CO alarms should be installed on each level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Smoke alarms should be on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas and inside each bedroom. However, Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a different entity and requires a device tailored to make accurate readings in this area like CO detectors .
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends a CO alarm should be installed in the basement of a home in addition to each level of the home to ensure a constant monitoring of carbon monoxide levels in the home. Best carbon monoxide detector consumer reports.
CPSC also states that CO alarms should be included in every bedroom but specifically outside sleeping areas to ensure all parts of a dwelling are covered. It is important for house owners to add these safety devices if they have not already done so! You can call to add these free inspections or register online at www.cpsc.gov .
Which is better ionization or photoelectric smoke alarm?
Ionization smoke alarms tend to respond faster at detecting flames because they are proficient at handling the rapid temperature increase which happens when a solid fuel, like wood or paper, is burned.
Photoelectric smoke alarms tend to respond much more quickly at detecting smoldering fires because they are able to efficiently pick up on the lower temperatures which occur in combusting gas or vegetation.
In most cases, photoelectric smoke alarms are the best choice for homes with low-flame fires. Due to their sensitivity to visible light, they respond to smoldering fires caused by the presence of combustible materials.
Ionization smoke alarms work well in areas with high-flame fires, including living rooms and kitchens where sparks from appliances pose a greater fire risk.
Ionization smoke alarms respond to the particles that float around in the air, which come from both flaming and smoldering fires. Photoelectric smoke alarms are built inside a chamber that opens at the speed of light when it comes into contact with light particles that are produced by flaming fires.
Ionization smoke alarms are best for people who prefer to have their detector alert them before the fire spreads out of control. This is because ionization detectors respond faster than photoelectric ones.
What rooms need carbon monoxide detectors?
According to the NFPA, a carbon monoxide alarm should be installed on every level of your home as well as inside each bedroom and outdoor sleeping areas. Whenever a running car is left unattended close by, whether it’s in the driveway or parked outside, a CO detector should be placed near for further safety precautions.
The NFPA recommends that you have carbon monoxide alarms installed on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area – so this means near attached garages in case a car is left running.
If the manufacturer of the CO alarm you choose also recommends they be placed anywhere else or to replace batteries once a year it’s very important that you follow their recommendations.
NFPA recommends installing carbon monoxide detectors in your house. These devices are designed to help you when gas leaks or when there’s actually a fire or an electrical problem with your appliance.
You should install these devices in every bedroom, the kitchen, laundry room, basement, any attached garage and even places where people hang out like game rooms. Source.
There are different types of detectors available depending on what you’re trying to protect, so be sure that you get the type that’s right for your needs.