Reading zero should be normal. If you can carry it to the right authority they might be able to test it, or tell you when is a good time to test everyone’s at the same time.

Should a carbon monoxide detector read zero?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Video when zero doesn't always mean zero. It's about carbon monoxide detectors.

What should a carbon monoxide detector read?





Low level: 50 PPM and less. Mid level: Between 51 PPM and 100 PPM. High level: Greater than 101 PPM if no one is experiencing symptoms. Dangerous level: Greater than 101 PPM if someone is experiencing symptoms.

What is acceptable ppm for carbon monoxide?

[OSHA PEL] The current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) for carbon monoxide is 50 parts per million (ppm) parts of air (55 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m(3))) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) concentration [29 CFR Table Z-1].

How do I know if my carbon monoxide level is low?

A low level carbon monoxide detector is a special analyzer that alarms at lower concentrations than a generic CO detector. A typical CO detector alarms at 70 ppm after 60 minutes. The Forensics Detectors low level carbon monoxide detector will alarm at 25 ppm after 60 seconds.

How do I know if my carbon monoxide detector is working?

It is important to test your detectors monthly to ensure they are working properly. To test your CO alarms, press and hold the test button on the alarm. The detector will sound 4 beeps, a pause, then 4 beeps for 5-6 seconds.

What are normal CO levels in home?





Average levels in homes without gas stoves vary from 0.5 to 5 parts per million (ppm). Levels near properly adjusted gas stoves are often 5 to 15 ppm and those near poorly adjusted stoves may be 30 ppm or higher.

What does ppm mean on a carbon monoxide alarm?

parts per million

CO concentration is measured in parts per million (ppm).

What level of carbon monoxide sets off an alarm?

With a low CO level (50 ppm), it may take up to eight hours for the alarm to go off. Higher levels (over 150 ppm) can trigger an alarm within minutes. Act quickly when an alarm sounds because low doses over long periods can be just as dangerous as sudden carbon monoxide exposure in ultra-high doses.

How sensitive should a carbon monoxide detector be?



They are NOT required to warn of low-levels of CO. The UL standard requires detectors to alarm within 90 minutes when exposed to 100 ppm; 35 minutes when exposed to 200 ppm and 15 minutes when exposed to 400 ppm. Some detectors are more sensitive and will, when exposed for many hours, detect or alarm at lower levels.

How accurate are CO2 detectors?

All of the CO2 sensors evaluated were non dispersive infrared sensors with a default measurement range of zero to 2000 ppm, although in some cases other ranges could be selected. The manufacturers’ accuracy specifications ranged from ±40 ppm ±3% of reading to ±100 ppm over 5 years.

Should carbon monoxide detectors be on green lights?

Answer provided by



In others, a steady or blinking green light on a carbon monoxide detector can mean it’s detected a** low-level presence of carbon monoxide**. If the presence increased, it would cause the alarm to sound. It could also mean it’s time to replace the battery, especially if it’s also chirping.

How can I test the CO level in my home?



Part 1 – Test a Carbon Monoxide Detector

  1. Locate the ‘test’ button on the carbon monoxide detector in your home.
  2. Push the button and listen for the siren.
  3. If the siren doesn’t sound, the detector likely needs batteries. If you have a security service, it’s also possible the connection to their service is disabled.


How do you know if carbon monoxide is leaking in your house?

A carbon monoxide detector is a must for any home and just as important as a smoke detector. CO detectors should be placed near all bedrooms; they’re the only way you will know if carbon monoxide is affecting the air quality in your home, and can help prevent serious illness and even death.

Can opening a window stop carbon monoxide poisoning?

Opening a window will slow carbon monoxide poisoning, but it likely won’t stop it. There simply isn’t enough airflow through most windows to get rid of the poisonous gas, and it could take between four and eight hours for the CO to dissipate entirely.

Can dogs smell carbon monoxide?



One skill sometimes credited to dogs is the ability to sense or detect carbon monoxide. Unfortunately, even a dog’s incredible nose can’t detect carbon monoxide, though pets can still play an important role in the early detection of poisonous gas.

Can you test yourself for carbon monoxide poisoning?

Self Checks/At-Home Testing



There isn’t a self-diagnosis option for carbon monoxide poisoning, but anyone with confusion or a loss of consciousness should have 911 called for them.

How long does it take for carbon monoxide to get out of your house?

Whatever amount you have in your system, it will take four hours to eliminate half of it. You now have half the original amount of CO left in your system. It will take an additional four hours for the reminder to be reduced by half again, and the equation repeats accordingly.