Saber cómo probar la alarma de monóxido de carbono es una habilidad útil para garantizar el rendimiento del dispositivo.. And it may protect your safety in some risky situations.
How Do I Know If My Carbon Monoxide Detector Is Working?
Observation Method
We can observe the indicator light of the alarm. If its indicator light can normally light up after the power is turned on, then it is in normal working condition.
Test Method
If possible, we can simulate an environment that may produce carbon monoxide to test whether the alarm can issue an alarm in time. Sin embargo, this approach has some security risks. Por lo tanto, users should protect themselves from inhaling too much carbon monoxide during testing. Además, some advanced carbon monoxide detectors come with a self-test function, which allows the user to easily check its working status by one click.
Why Is Testing Your Carbon Monoxide Detector Important?
Even if the process is a little complicated, testing methods to ensure the normal operation of carbon monoxide detector is a very reliable means. The visual observation of the indicator light usually only determines whether the detector is working. Sin embargo, the test method can fully detect the response time, alarm volume and stability of the CO detector.
Además, the usefulness of a properly functioning carbon monoxide detector is not in doubt. El monóxido de carbono es incoloro., inodoro, non-irritating toxic gas, so the human body may be unknowingly poisoned. The CO detector monitors the concentration of carbon monoxide in the room in real time and sends an alert before the concentration reaches dangerous levels. De este modo, it helps people a lot.
How Often Should You Test A Carbon Monoxide Detector?
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), we should test carbon monoxide detectors at least annually. For detectors that rely on battery power, we should check the battery status monthly.
Cómo probar la alarma de monóxido de carbono
Primero, we make sure the carbon monoxide alarm is properly connected to the power supply. If it’s battery powered, we can check the battery for signs of corrosion. Además, we press the self-test button of the carbon monoxide alarm. If the alarm sounds loud, it indicates that it can work normally. If there is no response after pressing the button, it shows that the alarm is faulty or the battery is low.
For families, the more professional way is to buy a CO detector test gas, which is available in Amazon. Generalmente, it is painted in visible color and packed in a small aerosol can, so it is safe and convenient to use at home.
Test Carbon Monoxide Detector with Candle
Some people use candles test carbon monoxide detectors. Sin embargo, we do not recommend this because candle burning mainly produces carbon dioxide and water vapor with a small amount of carbon monoxide, which is not enough to trigger most normal carbon monoxide alarms. So this is not a scientific method.
Test Carbon Monoxide Detector with Cigarette
In the same way, we do not recommend cigarette testing methods that have been widely used. Similarmente, cigarettes do produce carbon monoxide as they burn, but the concentration is so low that a normal household carbon monoxide alarm would not be triggered.
Sin embargo, if you do want this approach, we can still provide a general procedure. Primero, we make sure the carbon monoxide alarm has been energized for at least 10 minutes. Entonces, we make sure the power light is green, which means the alarm is working. Próximo, we place the lit cigarette near the air intake of the alarm. By the way, the carbon monoxide alarm does not immediately alert as soon as carbon monoxide is detected, but when the concentration reaches a preset alarm threshold. Entonces, it is a normal phenomenon that we have to wait a while for the gas concentration during test.
Test Done By Manufacturers Before Sales
| Appearance & Structure | IoT Connectivity & Telecommunication | Sensor Performance | |
| Test & Inspection Item | Whether the shell is deformed or damaged. Whether the structure is strong or not. Whether the logo is clear or not. | Whether the specified communication protocol is supported. Whether the connection between the alarm and the IoT system is stable and reliable. Compatibility with IoT app. Verify the software and firmware versions of the IoT CO alarm. Remote transmission signal. | Sensitivity, response time, stability. High temperature, low temperature, humidity test. Audible and visual alarm. Whether information about alarm events can be recorded and stored. Anti-lightning, anti-electromagnetic interference. Compliance with relevant safety standards. |
How Do They Test The Recovery Capability After Being Exposed To Thick CO
The factory will prepare gas with a concentration higher than the setting point of the alarm. The gas goes to test the environment by specific equipment. Entonces, the quality inspector observes and records the reaction time and alarm concentration of the alarm after exposure to high concentration of CO gas. After the alarm sounds, the operator immediately stops introducing CO standard gas. En este punto, the inspector observes and records the time it takes to recovery from the alerts state to the normal state. Finalmente, the inspector will also check the performance of the alarm after recovery, including its display value and alarm function.
