Below are questions frequently asked by our customers and partners about GAO Tek’s carbon monoxide gas detectors. They are further classified by their features: alarm–enabled, auto power–off, data logging, handheld, high precision, and outdoor.

 

If you have any questions about our products or want to place an order, our technical experts can help you. Please fill out this form:

https://gaotek.com/ask-an-expert/

or email us at sales@gaotek.com

 

What is carbon monoxide (CO)?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels.

 

Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?

Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it can interfere with the body’s ability to transport oxygen, leading to serious health effects or even death.

 

Where should I place carbon monoxide detectors?

Install detectors in or near sleeping areas and on each level of your home.

 

How often should I replace carbon monoxide detector batteries?

Change the batteries at least once a year and replace the entire detector every 5-7 years.

 

Are there specific sources of carbon monoxide in the home to be aware of?

Common sources include gas furnaces, gas stoves, fireplaces, water heaters, and car engines in attached garages.

 

Is it safe to use a gas stove or oven for heating?

No, using a gas stove or oven for heating can lead to the production of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

 

What should I do if my carbon monoxide detector goes off?

Evacuate the building immediately, call emergency services, and do not re-enter until it has been declared safe.

 

Can I smell or see carbon monoxide?

No, carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, making it difficult to detect without a specialized detector.

 

Is carbon monoxide present only in the home?

No, CO can be present in any environment where combustion occurs, including vehicles, industrial settings, and recreational areas.

 

Can pets be affected by carbon monoxide?

Yes, pets can be affected by carbon monoxide poisoning, and similar symptoms may be observed.

 

How is carbon monoxide poisoning treated?

Treatment involves removing the affected person from the source of CO, administering oxygen, and seeking immediate medical attention.

 

Can carbon monoxide detectors be interconnected?

Yes, GAO Tek detectors communicate with each other, so if one detects CO, all alarms in the interconnected system will sound.

 

Is it safe to run a generator indoors?

No, generators should only be operated outdoors in well-ventilated areas to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

 

Can I prevent carbon monoxide exposure in my car?

Ensure your car’s exhaust system is in good condition and never leave the engine running in an enclosed space.

 

What is the difference between carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide?

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion, while carbon dioxide is a natural component of the air we breathe.

 

What are the applications of carbon monoxide gas detectors?

  • Residential Homes: Install in homes to provide early warning of CO leaks from heating systems, gas appliances, fireplaces, and attached garages.
  • Commercial Buildings: Use in offices, hotels, and other commercial spaces to monitor heating systems, boilers, and other potential sources of carbon monoxide.
  • Industrial Facilities: Employ in factories and industrial plants to detect CO emissions from combustion processes, industrial furnaces, and machinery.
  • Hospitals: Install medical facilities to ensure the safety of patients and staff by monitoring areas with gas-powered equipment and emergency generators.
  • Parking Garages: Use CO detectors in enclosed parking structures to monitor exhaust fumes from vehicles, especially in underground garages.
  • Schools and Universities: Implement educational institutions to safeguard students and staff from potential carbon monoxide leaks in heating systems and laboratories.
  • Hotels and Lodging: Install hotels and lodges to monitor gas appliances and heating systems, ensuring guest safety.
  • Agricultural Settings: Use in barns, poultry houses, and other agricultural structures where gas-powered equipment is utilized.
  • Recreational Vehicles (RVs): Install CO detectors in RVs and campers to alert occupants to potential leaks from gas appliances and generators.
  • Marine Applications: Use in boats and ships to monitor combustion processes and prevent CO buildup from engines and generators.
  • Mining Operations: Implement CO detectors in underground mines to monitor air quality and detect any combustion-related issues.
  • Aviation Industry: Install aircraft to monitor the air quality in cockpits and cabins, especially in instances where combustion engines are in use.
  • Warehouses and Storage Facilities: Use CO detectors to monitor indoor air quality and detect potential leaks from gas-powered forklifts and equipment.
  • Emergency Shelters: Install shelters and temporary housing to ensure the safety of occupants by monitoring combustion sources and heating equipment.
  • Fire and Rescue Operations: Carry portable CO detectors to assess the safety of environments during firefighting and rescue operations, especially in enclosed spaces.
  • Laboratories: Implement laboratories to monitor gas-powered equipment and prevent the release of CO during experiments and testing.
  • Data Centers: Use CO detectors in data centers to monitor backup power systems and generators, ensuring the safety of critical infrastructure.
  • Construction Sites: Employ portable CO detectors on construction sites to monitor equipment such as generators and heaters, preventing exposure to workers.
  • Public Spaces: Install in public areas such as shopping malls, theaters, and museums to enhance overall safety by monitoring potential sources of CO.
  • Oil and Gas Industry: Use in oil refineries and gas processing plants to monitor combustion processes and ensure worker safety.

 

What U.S. Regulations do GAO Tek carbon monoxide gas detectors comply or help customers to comply?

