As responsible individualswhen we move into a building (house, apartment, commercial space, etc.) we immediately think of installing a smoke detector legal obligation but what about the detectors? carbon monoxide why aren't they more commonly used, when thousands of people die every year as a result? toxic gas let's take a look at these small devices that can help us save your life as much as their smoke-detecting counterparts.

Let's start with carbon monoxide (CO)

CO is a molecule composed of one atom of carbon atom and aoxygenodorless, colorless and tasteless, it does not irritate the eyes or respiratory tract, making it an enemy of the environment invisible for man.

It can be caused by a lack of maintenance on your appliances, poor installation, inadequate ventilation, a blocked chimney or a cracked flue.

In the homesthe main sources of CO are households that use carbon-based fuels (wood, coal, gas, oil, etc.), whether they be heating appliances, hot water production systems, ovens or stoves. The main sources of CO are households that use carbon-based fuels (wood, coal, gas, oil, etc.), whether they be heating appliances, hot water production systems, ovens or stoves burnt gases emitted by these appliances always contain a small amount of CO, as combustion is never completely complete. 

That's all well and good, but how do you detect CO poisoning?

In low doses, it causes symptoms which can be flu-like, such as mild headaches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. This is why you need to be very vigilant, because once the quantity of CO inhaled is greater, the symptoms become more severe dangerousheadaches intensify, and drowsiness and confusion can set in, leading to death death this toxic gas is not to be taken lightly.

Prevention is the only real thing!

You are about to have a new heating appliance installed. In this case, think about requesting a heating certificate certificate of conformity which will prove that your equipment has been properly installed. If you already have your heating systems in place, remember to have them serviced check when the cold season arrives, and ask for a certificate from the professional who carried out the work.

In addition to these basic steps, the installation of a carbon monoxide detector is essential.

How does a carbon monoxide detector work?

This device, also known as DAACO, is a small housing to be installed in your home (or commercial premises, etc.) cO present in the atmosphere and emits a buzzer to warn of the danger if the quantity of CO becomes too high. Carbon monoxide measurements are taken every 50 seconds about.

Some detectors are equipped with a display that indicates the carbon monoxide level measured in the room, and must be certified to NF 292 and EN 50291 and their lifespan is between 5 and 7 years.

And where do we install this little marvel of technology?

It's advisable to install a carbon monoxide detector in every room with a fireplace combustion deviceif you have a fireplace or stove in the living room or dining room, it must be placed at a distance of between between 1 and 3 metres the same goes for the kitchen if you have a gas stove.

Your heater is in a laundry a detector must be installed at the corridor entrance.

If your combustion appliance is a fireplacein the case of a carbon monoxide leak, a carbon monoxide detector must be installed close to the pipe in all rooms through which the pipe passes.

Now that you know how to improve the protection of your home and its inhabitants, don't hesitate to contact us for further information and advice.