Do Ceiling Mounted Carbon Monoxide Detectors Work

Because carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and also because it may be found with warm rising air detectors should be placed on a wall about 5 feet above the floor.

Do ceiling mounted carbon monoxide detectors work. Follow your manufacturer s manual to properly install your detector at the right height. Wherever you live when it comes to home safety carbon monoxide detectors are a must. On the internet one often finds the blanket statement that carbon monoxide is lighter than air and would therefore settle up in the room. Additionally some carbon monoxide detectors have digital readouts mount those kinds of detectors at eye level so you can read them.

You can mount your co detector on the ceiling if the user guide doesn t say otherwise. Each floor needs a separate detector. Keep the detector out of the way of pets and children. Putting it all together.

However make sure it s at least 12 inches about 30 cm away from any wall or light fitting. The density thus the weight of carbon monoxide is only completely slightly lighter than air. In fact carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and diffuses evenly throughout the room. Test the detector monthly.

The detector may be placed on the ceiling. Combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors i have long advocated against the use of combination alarms because the most effective position for a smoke alarm is typically on the ceiling while carbon monoxide detectors are usually best mounted at about eye level on a wall. Carbon monoxide detector placement. Never position carbon monoxide detectors on the ceiling like you would smoke detectors.

Most carbon monoxide poisoning cases occur due to gases from fossil fuel heaters. Because heat and the corresponding gases generally rise to the top of a room carbon monoxide detectors should not. According to the carbon monoxide guidelines of the national fire protection association nfpa 720. Carbon monoxide often won t rise all the way up to the ceiling like smoke does until the concentration of the gas is at a critically dangerous level.

Unlike smoke detectors co detectors aren t required by law unless you live in one of these 26 states where all homes must have working co alarms. That is not completely correct however. Do not place the detector right next to or over a fireplace or flame producing appliance. Accordingly the carbon monoxide detector should be mounted on the ceiling.

Carbon monoxide blends with your home s air and does not rise. Even if it s not required by law it s perhaps the easiest and most effective way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.