How Do They Test The Loudness of the Carbon Monoxide Alarm?
The factory conducts sound tests in an enclosed space without noise. Primero, the tester places the sound level meter near the device for easy sound collection. He then adjusted the parameters of the sound level meter so that the decibel value of the sound could be accurately measured.
After starting a carbon monoxide leak, the inspector records the sleep time period of the alarm, the volume and duration of the sound. Once the alarm makes a sound, the inspector uses a sound level meter to measure the decibel value of the sound. Finalmente, he sorted out the test time, location, environmental conditions, the type and specification of the alarm, and the measurement value of the sound level meter during the test.
How Do They Test the Lifespan of the Carbon Monoxide Alarm?
A tester usually selects a stable and controllable test environment to ensure the accuracy of test results. The test environment should simulate as much as possible the environmental conditions in the actual use of the CO sensor, including temperature, humidity and air pressure. In the next stage, the tester typically conducts weekly or monthly tests to observe changes in sensor performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Types of Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Metal Oxide Type
These carbon monoxide detectors measure the concentration of carbon monoxide based on the sensitivity of metal oxide semiconductor materials to carbon monoxide. When carbon monoxide comes into contact with a metal oxide semiconductor material, the resistance value of the material changes. Por lo tanto, the device can measure the change in resistance value to deduce the concentration of carbon monoxide. This principle makes its structure very simple. It is featured on the market with low cost and good service life. Generalmente, people use it in homes and small factories.
Infrared Type
The CO detector detects the concentration of carbon monoxide based on the absorption properties of carbon monoxide to infrared radiation. The Device emits a beam of infrared light internally. When carbon monoxide enters the device, it will absorb part of the infrared light. The device can then measure the absorption of infrared light to calculate the concentration of carbon monoxide. It is often used in high-precision laboratories and industrial production lines because it is not interfered by other gases with a wide measurement range.
Electrochemical Type
An electro-chemical CO detector detects the concentration of carbon monoxide based on the principle of electric current generated by the redox of carbon monoxide in an electrolyte solution. When carbon monoxide enters the detector, it reacts with the electrolyte solution to produce an electric current. And the current is proportional to the concentration of carbon monoxide. De este modo, the device can measure the current to deduce the concentration of carbon monoxide. It features high sensitivity, fast response speed and accurate measurement, so people often use it in occasions where carbon monoxide concentration should be accurately detected.
Is There An Easy Way to Test for Carbon Monoxide?
Because of its simple operation and low cost, the test-paper method is widely used in the rapid screening of carbon monoxide. The test strip is usually coated with a chemical that reacts with carbon monoxide. When the test paper is exposed to carbon monoxide, the chemicals on the test paper react with carbon monoxide and produce color changes. We can see if there is carbon monoxide by looking at these changes. Sin embargo, there are limits, of course. If you need higher test accuracy and reliability, then we still recommend CO detector as a household daily monitoring.
How Do We Maintenance Carbon Monoxide Detectors to Work Well?
- Keep the carbon monoxide detector away from humid and corrosive gases and environments.
- Periodically wipe the surface of the detector with a clean soft cloth to remove dust and dirt.
- Do not store or use carbon monoxide detectors in hot or cold places to avoid damage to components.
- Do not place the detector in an environment where corrosive gases or liquids may be produced.
- Replace the battery in time when the battery is low. Do not use the detector under voltage.
