Carbon monoxide detector testing

[jamie langstone]

I have a 2003 searay 240 sundancer with a carbon monoxide detector on board how do i test to see if it works or can you advise on who can service them .I am in the solent area so i can only assume there must be a registered service engineer out there in the solent area.

 

[dj43]

You could buy a new portable one from the likes of screw fix for about £15.00, normally they have a test button on them, and an expiry date if same as domestic type .

 

[VicS]

you dont say what make detector.

Generally they are electrochemical devices with a finite life. ITYWF that 10 years is about the max . If you are not aware of it being significantly more recent than 2003 I would assume it to be well past its service life and replace it.

 

[jamie langstone]

Thanks for the replies i think you may be right tens years is a long time.I will replace for new as there is no second chance with carbon monoxide.

 

[oGaryo]

use a joss stick to test it

 

[samlom]

I have a 2003 searay 240 sundancer with a carbon monoxide detector on board how do i test to see if it works or can you advise on who can service them .I am in the solent area so i can only assume there must be a registered service engineer out there in the solent area.

Eventhough we have a different product, maybe this user manual can give you some idea.

http://prevalert.com/p918-user-manual/

 

[BSSOffice]

Thanks for the replies i think you may be right tens years is a long time.I will replace for new as there is no second chance with carbon monoxide.

Since 2011 there has been an international standard for battery powered CO alarms suitable for boat use, so look out for alarms approved as meeting the BS EN 50291-2 standard.

By choosing an alarm with the BSi Kitemark or LPCB horseshoe mark, you should have the confidence that the alarm has been approved as meeting the standard.

Alarms with life-long batteries are available as well as replaceable batteries.

The test button also tests the sensor the modern generation as well as the batteries.

they should cost roughly between £15 and £30 depending on various features such as having digital displays etc

There is more advice here, including on the compromises needed in finding the right place to fit alarms

By the way, if you fitthe alarm in the right place for one area of risk such as the saloon and you still cannot hear to be woken in the bunks, then have two for assuredness
http://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/stay-safe/carbon-monoxide-(co)/co-alarms-save-lives/

Over thirty people on boats have died from CO poisoning in the past 20 years, five since Easter last year, so it is a good investment.

 

[rafiki_]

use a joss stick to test it

I was going to suggest your Lycra shorts after a training ride Gary

 

[alant]

I have a 2003 searay 240 sundancer with a carbon monoxide detector on board how do i test to see if it works or can you advise on who can service them .I am in the solent area so i can only assume there must be a registered service engineer out there in the solent area.

Where do you think any CO will come from?
Or are you talking about a conventional gas alarm (as used in cooking)?