How to Troubleshoot a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Car exhaust is a source of carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is the cause of needless deaths every year. Excess carbon monoxide in the home can be produced by any appliance that burns fossil fuels, as well as fireplaces, blockages in the chimney, or cars left running in an attached garage. Carbon monoxide detectors are readily available at most hardware stores for a modest price. Because carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, homeowners have to rely on these detectors to avoid a potentially fatal gas leak. Like any electronic device, these detectors do occasionally fail and go off when there is not any gas present.

Instructions

1. Ensure that your carbon monoxide detector is not giving a legitimately positive reading. If you have another detector that you know is working properly, put both detectors in the same room. If the operational detector does not give off an alarm, your other detector is probably giving off a false reading.

2. Replace the batteries in your detector. Depleted batteries is the most common reason for a detector to malfunction. If your detector plugs into the wall, test the outlet to make sure that it is working properly.

3. Press the test button on your detector to make sure it is operational. While this will not prove that the device is reading correctly, it will tell you if the electronic components are working properly.

4. Expose your detector to a known source of carbon monoxide, such as the exhaust pipe of a running car. If the alarm is working properly, it will sound its alarm. If your alarm has a digital display, the display will show a reading of carbon monoxide even if you hold it close to a fossil fuel burning appliance such as a furnace.

5. Replace your carbon monoxide detectors regularly. Carbon monoxide detectors with a Sensor Pack Module need to be replaced every two years.

Tips & Warnings

• If the alarm on your carbon monoxide detector goes off, assume that it is operating properly and evacuate your home immediately. Call a professional technician or the fire department and do not re-enter your home until your house has been deemed safe. If you experience any flu-like symptoms, call 911 for medical assistance immediately.

References

• CMHC: Carbon Monoxide
• Carbon Monoxide Kills: What to do if Your Detector Goes Off
• First Alert: FAQ