CO Detector
All carbon-based materials in the smouldering, red ember stage
of a fire can produce significant and easily detectable levels of
carbon monoxide (CO). These levels can, therefore, be monitored in
order to give an early warning of a fire.
CO fire detectors are electronic detectors that can indicate the
outbreak of a fire by sensing the level of CO in the air. These
detectors have an electrochemical cell which senses CO but not
smoke or any other combustion products.
CO fire detectors are effective for only certain types of fire
such as deep-seated, smouldering fires. Smoke detectors, however,
will almost always give a better response to a fire that produces a
rising plume of smoke.
After extensive tests, Apollo has concluded that a multisensor
detector, using smoke and heat sensors, can offer a big reduction
in false alarms compared with simple smoke detectors. At the same
time, the multisensor can out perform the CO fire detector for most
common fire types.
The FIA has issued guidelines for the use of CO detecors.
To find
out more, visit their website at http://www.fia.uk.com
CO detectors are useful in certain well-defined circumstances.
Apollo manufacturers a CO detector as part of the Discovery
range.
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for related and product literature.