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Carbon Monoxide Alarms Explained: Safety You Can’t See

Unlike smoke or fire, carbon monoxide is an invisible threat. Colourless, tasteless and odourless, carbon monoxide is labelled as the ‘silent killer’. How is it produced? Carbon monoxide is the result of incomplete combustion of fuels like wood and coal. When there is not enough oxygen to completely burn a fuel source, carbon monoxide is released instead of carbon dioxide. Household appliances such as furnaces, water heaters and gas stoves produce CO. That is why we created the GL-P103, Carbon monoxide alarm, Our Carbon Monoxide Alarm provides essential protection against CO, known as the silent killer offering early detection in any room with a solid fuel appliance. With no taste, smell, or visibility, carbon monoxide requires reliable detection to keep occupants safe.

  • 10 year built-in battery – no need for replacements over the product’s lifespan
  • Quick click installation – fast, secure setup with a simple twist-fit design
  • LED indicators – clear visual status for power, fault, and alarm functions
  • Compact, unobtrusive design – blends discreetly into any room
  • Fully compliant with BS EN 50291-1:2018 safety standards
  • 10 year product lifespan for long term peace of mind

A vital addition for homes, rental properties, and new builds, delivering trusted maintenance free carbon monoxide protection.

So why is carbon monoxide dangerous and how can we spot the signs sooner?

CO is dangerous because of how it interacts with the body; it prevents oxygen from being carried in the blood, which essentially suffocates the organs. Symptoms of CO poisoning include dizziness, headaches and nausea, however, in severe cases, it can cause unconsciousness, seizures or death. On average in the UK approximately 4,000 people are admitted to A&E departments each year due to CO poisoning.

How can we spot the signs of CO poisoning early? Installing a carbon monoxide alarm in your home can accurately detect CO levels in your property.

Here is a guide to the differing CO levels and the symptoms you may feel:

  • 35ppm – the maximum allowable CO concentration for continuous prolonged exposure, no symptoms.
  • 150ppm – a slight headache after 1.5 hours of exposure.
  • 200ppm – a slight headache, fatigue, dizziness and nausea after 2-3 hours of exposure to CO.
  • 800ppm – dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45 minutes of exposure. A person can become unconsciousness within 2 hours and death is possible within 2-3 hours.
  • 1,600 ppm – headache, dizziness and nausea within 20 minutes. Death within 1 hour.

Proper ventilation can naturally help to reduce carbon monoxide, for example: having a wood burning fire on in your living room will naturally produce CO, to decrease these levels you can open a window or install an air ventilation system.

However, your homes first line of defence should always be a carbon monoxide alarm. If high levels of CO are detected the alarm will sound, notifying the occupant in plenty of time, before symptoms begin.

Where should you install a carbon monoxide alarm?

UK guidance suggests installing carbon monoxide alarms in every room containing a fuel burning appliance. CO alarms should be placed at head height, around 1-3 metres away from appliances. Do not put your alarm near a window or ventilation system to avoid false readings. Avoid installing them in cupboards or behind furniture as the alarm relies on clear airflow to detect CO. Bedrooms or areas occupants spend a considerable amount of time are also places recommended for a CO alarm.

How long will your carbon monoxide alarm last?

Our carbon monoxide alarms have a ten-year lifespan, they come with a ten-year built-in battery, allowing you peace of mind knowing that batteries do not need changing.

Once your alarm has reached its ten-year life span it is recommended that you replace it immediately for your safety.

Preventative measures

Maintaining your appliances increases their safety and decreases the risk of harmful CO being dispersed into the air. Make sure that your boiler gets serviced by a professional annually. It is also beneficial to have your chimney swept on a regular basis as if it becomes blocked the production of CO will increase.

Warning signs to look out for

There are a few warning signs that may indicate the increased presence of carbon monoxide in your home. It is vital that you are aware of these, as spotting them early and evacuating the premises may save someone’s life.

When using a gas oven, if the flame is yellow instead of blue this is a sign of increased CO levels. If when turning the gas oven on the flame does not go entirely around the ring that may also be a sign that higher levels of CO are present.

Yellow or brown stains around the boiler or stove fires point to higher-than-normal CO levels.

Increased condensation on windows could be a sign of increased CO levels as a fuel-burning appliance may not be venting properly, increasing the risk of CO poisoning.

Living in a rental property

If you are a tenant in a rental property, it is your responsibility to ensure that your carbon monoxide alarms are tested on a regular basis. You must also inform the landlord if the alarm has stopped working and arrange for a replacement if necessary.

If you are a landlord of a private residential property in England you are required by law to install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a fuel burning appliance.

Take aways

Installing carbon monoxide alarms in areas which house a fuel burning appliance could save your life. The side effects of CO poisoning can make a person feel drowsy and lead to unconsciousness, having a loud sounding alarm can alert occupants to the dangers. It is recommended that you maintain your fuel burning appliances and if any issues occur it is important to get these seen to by a professional. Replacing your carbon monoxide alarm every ten years means it will be able to accurately detect the presence of CO.