All of these concentrations are bad enough when you’re awake and realise that something isn’t quite right – especially if others are feeling a similar effect – but if you’re asleep, you may wake up with a severe headache and nausea and be incapable of even crawling for fresh air. Worse, you might not even wake up at all. Why should I be concerned? Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because you can’t smell it, taste it or see it. Once it enters your bloodstream, it invades the red blood cells (haemoglobin), preventing them from carrying oxygen around the body. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include a flu-like headache, dizziness and nausea followed by tiredness, confusion, breathlessness, weakness, loss of muscular coordination and – dare I mention it – death. CO is so odourless that even dogs can’t detect it. How do CO alarms work? The health effects of CO depend on the concentration and length of exposure (carbon monoxide concentration is measured in parts per million). According to respected CO alarm manufacturer Kidde, “a carbon monoxide detector is a time-weighted alarm that measures the buildup of carbon monoxide in a house.

The Nest Protect passed our sealed incense test with flying colours: the smoke alarm went off first, followed by the CO alarm five minutes later; according to the app, the CO level was 414ppm and increasing. We can’t think of a better CO currently alarm on the market, particularly as it also detects smoke. Carbon monoxide sensors have a finite lifespan of between five and seven years, although a few manufacturers now claim that their sensors will last a full ten years. Generally speaking, it’s worth playing it safe and replacing your alarm a year or two before its life is supposed to run out. Tests in the US have shown that alarms over eight years old can fail to detect CO at levels of above 400ppm. Don’t think that CO alarms are just for your home, either. They’re essential for caravans and motorhomes, and you might even want to take one on holiday if you’re staying in a cottage or self-catering accommodation. Are there any features worth looking out for? This CO detector will protect you and your family from dangerous carbon monoxide gas. The Kidde 5CO carbon monoxide alarm features a 10 year sensor life and is supplied with 2 x Duracell AA alkaline batteries to power the unit. The 5CO continuously monitors the CO levels detected within a room. These units can be wall mounted or free standing, and feature a 7 year manufacturer's warranty.

Kidde 5CO Lifesaver CO Detector

The best carbon monoxide alarms you can buy in 2023 1. Nest Protect: Best smart CO and smoke detector Most people will not experience any symptoms from prolonged exposure to CO levels of under, say, 40ppm. It depends on the length of exposure, but the real danger level starts at around 400ppm (two to three hours of exposure at this level can be life-threatening). To give you some idea of how dangerous higher levels of concentration can be, 1,500ppm could result in death within an hour and 6,000ppm within 15 minutes. The Kidde Lifesaver 5CO continuously monitors for the presence of deadly Carbon Monoxide (CO) in the home, providing a constant protection against the effects of this deadly gas. The 5CO features two LED’s – The red LED illuminates when the alarm has detected CO in the atmosphere and the green LED confirms that DC power is present. The alarm can either be installed on a wall or just placed on a tabletop or shelf for added convenience. It is also ideal for use when on holiday and in rented accomodation. The Lifesaver 5CO features a 7 year sensor life with an end of life warning to replace the unit after seven years protection. Thankfully, there’s an early-warning solution in the form of a carbon monoxide alarm that costs only a few pounds more than a smoke alarm. Be aware, though, that not all CO detectors are sensitive enough and some no-name brands are downright useless – and, therefore, dangerous. Ensure you opt for a reputable brand such as FireAngel, First Alert, Kidde, Nest or Lifesaver.

The Kidde 5CO is a lightweight AA alkaline battery-operated Carbon Monoxide Detector with a 7-year warranty.It’s also worth noting that the test button on these devices doesn’t actually test the sensor – it only makes sure that the circuit’s working.

CO detectors should be located on each level of the home, ideally close to fuel-burning appliances and also sleeping areas. CO detectors are now a requirement by law and a landlord's responsibility to have installed in all residential premises, warning against the deadly gas known as carbon monoxide and also providing continuous monitoring of CO levels around the home. Most manufacturers suggest locating your alarm next to or near a gas appliance, and it’s worth having one in the same room as any fire or wood-burning stove. It should be around 1.5m from the ground and at least 30cm away from any ceiling, and most can be mounted on a worktop, shelf or table – or simply mounted on the wall.The 10 year Kidde 5CO is a carbon monoxide alarm incorporating highly effective detector technology with slimline designer casing and a sleek finish. The alarm continuously monitors the CO levels in the air around it and LED indicators show the current status of operation, fault, or alarm. These units can be free standing and also have the option for wall mounting. FireAngel is a major player in the field of CO, fire and smoke detection and this unique system is clearly a clever, albeit pricey, way to protect the entire household in one fell swoop. The one downside with this model is that it runs off a pair of AA batteries, which need to be switched out roughly every three years, making three changes during its lifespan. This isn’t a huge issue, but it means this model isn’t suitable for use in Scottish homes. It is, however, suitable for use in a boat or caravan, making it a good option if you need an alarm on your next boating or caravanning trip.