Fire Safety - How to Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector

When it comes to fire safety, not only do you need to have a fire detector in your home, but you should also have a carbon monoxide detector. A carbon monoxide detector will let you if there is any trace of carbon monoxide in your house, since it is odorless, colorless, and deadly- a detector is very important.  There are various types of carbon monoxide detectors that can be found at most general retail stores. In order to make sure that your house is protected, the carbon monoxide detector will need to be installed correctly.

Once you have purchased your carbon monoxide detector you will need to locate your furnace. You want to make sure that you mount the carbon monoxide detector near the furnace in your home.

If you have purchased a wireless carbon monoxide detector, then all you need to do is to mount it and then you are finished. Many of these types of detectors just need to be plugged in an outlet and are ready to be used. However, if you have an electrical detector, a few more steps will need to be made.

You will need to drill a hole from the ceiling so that the wire from the detector can easily be threaded through to the control panel of your home. Once you have routed the wire to the control panel you will now need to place it in the correct input of the panel. If you don't know how to do this or have questions, it is best to call an electrician to help you.

If you have sensors that came with your carbon monoxide detector and want to place them in various areas and rooms of the house, you will need to repeat the steps to connect the wires to the control panel. Normally people place these sensors in bedrooms and garages.

Now you will need to mount the detector to the ceiling or the wall. To mount, use the bracket that was packaged or attached with the detector and make sure it is screwed on tightly to the wall or ceiling. It is always best to make sure that you find a secure stud in the wall before nailing or screwing any type of nut or bolt just to make sure it holds.

Insert the batteries that are needed for the certain detector that you have purchased and snap the top of it back into place to keep it shut and secure.

These simple steps may be able to help save your life or someone in your family. Carbon monoxide is to be known as the silent killer, because you cannot smell or see it. If you have a garage, fire place or a gas furnace it is always best to make sure that you have a carbon monoxide detector since these are the things that tend to produce this poisonous gas the most. Installing a carbon monoxide detector should be done easily by following the directions on the box, however if you should have any questions, call the customer service number or ask an electrician to help you. It is always best to make sure that the detector is working properly.