Wired Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Most carbon monoxide fatalities occur during the winter months. This is the time of the year when heaters are used more frequently. A faulty HVAC system can unfortunately lead to an outbreak of carbon monoxide gas. This is especially true for older homes with HVAC systems that may not have been serviced in awhile.
But house heaters and HVAC systems are not the only source of carbon monoxide gas. The gas is also an off-product of car fumes, and it is frequently found near faulty fuel-burning appliances. Although most modern appliances have protective measures put in place to prevent CO outbreaks, it never hurts to be prepared and ready in case an outbreak ever does.
It is important to understand the characteristics of carbon monoxide gas. The substance is odorless and tasteless. This means that an outbreak is unlikely to be noticed until it's too late. Even a small amount can cause serious health consequences and problems. A person can very quickly fall unconscious and go into cardiac arrest. This can easily result in death.
Carbon monoxide sensors are designed to detect unusually high levels of carbon monoxide gas before they accumulate to harmful or lethal levels. When an a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, the user should take immediate action. They should vacate the premises immediate and make sure everyone else does as well. This is extremely important for preventing casualties. Carbon monoxide alarms are not something to take lightly.
There are some key actions to take after everyone has escaped safely. Any fuel-burning appliances should be shut off, and the windows should be opened to maintain ventilation. You should contact the local fire department, as they can safely determine the actual cause of the CO alarm. They can also determine when it's safe to re-enter the building.
Users should be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure. These symptoms include overall weakness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, short breath, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness and blurred vision. If you believe that a person may have been exposed to CO gas, they should be removed from the building immediately. They may need to be administered fresh oxygen to regain strength. Please note that permanent health problems can occur if action is not taken quickly enough.
The carbon monoxide sensors shown on this page are all hardwired sensors. They need to be hardwired in directly with the security panel to be used. Alarm Grid also offers wireless carbon monoxide sensors, which eliminate the need for running wires. However, your security panel will need to have a compatible wireless receiver to support these wireless devices. Hardwired carbon monoxide sensors are typically best-suited for hardwired security systems only.
When setting up a wired carbon monoxide sensor, make sure you configure the zone settings accordingly. You will want a 24-Hour Carbon Monoxide Response Type that tells the security system to send out an immediate alarm whenever the sensor is activated, regardless of the system's current armed state. You should also make sure the central monitoring station is aware of these zones so they know to take immediate action in the event of an alarm.