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA provides guidelines for workplace safety. While OSHA does not have specific standards solely for CO detectors, it mandates a safe working environment. CO detectors may be required in specific industries or workplaces where CO exposure is a concern.
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): NFPA publishes the NFPA 720 standard for the installation of carbon monoxide (CO) detection and warning equipment. This standard provides requirements for the selection, installation, location, performance, and testing of CO detection and warning equipment in residential and commercial occupancies.
  • International Code Council (ICC): The International Building Code (IBC) and international residential code (IRC) may include requirements for the installation of CO detectors in certain residential and commercial buildings.
  • Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): The CPSC provides guidelines for consumer product safety. While they don’t specifically regulate CO detectors, they may issue recalls or safety alerts for specific models that pose a risk.
  • Underwriters Laboratories (UL): UL is a widely recognized independent safety certification organization. Many CO detectors are tested and certified by UL to meet specific safety and performance standards. Look for the UL mark on the CO detectors.
  • American National Standards Institute (ANSI): ANSI oversees the development of standards, and some CO detector standards may fall under their purview. For example, ANSI/UL 2034 covers the standard for single and multiple-station carbon monoxide alarms.
  • State and Local Building Codes: Building codes can vary by state and locality. Some jurisdictions may have specific requirements for the installation of CO detectors in residential and commercial buildings. It’s essential to check the applicable local codes for specific regulations.

 

What Canadian regulations do GAO Tek carbon monoxide gas detectors comply with or help customers comply?

  • Canadian Standards Association (CSA): The CSA is a leading standards development organization in Canada. CO detectors in Canada are often required to comply with the CSA standard CAN/CSA-6.19, “residential carbon monoxide alarming devices.”
  • National Building Code of Canada (NBC): The NBC sets out technical provisions for the design and construction of new buildings. It may include requirements for the installation of CO detectors in residential and commercial buildings.
  • Provincial and Territorial Regulations: Building codes and regulations can vary by province and territory in Canada. Some jurisdictions may have specific requirements for CO detectors in residential and commercial buildings. It’s essential to consult the local building code or authorities for the specific regulations in a particular area.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Regulations: In certain workplaces and industrial settings, occupational health and safety regulations may require the use of CO detectors to protect workers from exposure to hazardous levels of carbon monoxide.
  • Consumer Product Safety Regulations: Health Canada oversees consumer product safety regulations. While specific regulations may not exist solely for CO detectors, adherence to safety standards and guidelines is crucial. Health Canada may issue recalls or safety alerts for specific models that pose risks to consumers.
  • Natural Resources Canada (NRCan): NRCan may be involved in setting energy efficiency standards for appliances, and some CO detectors may fall under their purview.

 

What international standards do GAO Tek carbon monoxide gas detectors comply or help customers to comply?

  • IEC 60079-29-1:2016: Explosive atmospheres – Part 29-1: Gas detectors – Performance requirements of detectors for flammable gases.
  • ISO 7240-7:2017: Fire detection and alarm systems – Part 7: Smoke detectors for ducts.
  • ISO 7240-28:2020: Fire detection and alarm systems – Part 28: Fire protection for cooking areas.
  • EN 50291:2010: Electrical apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide in domestic premises.
  • EN 50194-1:2009: Electrical apparatus for the detection and measurement of flammable gases – Part 1: Performance requirements for apparatus using semiconductor sensors.
  • AS/NZS 4641:2010: Electrical apparatus for the detection and measurement of combustible gases, toxic gases, or oxygen.
  • IFEG 008-5: Fire Safety Installations – Smoke Detection and Alarm Systems.
  • UL 2034: Standard for Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms.
  • CAN/CSA-6.19: Residential Carbon Monoxide Alarming Devices.

 

What alternative names does a carbon monoxide gas detector have?

The alternative names of carbon monoxide gas detector include CO Detector, CO alarm, carbon monoxide monitor, CO sensor, combustion gas detector, gas alert device, carbon monoxide warning system, CO safety alarm, CO detection system, CO sensing device, gas detection device, indoor air quality monitor, residential CO detector, commercial CO alarm, portable CO detector, wireless CO detector, smart CO detector, CO leak detector, personal CO monitor, and fixed gas detector.

 

What carbon monoxide gas detectors does GAO Tek have?

Here is the link for the entire carbon monoxide gas detectors category https://gaotek.com/category/environmental/industrial-gas-detectors/carbon-monoxide-gas-detector/. Carbon monoxide gas detectors are further organized by feature: alarm–enabled, auto power–off, data logging, handheld, high precision, and outdoor.

 

What is the shipping time for GAO Tek to a U.S. location? 

GAO Tek ships overnight to anywhere on the continental U.S. from one of its North American facilities.

 

What is the shipping time for GAO Tek to a Canadian location? 

GAO Tek ships overnight to anywhere in continental Canada from one of its North American facilities.