Carbon monoxide might appear during a gas leak, but a carbon monoxide detector is not normally capable of detecting natural gas. Do you need a carbon monoxide detector if you have a propane
Propane
Propane is a three-carbon alkane with the molecular formula C₃H₈. It is a gas at standard temperature and pressure, but compressible to a transportable liquid. A by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining, it is commonly used as a fuel. Propane is one of a group of lique…
Carbon monoxide detector
A carbon monoxide detector or CO detector is a device that detects the presence of the carbon monoxide (CO) gas in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. In the late 1990s Underwriters Laboratories (UL) changed their definition of a single station CO detector with a s…
How is propane detected by carbon monoxide?
- Behind furniture, curtains, inside closets, and other areas where airflow from the alarm will be blocked.
- In close proximity (12 inches) to exterior doors, heating or return vents, windows, and other drafty areas.
- In or on outside walls.
- To a power line that is controlled by a wall switch, ground fault circuit, or circuit breaker.
Should a carbon monoxide detector be high or low?
The short answer is that the placement height of carbon monoxide detectors does not matter because carbon monoxide spreads evenly (ceiling, middle, floor) throughout the air in a home. Some say detectors are more effective closer to the ground because they believe carbon monoxide is heavier than air; therefore, it concentrates low to the floor.
What is the purpose of a carbon monoxide detector?
Some of the appliances and devices that are used in homes and can generate CO include:
- Fireplaces
- Wood stoves
- Charcoal grills
- Gas dryers
- Water heaters run on gas
- Gas stoves
- Furnaces that are fuelled by fire
- Vehicles
What is the best carbon monoxide monitor?
The Best Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detector. Next up on our list is Kidde’s Nighthawk CO alarm. ...
- First Alert SCO501CN-3ST Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector. Every home should have a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm, so why not combine the two? ...
- Kidde Battery Operated Carbon Monoxide Alarm. ...
- Nest Protect Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detector. ...
How do carbon monoxide detectors work?
Carbon monoxide detectors work by recognizing gas that people can’t smell or see. These detectors are very sensitive, but to work optimally they have to be properly placed. Since they are designed to alert the homeowner before the carbon monoxide reaches deadly levels, they need to be at head level or lower. Putting them near the ceiling like a smoke alarm, for example, won’t do enough to keep a homeowner safe.
Where does carbon monoxide come from?
It can come from things like a car running in the garage, or a gasoline-powered generator venting onto a porch or patio near an open door. There are carbon monoxide detectors available, including those that are battery-powered and those that are hard-wired into a home’s electrical system. ...
What is Propane?
Propane is a type of gas that some homeowners use for a variety of reasons, such as operating a stove or fireplace, camping, or as an alternative to natural gas. Typical propane use mandates homeowners have a tank near their home that gets filled on a regular basis. They then use that propane for their heating or cooking needs. Many rural homeowners require propane tanks if their houses aren’t entirely electric, often because natural gas lines don’t reach their locations.
Can a carbon monoxide detector detect propane?
Understanding what a carbon monoxide detector can and can’t do is a vital part of picking the right security system. But the problem with all of these detectors is that they can’t alert for propane. People who use propane for their heating or cooking needs may mistakenly feel that they are protected, when in fact they really are not.
Can a CO detector detect a propane leak?
A CO detector can’t detect a leak in a propane tank, which means homeowners could still be at risk. Many homeowners look for a distinct odor, similar to the scent of rotten eggs, to determine when a propane leak is taking place. Other homeowners may be able to hear the subtle sound of propane escaping the gas line.
Do security systems detect propane?
While most security systems have detectors that monitor worrisome events, including carbon monoxide flare ups, many of these systems aren’t equipped to notify you if your propane levels are too high. If you want to keep an eye on these propane levels, you’ll need a specialized detector.
