Hi, first one little correction it is a Carbon Monoxide Detector and not Dioxide. CO not CO2. It is a common a mistake that I have herd many times over my 23 years as a Volunteer Firefighter.
Ment2b, you can purchase CO Test Kit that is basically a spray can filled with CO, and it is sprayed at the detector and will set it off. They should be at Lowes or Home Depot. When the CO disperses the alarm will quit sounding. You can also pull the battery and wait a little while if you dont want to here the noise.
Here is the difference between CO and CO2:
CO2, it is formed by complete combustion of a carbon source. Carbon monoxide is CO, it is formed when there is insufficient oxygen to completely combust part of the carbon. Actually, both come from cars and pretty much anything else that involves burning something although CO2 is by far the predominate component. Animals and humans also generate CO2 from exhalation. This CO2 is used by plants in the production of cellulose and other materials. The reason for concern about carbon monoxide is that it is poisonous. CO binds to the hemoglobin in your blood so much better than oxygen that it doesn't come off easily and can lead to death because you blood can't carry enough oxygen anymore.
[quote author=chiefbowes link=topic=800.msg5880#msg5880 date=1304383381]
Just replace it if you are worried. in order to test it you will possible wreck it. As they dint allways release all the Co2 that they collect leaving them useless. So just purchase a battery unit and be safe. Just for general knowledge all Co2 detectors need to be "aired" out once a year,
Ya know, I never really thought about that. Air it out, whoda thunk. Thanks, chiefbowes.
Whoa! Do not hold it there in your hand. YOU will have to inhale the CO also. Attach it to a stake in the ground or hang it on the leg of a chair or table, then walk away!
CO is poisonous! (Insert skull and cross bones here) :thumbdown:
Please, Please be very careful!
If you are in doubt of your CO detector, I agree, REPLACE IT!
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