When planning to build a house or renovate a building, we decide on innovative solutions such as carbon monoxide, gas or smoke sensors. By equipping the house with, for example, a smoke sensor, we significantly increase our safety. That is why it is worth equipping the house with smoke, gas or carbon monoxide sensors to enable the detection of dangers. A smoke sensor protects against fire, a carbon monoxide sensor against carbon monoxide poisoning, and a natural gas sensor warns against gas leaks. But how exactly do they differ?
Check the hazard sensors at the Onninen wholesaler
Where to mount a smoke detector?
A properly installed smoke alarm should be located in the center of the room's ceiling. Away from a fan, door, or window that will blow the potential threat away and prevent the smoke alarm from detecting it.
During the combustion process or even initial ignition, smoke is produced. The source of smoke can be a burnt dinner, but also a smoldering faulty electrical installation, an open fireplace or stove. Its quick detection allows for an immediate reaction and possible call for help before a fire breaks out and consumes our entire house. This can be prevented by installing a smoke detector.
Sensor mounting diagram
Smoke sensor installation diagram
How is carbon monoxide produced?
Carbon monoxide is produced as a result of incomplete ventilation and aeration of the room when it is inefficient. Carbon monoxide accumulates, especially when ventilation grilles are intentionally sealed. Carbon monoxide can be produced by an inefficient gas water heater or even be blown into the room through the chimney.
A potential source of carbon monoxide is a stove or fireplace, where the lack of sufficient air supply causes the aforementioned incomplete combustion. A carbon monoxide detector mounted at eye level, in the most frequently used room, allows for an objective assessment of the amount of CO particles in the inhaled air. Ceiling mounting of a smoke and carbon monoxide detector in one device leads to erroneous readings, because even a 100% efficient ventilation system is not able to immediately remove the naturally occurring carbon monoxide in amounts that do not pose a health hazard.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
CO concentration in air ppm* | Inhalation time (approximate) and development of symptoms |
| 50 | Maximum allowable concentration for continuous exposure over a period of 8 hours. |
| 150 | Slight headache after 1.5 hours. |
| 200 | Slight headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea after 2-3 hours. |
| 400 | Pain in front of head within 1-2 hrs. Life threatening after 3 hrs. |
| 800 | Dizziness, nausea, and convulsions within 45 min. Loss of consciousness within 2 hrs. Death within 2-3 hrs. |
| 1600 | Headache, dizziness, and nausea within 20 min. Death within 1 hr. |
| 3200 | Headache, dizziness, and nausea within 5-10 min. Death within 25-30 min. |
| 6400 | Headache, dizziness, and nausea within 1-2 min. Death within 10-15 min. |
| 12800 | Death within 1-3 minutes. |
*The ppm unit indicates the concentration of (toxic) gas.
Carbon monoxide sensor assembly diagram
Check the hazard sensors at the Onninen wholesaler
Where to install a gas sensor and a natural gas sensor?
For a proper discussion of the subject, it should be pointed out that methane is natural gas supplied from the installation, and the propane-butane mixture, or LPG, comes from a cylinder. The former is lighter than air and the natural gas sensor monitoring its concentration is mounted on the ceiling, while the gas sensor has a very high density and accumulates on the floor. The gases that mix with air create an explosive mixture and one spark from a light switch is enough to initiate a deadly explosion.
Due to the fact that both gases have different structures and calorific values, they cannot be correctly detected by a "universal" sensor. Using such a common sensor will lead to false alarms, or worse, no alarms. Two sensors are needed for full protection: a gas sensor and a natural gas sensor.
LPG gas sensor installation diagram
Gas sensor/methane sensor assembly diagram
Be especially careful with so-called "magic" devices that detect everything at once. One sensor on the ceiling will never detect all threats or will alert about them even though there is no immediate threat.
Where should carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, gas detectors, and natural gas detectors not be installed?
- Too close to windows, doors and grilles
ventilation: Mounting sensors, e.g. carbon monoxide sensors, too close to windows, doors or ventilation grilles can affect their operation. The proximity of these elements can lead to signal interference, affecting the accuracy of the sensor readings. To ensure proper operation of the sensors, it is recommended to mount them in places that are not directly exposed to the impact of air flow from these sources. - In the air stream of mechanical ventilation or air conditioning: Sensors, e.g. smoke detectors, should not be mounted in the direct air stream leaving mechanical ventilation or air conditioning systems. Strong air flow can disturb the readings of smoke detectors or cause their operation to be unstable. It is important to place smoke detectors in places where the air flow is even and unobstructed.
- Directly above the gas stove,
stove or fireplace (minimum distance 150cm): Installing sensors, e.g. gas sensors directly above a gas stove, stove or fireplace can lead to incorrect readings and compromise safety. Due to the potential source of heat, fire or gas emissions, it is recommended to maintain a minimum distance of 150cm between these devices and gas sensors. - At an inappropriate height for the sensor: Each type of sensor, for example a natural gas sensor, has a specific mounting height, which depends on its intended use and technical specifications. It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the appropriate mounting height. Mounting natural gas sensors at an inappropriate height can lead to incorrect readings and loss of sensor functionality, and consequently to a loss of safety.
Remember, proper sensor installation is key to ensuring proper operation and accurate readings. It is always a good idea to consult the sensor manual or use a professional to ensure that the sensors are placed in the correct locations.