Loading ...
Loading ...
Loading ...
18
Potential Sources of CO in the Home (Continued)
How Can I Protect My Family From CO Poisoning?
A CO Alarm is an excellent means of protection. It monitors the air and sounds a loud alarm
before Carbon Monoxide levels become threatening for average, healthy adults.
A CO Alarm is not a substitute for proper maintenance of home appliances.
To help prevent CO problems and reduce the risk of CO poisoning:
• Clean chimneys and flues yearly. Keep them free of debris, leaves, and nests for proper air flow.
Also, have a professional check for rust and corrosion, cracks, or separations. These conditions can
prevent proper air movement and cause back-drafting. Never “cap” or cover a chimney in any way
that would block air flow.
• Test and maintain all fuel-burning equipment annually. Many local gas or oil companies and HVAC
companies oer appliance inspections for a nominal fee.
• Make regular visual inspections of all fuel-burning appliances. Check appliances for excessive rust and
scaling. Also check the flame on the burner and pilot lights. The flame should be blue. A yellow flame
means fuel is not being burned completely and CO may be present. Keep the blower door on the furnace
closed. Use vents or fans when they are available on all fuel-burning appliances. Make sure appliances
are vented to the outside. Do not grill or barbecue indoors, or in garages or on screen porches.
• Check for exhaust back-flow from CO sources. Check the draft hood on an operating furnace for a
back-draft. Look for cracks on furnace heat exchangers.
• Check the house or garage on the other side of shared wall.
• Keep windows and doors open slightly. If you suspect that CO is escaping into your home, open
a window or a door. Opening windows and doors can significantly decrease CO levels.
Regulatory Information for CO Alarms
What Levels of CO Cause an Alarm?
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Standard UL2034 requires residential CO Alarms to sound when exposed
to levels of CO and exposure times as described below. They are measured in parts per million (ppm) of
CO over time (in minutes).
UL2034 Required Alarm Points*:
• If the alarm is exposed to 400 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM BETWEEN 4 & 15 MINUTES.
• If the alarm is exposed to 150 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM BETWEEN 10 & 50 MINUTES.
• If the alarm is exposed to 70 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM BETWEEN 60 & 240 MINUTES.
*Approximately 10% of COHb exposure at levels of 10% to 95% Relative Humidity (RH).
This unit is designed not to alarm when exposed to a constant level of 30 ppm for 30 days.
Loading ...
Loading ...
Loading ...