Where to install CO detectors?

We recommend placing at least one CO detector on every floor that has a bedroom close to the bedroom in question. For increased protection, additional detectors could be installed in every bedroom and on every floor of your home. If the bedroom hallway is longer than 12 meters, install a CO detector at each end of the hallway. In houses with one floor: Install at least one CO detector near or in each bedroom. For extra protection, install at least one CO detector in the same room as a fuel-burning boiler or another (fuel) heat source. In houses with two (or more) floors Install at least one CO detector near or in each bedroom. For extra protection, install at least one CO detector on every floor. For extra protection, install at least one CO detector in the same room as a fuel-burning boiler or another (fuel) heat source. In mobile homes Only install a CO detector on the inside walls. Non-insulated walls and roofs of a mobile home carry heat and cold over from the outside. The detector must be installed at least 15cm away from all external walls and at least 30cm away from the ventilation opening.

Where not to install CO detectors?

In garages, kitchens, in rooms where the boiler is located, or in extremely dusty, dirty or oily areas. Within 1.5 meters of cooking equipment. In extremely humid areas. The detector must be installed at least 3 metres away from baths, showers, saunas, humidifiers, vaporisers, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, utility rooms or other rooms with a high humidity. In rooms where the temperature is below 4° C or above 38° C, for example, crawl spaces, unfinished attics, not or poorly insulated ceilings, carports and garages. In moving air, such as close to ceiling fans, heat exhausts, air conditioners, fresh air supply or open windows. Air currents may prevent carbon monoxide from reaching the sensors. Outside the mobile home. In direct sunlight.

How high should I install my CO detector?

The height of a CO detector isn't very important because CO is a diffuse gas and therefore spreads evenly in a room. CO is about as heavy as air. This means that you can put the CO detector at 'sleeping height' in the bedroom and at 'sitting height' in the living room. In any case, choose somewhere clean, away from children and pets. Always read the manual for the specific installation requirements. Some CO detectors also have a stand so you can easily place it on a cabinet and do not need to mount it to a wall or ceiling.

Where not to place a gas alarm?

It is important to hang your gas alarm in the correct place. Make sure the alarm isn't shielded or covered. This can greatly reduce the sensor's performance. Make sure the alarm doesn't come into contact with moisture. Protect the alarm from strong magnetic fields. Avoid situations where the temperature is less than -10 degrees Celsius or more than 40 degrees Celsius. Do not place the alarm close to strong air currents such as fans, doors, windows, etc. Avoid putting it in humid areas such as bathrooms and showers where the relative humidity can rise above 95%. Closed areas, such as in cabinets or behind curtains, prevent the alarm from detecting a gas leak. Areas where dust or dirt can block the sensor. Directly next to an oven, sink or drain.

Where to install your gas alarm?

A gas alarm is designed for indoor use in dry rooms where a gas leak may occur. It's important to be able to hear the signal clearly in case of an alarm. Detecting natural gas To detect natural gas, you need to install the alarm 15-30 cm below the ceiling, no more than 6 meters away from your stove or gas appliance. Make sure that you have a power outlet for the adapter within 2 metres of the place where you want to install your alarm. Detecting LPG To detect LPG, you need to install the alarm 15-30 cm above the floor, no more than 4 meters away from your stove or gas appliance. Recommended locations are kitchens, garages, caravans and motor homes.

How do I test a CO detector?

Press and hold the test button at the front of the detector until the alarm sounds. Make sure you press the button for long enough. It can take up to 20 seconds for the detector to respond. Does the detector remain silent even after 20 seconds? Check if the batteries are installed correctly or replace the battery if necessary and see if the problem persists.

What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?

The following symptoms may be signs of CO poisoning. It's important to inform all family members about this. Mild exposure: mild headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (often described as a 'flu-like' feeling). Average exposure: throbbing headaches, numbness, confusion, accelerated heart rate Extreme exposure: unconsciousness, cramps, heart and lung failure, death. A CO detector monitors the level of CO in the air around the CO detector, measured in parts per million (ppm). 35 ppm The maximum allowable concentration for continuous exposure over a period of 8 hours for healthy adults. This is a recommendation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 200 ppm Slight headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea after 2 - 3 hours. 400 ppm Headache within 1 - 2 hours, life-threatening after 3 hours. 800 ppm Dizziness, nausea and cramps within 45 minutes. Unconsciousness within 2 hours Death within 2 - 3 hours. 1600 ppm Headache, dizziness, nausea within 20 min.; Death within 1 hour. 3200 ppm Within 5-10 min: headache, dizziness, nausea; Death within 25-30 min. 6400 ppm Within 1-2 min, headache, dizziness, nausea; Death within 10-15 min. 12800 ppm Death within 1-3 min. If you suspect you or your family has been exposed to carbon monoxide, open the doors and windows to air out your home, turn off all the appliances and leave the building. Contact a public authority to find the source of the carbon monoxide before entering the building again. Seek medical attention for anyone who suffers from the effects of CO poisoning.

What to do if the gas alarm goes off?

If your gas alarm goes off, it is important to know what to do. First of all, it is essential that you remain calm and take the next steps - not necessarily in the given order. Immediately extinguish any open flame, cigarette, cigar, candle, etc. When the alarm goes off under normal circumstances, close the (main) gas valve, close the gas cylinder, shut off the leaking source, etc. and open your windows and doors for perfect ventilation. Do not turn any electrical appliances or controls (light switches, doorbell, telephone, intercom, or other electrical consumer products) on or off. It's forbidden to touch electric switches. Just a small spark can cause an explosion. If a gas leakage is constantly or repeatedly detected, contact a qualified installer or your gas company. Do not use the telephone or another electrical device near the gas leak to call your installer or gas company. If the alarm continues to go off, even after you reconnect and reset it, and you can't find the leak, leave your home and warn your gas company or installer immediately to have your gas installation tested. If the alarm stops or a switched off alarm is reset according to the instructions and the source of the gas leak has been found (e.g. a burner was open without the gas burning) and all gas appliances have been turned off then you can turn the (main) gas tap back on.

CO detectors – Support

Installation

Where to install CO detectors?
Where not to install CO detectors?
How high should I install my CO detector?
Where not to place a gas alarm?
Where to install your gas alarm?

Technical questions

How do I test a CO detector?
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
What to do if the gas alarm goes off?