CO ALARM SAFETY QUESTIONS

Despite the absence of specific regulations demanding them, we are seeing a growth in carbon monoxide alarms in homes. Unfortunately, a spate of recent product recalls has highlighted failures which have put occupants at risk. It is now more important than ever for housing providers, electrical contractors and wholesalers to look in depth at the quality credentials of CO alarms. 

Official statistics suggest that carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for 250 deaths and serious injuries each year, with more cases unrecognised and thousands of instances of milder problems resulting from low dose exposure over time. And the problem isn’t getting any better with new sources of CO being identified, as two recent HSE warnings demonstrated – one about modern condensing-type gas boilers, the other dealing with concealed gas boiler flues. There is no question that CO alarms can save lives – but only if they work effectively throughout their design lives. Over the last few months some CO alarms have had to be recalled when tests revealed that they did not respond to high levels of the gas. In one case, the supplier was also fined for wrongly displaying a BSi ‘Kitemark’ symbol.

So, how can we satisfy ourselves that CO alarms  will be effective?  Firstly, they should comply with European Standard BS EN 50291:2001 and legitimately carry an appropriate European approval mark, such as the BSi Kitemark or BRE/LPCB mark as below.

Ideally should also be CORGI approved and use electrochemical technology with a stable performance over time, proven by independent and accredited laboratories. Therefore, a combination of at least 2 of these symbols must be present to specify a European Standard compliant alarm safely.

Occasionally you will see products certified to the American CO Alarm Standard too, known as UL2034.

On these look for the CE mark as above, plus the "UL" logo.

Frequent air sampling is also important – preferably every 15 or 30 seconds, rather than the 80 second intervals of most products;
this higher sampling regime is the default spec for Kidde CO alarms.
The sooner the alarm senses danger, the sooner it can alert you.

Manufacturers that produce their own CO cells – the key component – rather than buying them in, can apply tighter quality controls. For example, every Kidde Fyrnetics sensor is tested under CO and all products must pass through several key quality testing ‘gates’ before becoming available for sale.  Additionally, safer and greener ionised water is preferred over acid-based electrolytes which suffer variations in electrolytic concentrations.

From a wider perspective, the size, expertise and resources of the manufacturer should provide reassurance of consistent product quality and reliability. Despite some supplier’s claims, quality has nothing to do with the country of manufacture. For example, Kidde Fyrnetics produces 30 million CO, smoke and heat alarms for its international customer base every year at its Manufacturing Centre in China.

This 280,000 ft2 facility received ISO 9001 quality certification from BSi in 1989 and ISO 14001 environmental certification in 2000, as well as a
regular stream of quality awards. And, as part of the $59 billion United Technologies Corporation (UTC), Kidde Fyrnetics employs  UTC’s Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) continuous improvement process program.

The latest information on carbon monoxide poisoning and CO alarms is available via www.smoke-alarms.co.uk.