Best Carbon Monoxide Detector for 2025
To test these detectors, we went into the lab and built a test rig designed to measure each device’s response time to different concentrations of carbon monoxide (specifically, 250 ppm and 400 ppm). Our goal is to determine each detector’s respective effectiveness at detecting potentially dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. To announce our winners, we also considered features that increase each device’s overall user experience, performance, and cost-effectiveness.For a concentration level of 250 ppm, we try to simulate a situation where carbon monoxide has begun to accumulate to dangerous levels. We tested twice at this concentration and averaged the results. At 400 ppm, we replicated the worst-case scenario (a potentially fatal scenario) and gave the device a pass or fail score. Spoiler alert: They will both save your life, which shows how important it is to have carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home. Our custom carbon monoxide detector testing stations. This is one of the deadliest things we’ve ever assembled in our product testing lab. Gianmarco Chumbe/CNETThis is one of the most dangerous tests we’ve ever done. Carbon monoxide exposure is no joke. It’s nearly undetectable and extremely deadly. We needed to create a safe way to test carbon monoxide detectors without risking the health and safety of lab workers. So I used my basic carpentry skills to build a carbon monoxide detector testing station. Its components are:Carbon monoxide testing room: Made from wood, plexiglass, silicone, tape, and a bunch of studs.Carbon monoxide tank with gas flow regulator: Cylinder containing 2,500 ppm carbon monoxide and balanced air.Testo 300 with carbon monoxide ambient sensor: The control device we used for this experiment.Two portable carbon monoxide gas alarms. Inside CNET’s carbon monoxide detector test stand. Gianmarco Chumbe/CNETThe chamber is equipped with two carbon monoxide detectors, a) the CO ambient sensor part of our control device Testo 300, a combustion analyzer intended for use by heating engineers who carry out the installation and daily maintenance of industrial and residential heating systems, b) Unit Under Test (UUT), which replaces every carbon monoxide detector we test for you. The chamber was sealed with foam, but not airtight since we weren’t particularly interested in making a carbon monoxide bomb. We use portable carbon monoxide alarms on gas regulators to prevent leaks. Gianmarco Chumbe/CNETWe installed a gas flow regulator on the tank to avoid pressure spikes and then installed a gas line to feed the gas mixture into the chamber. Two portable carbon monoxide detectors were also used. One is placed close to the valve to ensure there are no leaks, and the other must be worn by the experimenter to ensure no carbon monoxide builds up in the test station area. On top of that, our respirator suits and well-ventilated location ensured we always had a constant supply of fresh air. This may sound excessive, but it is always good laboratory practice to put safety first, especially when you are dealing with such a stealthy and prolific killer.We first feed the gas mixture into the chamber and closely monitor the carbon monoxide concentration on the Testo. Once the concentration in our chamber reaches at least 250 ppm or 400 ppm, we stop the gas supply and start the timer. We wanted to evaluate how long it takes a carbon monoxide detector to respond to these conditions. As you can probably appreciate, we want to limit our exposure while ensuring our results are reproducible.Our results are summarized in the interactive chart below:
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Best Carbon Monoxide Detector for 2025 | Global News Avenue
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