CO2 Detectors

Body Hammer · Post by **Body Hammer** » Wed. Sep. 30, 2009 9:05 pm

I have two detectors that plug in an outlet. They have a battery back-up. For that reason they are low on the wall; Where my smoke detectors are on the ceilings. Is CO2 heavier than air or lighter? No where on the package does it say where they should be located. My stove is in the basement, and I don't have any low outlets there. Plus with the regular boiler and the stove, I thought I might get false alarms. I have one on the main floor which is an all open design.And the other on the upper floor between the bedrooms. Any advice? Am I covered?

CapeCoaler · Post by **CapeCoaler** » Wed. Sep. 30, 2009 10:57 pm

When considering where to place a carbon monoxide detector, keep in mind that although carbon monoxide is roughly the same weight as air (carbon monoxide's specific gravity is 0.9657, as stated by the EPA; the National Resource Council lists the specific gravity of air as one), it may be contained in warm air coming from combustion appliances such as home heating equipment. If this is the case, carbon monoxide will rise with the warmer air.

**Broken Link(s) Removed**

Body Hammer · Post by **Body Hammer** » Thu. Oct. 01, 2009 6:20 am

Thank you. That link had all the info I needed.

BingeBob · Post by **BingeBob** » Thu. Oct. 01, 2009 9:05 am

Are you measuring CO or Co2?

If my memory serves me, I believe CO is heavier than air thus pooling at the floor. You will get an alarm faster if the detector is lower.

Just a technical look at the abbreviation...(you probably know but I hate for you to say it wrong to people who might not know what youre talking about)

Co2 = Carbon dioxide (2 oxygen molecules)

CO = Carbon Monoxide (1 oxygen molecule)

While Co2 will displace breathing air in enclosed spaces...it isnt harmful in small doses

CO is cumulative and attaches to blood cells over time blocking vital oxygen molecules that would normaly attach to red blood cells. Severe CO poisoning usually requires hyperbaric O2 therapy. Less severe cases will go away on their own as long as the source of the CO has been delt with.

-Bob

Body Hammer · Post by **Body Hammer** » Thu. Oct. 01, 2009 3:25 pm

Thanks for clarifying that. I should know the difference. I use CO2 almost daily in the shop with my MIG welder as a shielding gas. It works great when welding thinner metals as I do.