High or Low for CO?

[jssailem]

I don’t know whether or not to consider seriously the presence or absence of a marine-use statement or label. I note that it appears to be a household/home-use model.

I concur with the question. I have no scientific answer to support my decision. It is more of a practical one.

• Regarding the components used to evaluate the PPM of CO in a space, I test for function upon the start of each season.
• Weather working or not I plan to discard and buy anew in the 3-5 change out window.
• If the units get wet, they will be replaced with out regard to the age.
• With 3 units in the boat there is an element of redundancy.
• When I bought my units they came in 2 pack. I opened and started the batteries on 3 with a spare at home still in original condition in case of immediate damage.

I'll let you know how it develops.

 

[Kings Gambit]

HB,

Thanks also for your remarks on hardwiring. To my knowledge, I have no viable access to any 12v wiring that is not switched. I have accessed 12v wires via the factory-installed cabin lights, but the panel switch must be on to get the juice.

KG

 

[Kings Gambit]

I concur with the question. I have no scientific answer to support my decision. It is more of a practical one.

• Regarding the components used to evaluate the PPM of CO in a space, I test for function upon the start of each season.
• Weather working or not I plan to discard and buy anew in the 3-5 change out window.
• If the units get wet, they will be replaced with out regard to the age.
• With 3 units in the boat there is an element of redundancy.
• When I bought my units they came in 2 pack. I opened and started the batteries on 3 with a spare at home still in original condition in case of immediate damage.

I'll let you know how it develops.

OK!

 

[sail sfbay]

............I don’t know whether or not to consider seriously the presence or absence of a marine-use statement or label............

Great question!!.....This article (Can I use any carbon monoxide detector?) suggests marine-grade co detectors will likely mitigate the potential of getting false-positive alarms, albeit I have not experienced this. However, as of 2010 a carbon monoxide detector must meet the ANSI/UL 2034 standard (UL Standard | UL 2034), and it should compute the time-weighted average of the CO concentration in the air. The time-weighted average measurement process constantly monitors all CO levels, eliminating most false alarms. ANSI/UL 2034 standard covers electrically operated single and multiple station carbon monoxide (CO) alarms intended for protection in ordinary indoor locations of dwelling units, including recreational vehicles, mobile homes, and recreational boats with enclosed accommodation spaces and cockpit areas per the standard. Additionally, the article goes on to say marine-grade detectors are better able to handle the harsh marine conditions but since you are in California may not be an issue since the climate is relatively dry.

I understand the First Alert CO710 meets the ANSI/UL 2034 standard per the user's manual. If you find out something different please let us know.

https://www.firstalertstore.com/store/images/pdf/First-Alert-CO710-Manual.pdf

 

[Kings Gambit]

Good enough! Not being world-ocean cruisers, we are likely not going to expose the yacht to conditions severe enough for long enough to test the full mettle of a model that meets a UL marine standard on reporting, but that may not be “marine tough.” If I decide to sail to Hawaii, then maybe so. But for now I appreciate this inexpensive option. Thx.

KG

 

[sail sfbay]

Kings Gambit............coincidently a similar thread was just posted on Cruisers Forum below, (see post #8) which the forum might find helpful.

Necessary for CO detectors to be "for marine use"? - Cruisers & Sailing Forums

CO detectors labeled "for marine use" cost like 5 times as much as standard CO detectors at your local hardware store (like $100 vs $20 here in the US). I can't find anything on the

www.cruisersforum.com

 

[Kings Gambit]

Looks like the same issues! I guess we all know ‘em!

 

[sail sfbay]

Thought the forum might be interested in testing a CO monitor:

The monitor's button tests its circuit functionality. To test the CO monitor sensor you need to spray it with an aerosol like Home Safeguard carbon monoxide detector tester(see link below) The article in the link below discusses this in more detail.

https://www.amazon.com/Home-Safeguar.../dp/B00IIVBPH0

How to Test a Carbon Monoxide Detector

 

[Rick D]

FYI, I have had one in the aft cabin for ten years, replaced once. when it sounded, it was a battery failure which was off gassing but not detectable in the cockpit.