high wall using a drill and screwdriver bit and some screws, just as you would with a smoke alarm. Make sure the detector is at least 3 feet from a corner of the room.

2. Insert the properly sized battery in the detector.

3. Place the body of the detector into the base. Most detectors snap in.

4. Test the detector using the "Test" button.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch for the following symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination and loss of consciousness.

• Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal.

References

• Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation - City of East Peoria
• Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers