How to Place and Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector Monitor

Sunday, November 20th, 2011 at 10:58 pm

Carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and can be found with warm, rising air. Therefore, the detector should be place on the ceiling or 5 feet above the floor. Each floor should have a separate CO detector. Do not place CO detectors over or next to flame producing appliances. The detector should be kept away from children and pets. If you are going for a single CO detector, fix it near the sleeping area and ensure the alarm is loud enough to wake you up.

Installation

Tools required: Wall punch, screwdriver, hammer and a pencil.

Procedure:

1. Research detectors: Look for a CO detector that is right for your home.
2. Choose location: Decide where to place your detector. Make sure no draperies cover the alarm.
3. Read installation manual: Read the installation instructions carefully. If it’s a direct plug in CO detector, just plug it into the wall. If it is battery powered detector, it should come with screw anchors and screws.
4. Mark the wall with pencil: Carefully line up the detector with the wall. Mark with a pencil where the screws need to go. Most CO detector come with a separate twist-off base to make installation easy.
5. Make holes in the wall: Use a wall punch to make a hole in the wall right over the marked dots. The holes should not be bigger than the screw anchor.
6. Tap anchor into holes: Using a hammer, lightly tap the anchors into the holes.
7. Screw base to wall: Screw the separate base into the wall. If the base does not detach, snugly place the screws in the wall. Make sure the detector is well secured.
8. Install battery in your detector and place it on the wall.
9. Test the detector: Test your detector to know whether it works and how it sounds like.
10. Mark the calendar: Make sure you mark on your calendar the date of installation and when to replace the batteries. A good time is when we change from Standard time to Savings time and reverse.

In conclusion, proper carbon monoxide detector placement and installation is crucial for proper functioning no matter which type you prefer.