What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? Carbon monoxide is a gas that you cannot see, taste or smell.
Poisoning from this gas occurs after enough inhalation of the toxic gas unfortunately most people do not know that they have been affected.
Poisoning is a result of incomplete combustion of organic matter due to insufficient oxygen supply to complete oxidation to carbon dioxide.
It is often produced by older motor vehicles and other gasoline-powered tools, heaters, cooking equipment, wood burning stoves, electrical generators and propane fueled equipment.
The danger of toxic poisoning increases during the winter due to the increase in fuel powered devices and enclosed spaces.
Each year almost 200 children die from poisoning and 20,000 more go to the emergency room.
Symptoms of poisoning include headache, nausea and drowsiness.
How to Detect Carbon Monoxide You should always have a detector attached to your home security system.
If you have a hard wired system you will need to add a four conductor wire to the device.
One pair is to supply power and the second pair will monitor for an alarm.
If you have a wireless system then it is extremely easy to add a carbon monoxide detector.
The 2Gig CO3 carbon monoxide sensor is connected to the 2Gig GoContol panel.
If you do not have a home security system you can install a standalone detector that operates on batteries.
These devices have a built in sounder to awaken you before carbon monoxide levels become deadly.
Where to Install your Detector These detectors should be installed within 10 feet of a sleeping area.
If there is a fuel burning device that is located inside the bedroom then the detector should be installed in the room.
Where not to install your detector Do not install the sensor above a sink, cooker, stove or oven.
The sensor should not be installed next to a door or window that will be affected by drafts.
The draft can affect the operation of the home security device.
Never locate the device in or below a cupboard.
When locating the device care should be taken to make sure that the device will not collect dust or be placed where it could be knocked about or damaged.
Tips to prevent Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Poisoning from this gas occurs after enough inhalation of the toxic gas unfortunately most people do not know that they have been affected.
Poisoning is a result of incomplete combustion of organic matter due to insufficient oxygen supply to complete oxidation to carbon dioxide.
It is often produced by older motor vehicles and other gasoline-powered tools, heaters, cooking equipment, wood burning stoves, electrical generators and propane fueled equipment.
The danger of toxic poisoning increases during the winter due to the increase in fuel powered devices and enclosed spaces.
Each year almost 200 children die from poisoning and 20,000 more go to the emergency room.
Symptoms of poisoning include headache, nausea and drowsiness.
How to Detect Carbon Monoxide You should always have a detector attached to your home security system.
If you have a hard wired system you will need to add a four conductor wire to the device.
One pair is to supply power and the second pair will monitor for an alarm.
If you have a wireless system then it is extremely easy to add a carbon monoxide detector.
The 2Gig CO3 carbon monoxide sensor is connected to the 2Gig GoContol panel.
If you do not have a home security system you can install a standalone detector that operates on batteries.
These devices have a built in sounder to awaken you before carbon monoxide levels become deadly.
Where to Install your Detector These detectors should be installed within 10 feet of a sleeping area.
If there is a fuel burning device that is located inside the bedroom then the detector should be installed in the room.
Where not to install your detector Do not install the sensor above a sink, cooker, stove or oven.
The sensor should not be installed next to a door or window that will be affected by drafts.
The draft can affect the operation of the home security device.
Never locate the device in or below a cupboard.
When locating the device care should be taken to make sure that the device will not collect dust or be placed where it could be knocked about or damaged.
Tips to prevent Carbon Monoxide Exposure
- Have your heating devices checked by a trained professional every year.
- Add an integrated detector to your home security system or install a standalone device.
- If you suspect that you have been exposed seek medical attention.
- DO NOT use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove or any other fuel burning device inside your home.
- DO NOT run a vehicle inside a garage that is attached to your house.
- DO NOT heat your house with a gas oven.
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