Carbon Monoxide Alarm Testing - How to?

[Dr. Zuki 1]

How can I test a newly purchased Carbon Monoxide alarm??

This tiny battery version is made by First Alert, but it appears really cheap and flimsy.

Thank You

[WAS967 97]

Stick it in front of your car exhaust? (Not sure here, but that's the easiest source of CO that I can think of)

[Bnechis 3,961]

Stick it in front of your car exhaust? (Not sure here, but that's the easiest source of CO that I can think of)

Not to close. If you flood it, you can kill the sensor.

[BFarr156 0]

I would follow the manufacturers instructions. Here are two additional sites that might help.

US Consumer Product Safety Commission

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/466.html

Underwriters Labortories

http://safetyathome.com/home-safety/home-safety-articles/test-your-carbon-monoxide-iq-and-protect-your-loved-ones/?fbid=sTdQ7AmdVvc

[WAS967 97]

Not to close. If you flood it, you can kill the sensor.

Good to know. This of course reminds me....I need to check the date on my CO detector. They need to be replaced, what?, every ten years I think? I got the one I have now with my house so I've no idea when it was purchased. With the new mandate, should we have one on each level? Or is one on the bedroom level (I have a three level townhouse) sufficient?

[BFarr156 0]

Good to know. This of course reminds me....I need to check the date on my CO detector. They need to be replaced, what?, every ten years I think? I got the one I have now with my house so I've no idea when it was purchased. With the new mandate, should we have one on each level? Or is one on the bedroom level (I have a three level townhouse) sufficient?

Link to a copy of Amanda's Law, which went into effect in New York State on February 22, 2010

http://www.dos.state.ny.us/code/COAlarm.htm

[WAS967 97]

Anyone can post a link to the law. I was hoping to incite some discussion regarding the new requirements to pass on the information to others. Care to post the meat and potatoes that the general public (who might see this via google search) needs to know?

Edited April 17, 2010 by WAS967