Carbon Monoxide Safety, What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide Safety

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas created when any fuel is burned – gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, wood, coal, and even tobac- co. When combustion air is limited, more CO is produced. Serious problems can develop when combustion by-products are not properly vented outside the house.

You’ve probably heard about carbon monoxide poisoning in the news recently. It’s a problem receiving more attention because groups like the American Lung Association and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have made it a prior- ity to warn the public about the dangers of this deadly household poison.

What are the Effects of CO Exposure?

When you breathe carbon monoxide, it enters your bloodstream through your lungs and attaches to red blood cells. These red blood cells, called hemoglobin, carry oxygen throughout your body. Carbon monoxide mole- cules attach to the red blood cells 200 times faster than oxygen, preventing the flow of oxygen to your heart, brain and vital organs. As carbon monox- ide accumulates in your bloodstream, your body becomes starved for oxy- gen. The amount of carbon monoxide in a person’s body can be measured by a simple blood test, called a “carboxyhemoglobin level” test .

The early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for the flu – headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion.

Could Your Family be at Risk from CO Poisoning?

Carbon monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. According to the Mayo Clinic, at least 10,000 Americans are affected by CO poisoning each year.

While anyone is susceptible, experts agree that unborn babies, small chil- dren, senior citizens and people with heart or respiratory problems are especially vulnerable to CO and are at the greatest risk for death or serious injury.

Where Does CO Come From?

Inside your home malfunctioning and improperly vented appliances used for heating and cooking are the most likely sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles run- ning in attached garages can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

A by-product of combustion, carbon monoxide can be a potential problem from a number of common sources – automobiles,

furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, charcoal grills, gas ranges, space heaters and portable generators.

KN-COPP-3 specifications

The Kidde KN-COPP-3 is an advanced carbon monoxide (CO) and explosive gas detector designed to enhance safety in residential and commercial environments. One of its most notable features is its ability to detect both carbon monoxide and explosive gases like natural gas and propane, making it a dual-function device.

This detector is equipped with an electrochemical sensor that is highly sensitive to carbon monoxide, ensuring early detection of potentially dangerous gas levels. It can detect CO concentrations as low as 30 parts per million (ppm), which is vital for ensuring occupant safety. The device has a loud alarm that sounds when it detects high levels of CO, alerting residents to evacuate the premises immediately.

The Kidde KN-COPP-3 is designed for ease of use and convenience. It features a digital display that shows CO levels in real-time, allowing users to monitor the situation at a glance. Additionally, the unit is equipped with a peak level memory that stores the highest CO concentration detected since the last reset, providing valuable information in case of an alarm event.

In terms of installation, the KN-COPP-3 is easy to set up, requiring just a standard outlet for power. It also includes a backup battery system that ensures it remains operational even in the event of a power outage. This reliability is paramount for safety, as carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can pose serious health risks.

Another characteristic of the Kidde KN-COPP-3 is its test and reset button, which allows users to routinely check the functionality of the alarm. Regular testing is important to ensure that the device is in working order and ready to respond in an emergency.

The device also incorporates a low battery warning feature, which alerts users when it's time to replace the batteries or the unit itself, further ensuring safety and peace of mind.

In conclusion, the Kidde KN-COPP-3 is a reliable and user-friendly carbon monoxide and explosive gas detector that combines advanced technology with essential safety features. Its dual detection capabilities, real-time monitoring, and dependable alarm system make it a crucial addition to any home or business to protect occupants from the dangers of CO and explosive gases.