Results 1 to 7 of 7
  1. #1
    Patrick McCaffery's Avatar
    Patrick McCaffery Guest

    Default Carbon Monoxide Detectors

    Is there an end of life for carbon monoxide detectors or a recommendation as to when they should be replaced?

    Similar Threads:
    Inspection Referral

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    1,096

    Default Re: Carbon Monoxide Detectors

    I always recommend that the manufacturers instructions be followed. They talk about replacement time lines in their owners manuals.

    If one does not have the manual, the information can usually be aquired online if you have the model number.


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Connecticut
    Posts
    1,828

    Default Re: Carbon Monoxide Detectors

    If you were moving into a house with your young family, would you trust a smoke or carbon monoxide detector that was present when you bought the home?
    I always recommend installing new units, unless the house is new. And then I recommend testing by installing contractor.
    So the life expectancy of a carbon monoxide detector is" new or replace"


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Santa Rosa, CA
    Posts
    3,154

    Default Re: Carbon Monoxide Detectors

    Quote Originally Posted by Patrick McCaffery View Post
    Is there an end of life for carbon monoxide detectors or a recommendation as to when they should be replaced?
    Some of the CO detectors have a specific cartridge that contains the battery pack and sensor. That way, you have a new sensor whenever you replace the battery pack.

    Department of Redundancy Department
    Supreme Emperor of Hyperbole
    http://www.FullCircleInspect.com/

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    southern ontario
    Posts
    130

    Default Re: Carbon Monoxide Detectors

    I work full time at Fire Dept. We get CO calls every day and most are for detectors that are malfunctioning (giving false alarms) and most are not older than 5 yrs. Which means I don't think they can be trusted after 5 yrs. IMO. We recommend replacing them before they reach 5 yrs. from the date stamped on them.


  6. #6
    Daniel Leung's Avatar
    Daniel Leung Guest

    Default Re: Carbon Monoxide Detectors

    Quote Originally Posted by Brian Robertson View Post
    We recommend replacing them before they reach 5 yrs. from the date stamped on them.
    Yes, First Alert alarms are warranted for 5 years, then it should be replaced every 5 years for maximum protection. The new model of "combination smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector" chirps when it is time to replace it. (see FAQs Carbon Monoxide Alarms FAQs)

    I always recommend the homeowner keep a less than 2-year CO alarm in the house. If you have more than 2 alarms, you may buy a new alarm every 2 year and throw away the oldest one.

    For the commercial grade CO alarm using in the underground garage, needs calibration every 1-2 years by the dealer.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Frankfort, KY
    Posts
    326

    Default Re: Carbon Monoxide Detectors

    If the CO alarm has a UL 2034 rating stamped on it there isn't a lot of protection being offered by it in the first place.

    Even if it is brand new it's no guarantee it will work.

    Measured Performance more than just a buzzword

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •