“Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are essential safety devices used to detect the presence of carbon monoxide gas in the air. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that is highly toxic and can be produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels like gas, oil, wood, and coal. Inhaling carbon monoxide can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal.
Carbon monoxide detectors work based on different technologies, but the most common type is the electrochemical sensor, which operates as follows:
Sensing Element: The heart of the carbon monoxide detector is an electrochemical cell. The sensing element contains a chemical solution that reacts with carbon monoxide. Inside the cell, there are two electrodes separated by the chemical solution.
Electrochemical Reaction: When carbon monoxide enters the detector, it diffuses through a permeable membrane and comes into contact with the sensing element. The carbon monoxide undergoes an electrochemical reaction with the chemical solution, causing a change in the concentration of ions in the cell.
Current Generation: The electrochemical reaction generates an electric current within the cell, and the magnitude of the current is proportional to the concentration of carbon monoxide present in the air.
Alarm Activation: The detector’s circuitry continuously monitors the electric current generated by the sensing element. If the current exceeds a certain pre-set threshold, it triggers the alarm to activate. The alarm can be a loud sound, flashing lights, or both, depending on the detector model.
It’s crucial to note that carbon monoxide detectors have a limited lifespan and should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically every 5 to 7 years. Additionally, they should be placed strategically in your home, following the manufacturer’s instructions, to ensure proper coverage and early detection in case of a carbon monoxide leak.
Other types of carbon monoxide detectors may use different sensing technologies like metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensors or biomimetic sensors, but electrochemical sensors are the most common and widely used due to their accuracy and reliability. Regardless of the type, carbon monoxide detectors play a critical role in protecting households from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.”