CO2 Detector Locations

[davey7]

So the recent smoke detector thread reminded me of this question.

Where should I mount a CO2 detector? I used to have one that plugged in, so location was obvious, at an outlet. However, the new one is battery operated and I'd locate it where suggested, BUT the instructions really don't specify height, etc. I figure somewhere just outside but not in my kitchen (heating and water heating apparatus are located in the basement, five floors down, so I'm only concerned about range, pilots out and gas line leaks - or maybe fireplace use, but that's not CO2 is it?).

Suggestions?

 

[iheartmaytag]

Why would one need a Carbon Dioxide detector?

Carbon Dioxide, CO2 is a naturally part of respiration.

I'm thinking you are wanting to install a Carbon Monoxide, CO, detector as this gas is deadly. If this be the one, it is usually recommended that you place them outside the sleeping areas, and on each level of the home.

Usual recommendation is to not place them to close to fuel burning appliances as they can trigger false alarms.

For CO2, just buy a few green plants.

 

[davey7]

Yes, that

So near the smoke detector? At what height? That was my big question I guess.

Oh, believe me, I've got plants...

 

[wayupnorth]

The general rule is 2/3 above the floor and 1/3 below the ceiling as this gas will rise above colder air at the floor but will trigger an alarm before hitting the hotter air at ceiling level.

 

[chachp]

mine is mounted 28 inches above the floor.

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;">Mine is part of my security system. The installer mounted it outside the master bedroom 28 inches from the floor. I remember him saying that was the right place For it.  I didn't argue with him.</span>

 

[davey7]

Mounting Height

There's quite a variety in height there!

I'm thinking for "safety" 2/3 up sounds better - I can see myself knocking it off the wall late at night or in a careless moment.

I'm thinking I will put it just below the smoke detector so that they are, um, well, symmetrical more or less. At least the new CO detector doesn't have batteries, well, it does, but they are "lifetime" so you just toss/recycle the who apparatus when it's worn out.

 

[cornutt]

I don't think it matters much... carbon monoxide is about the same density as air.

 

[retro-man]

In both houses we have combination units hard wired with battery back ups. All are located on the ceilings. I don't know because they are combo units, that is the reason they are mounted there. I do have extra plug in digital readout units and they are plugged in within 10 to 20 feet from the furnaces and these are about 4 feet off the floor.
Jon

 

[davey7]

I'll put it up this weekend, still haven't decided if it will go below the smoke detector or closer to the kitchen. I think the instructions said something about 3 (or 5) meters, yes, meters, who uses those, from gas appliances.