CO detector - what's good?

hyunelan2

It occurred to me about a week ago that my house does not have a CO detector. Even though by Illinois law, it should have had one in order for me to buy it 2.5 years ago.

So, it's now on the forefront of my memory to purchase a CO detector(s). The house is a 2-story 4 bedroom with all bedrooms on the upper level. It was built 2002, and is heated by a forced-air natural gas furnace.

I know I need a CO detector outside of the bedrooms. Is there anywhere else I should locate one. The top of the stairs in the foyer area would basically be the central point of the house, and near each bedroom door.

What brands/features do people like?

TarheelTerp

The one that will work WITH the hardwired and interconnected smoke detectors which usually means a matched set from the same company.

hyunelan2

See, I didn't even know that existed! Thanks.

I'll have to see what brand my hardwired smoke detectors are and check for compatibility.

TarheelTerp

Don't count on that compatibility actually happening.
This, combined with the 10 year useful life issues...
is why I cut to the chase with a link to an all new matched set.

hth

hyunelan2

That also helps, thanks. I need to count up how many of those things are around. Off-hand, I can think of at least 7 smoke detectors, maybe more.

<*(((><

Did you provide a link to smoke/CO2 combos? I'm not seeing a link, I have it on my list to check my wired smokes to see if they check CO2 and would like to replace if they don't.

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hyunelan2

Yes, his link is in post 2. Here it is again:

http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CKEBEPMCMAQ

TarheelTerp

"...which usually means a matched set from the same company."

If your smokes are more than 10years old...
the folks who sell them highly recommend they be replaced.
It's probably wise advice even so.

ddawg16

I'm going through the selection process now.....

You need CO detectors anywhere there is a combustion....gas dryer, gas stove, etc. Depending on your local code, the CO detector may be required to sound alarms in other parts of the house.

The active sensor in CO detectors have a finite life....with 10 years being the max....so, no how good the CO detector is, in 10 years or less, you will be replacing it.

You have 2 basic types to choose from, hardwired interconnected and wireless. I see wireless as being a retrofit option where you don't need a detector with hardwired power. Otherwise, just go hardwired since you have to get AC power to it anyway. Use 14/3 wire...the third red wire becomes the interconnect wire.

Combination CO and Smoke? More to go wrong....but then again, if it makes it past the warranty....chances are the smoke detector is about ready to be replaced in 10 years as well.

I'm leaning towards a model that shows the current and peak CO readings...I'm also interested in one the can be hooked to a home alarm system.

I have searched DIY and have not found any significant discussions on the topic.....sort of wish we could get a good thread going on the subject.

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gregzoll

There is one good one out there, which we have discussed before. Just for reminders, The Protech 8505 is a good one, but kind of pricey http://www.amazon.com/ProTech-8505-C...6461036&sr=1-5 I had the FirstAlert GCO1CN, and it is a piece of garbage. Will never get one again. Right now the only one we have in the house, is a combo unit downstairs in the basement, which works really good and has never failed.

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