Re: To Julian From OP: Re: CO Detector Location Question

[julian <julian@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Wed, 27 Jul 2005 07:27:06 -0400, "Robert11" <rgsros@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

>Hi Julian:
>
>Thanks for reply.
>
>Read it with quite a bit of interest, as I am about to return this Kidde
>Nighthas unit and
>buy another one.
>
>Yes, it's AC powered, has that pretty LCD display, has a battery backup, and
>I do have it plugged into the wall socket near the floor.
>
>Have been driving us crazy, as every day, perhaps (only) once or twice a day
>it gives a single chirp.
>No idea why; battery is brand new.

No idea, return it for a new one.

>Why do you feel that a location into an outlet near the floor is to be
>avoided ?
>(I'm just trying to learn)

CO is slightly lighter than air, so where do you think would be the
best place to detect it? That's right, no at outlet level, but higher
on the wall or on the ceiling (as in the dual smoke/CO detectors).

References:
http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d000701-d000800/d000766/d000766.html
http://home.att.net/~cobusters1/

If there is a small amount of CO (normail with most homes), it can and
will easily mix with the surrounding air, especially if there is air
movement (eg. breeze from open window). If there is a larger
concentration of CO (due to faulty heating/cooking equipment), it will
rise to the ceiling and build up, which is why you want a detector
placed high on the wall or on the ceiling.


>Any thoughts on the single chirp ?
>
>Are First Alert CO detectors "better" ?

Better? Better? Hah! Get one from a reputable manufacturer, install it
correctly and don't get the cheapest one. Like my Chinese grandfather
used to say:

Good Stuff No Cheap
Cheap Stuff No Good



>Thanks again for help,
>Bob

No problem, but be careful with the info you read on the internet. I
found many pages that were just dead wrong about CO, saying it is
heavier than air. CO2 (carbon dioxide) is heavier than air, so I think
that is the source of the confusion.

And I have to wonder about companies who manufacture CO detectors that
plug into AC outlets. They are giving people a false sense of
security, since the units likely won't trip until the amount of CO is
fatal to a person.

JMHO

Regards,

Julian