How an electrician can help protect you from the dangers of carbon monoxide

gazza — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 23:00:00 +0000

gazza Tue, 16/09/2014

Having a working carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is as essential as having a working fire alarm in your home. Carbon Monoxide is often dubbed the 'silent killer' due to the fact that it is odour free and colourless. The presence of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide cannot be detected without a carbon monoxide alarm, and can kill you in as little as 60 seconds.
Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm?
If you use any kind of fuel burning appliance in your home then you should have at least one carbon monoxide alarm in your home. Fuel burning appliances such as coal fires, gas boilers, log burners, gas heaters and even clothes dryers are sources of carbon monoxide.
How big of a problem is carbon monoxide?
Normally carbon monoxide does not cause a problem so long as it is vented safely outside. Carbon Monoxide that builds up with no means of escape is the danger. One of the main causes of CO poisoning are blocked or defective flues.
With Autumn fast approaching, householders are starting to think about switching on sources of heating in order to keep warm. If you do not have a CO alarm currently, then you really should consider getting one this year, in the same way as a fire alarm, it could save your life.
Carbon Monoxide poisoning should be taken seriously. It is responsible for 50 deaths every year in the UK and in excess of 10,000 illnesses. These statistics are just the reported ones. There will be many more unreported cases. Symptoms of CO poisoning can be mild, starting from just feeling a bit under the weather.
Of course keeping your appliances serviced annually and ensuring that flues are in good order does help, however, like any other appliances, fuel burning appliances can malfunction and a CO alarm is your only protection against CO poisoning at all times.
Installing a carbon monoxide alarm correctly
CO alarms are available for every budget from a few pounds to a mains powered alarm. Basic CO alarms do not need any specialist skills to install them, some versions are even free standing. However, you will need to consider where they are situated in order for them to work at best effect.
A mains powered CO alarm will need to be installed by a qualified and registered electrician. A mains powered alarm will give the ultimate reliability without having to reply on a battery. A mains powered CO alarm is powered by electricity with a battery back up in the case of power cuts. The sensors on most CO alarms are guaranteed for at least 10 years.
Whichever CO alarm you opt for, ensure that the alarm contains an audible beep which can alert you of any CO problem. There are colour changing strips available on the market, however these do not inform you of a problem, and will need checking often for changes.
Give CO the alarm this Winter
Before you switch on your heating, make sure your home has adequate carbon monoxide protection and will be keeping you and your family safe from the threat of CO for years to come.

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