Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm?

Why should I have a CO alarm?

Our alarms are made specially for British Gas by the UK leading manufacturer Fire Angel, who are endorsed by the UK Fire Service. The alarm has an advanced electro-chemical sensor that accurately detects low levels of CO in the air – before it becomes harmful. You can test it yourself, so you can check it's working from time to time. The alarm is really loud – at 85 decibels, it’s about as loud as an old-fashioned alarm clock - so it’s easy for the average person to hear. Our alarm is guaranteed by the manufacturer for five years – which is how long the battery should last. It’s easy to set up and doesn’t need any maintenance.

What happens if the alarm stops working before the five years are up?

If it stops working, contact the manufacturer of the Carbon Monoxide detector and they will be able to offer you support. The list of Carbon Monoxide suppliers’ contact details are as follows:

Fire Angel support can be contacted on:
0330 094 5830 / 02477 717700

AICO support can be contacted on:
01691 664100

Hispec support can be contacted on:
01257 262197

Honeywell support can be contacted on:
01163 500714

Kidde support can be contacted on:
03337 722227

How many do I need?

It's a good idea to have an alarm in every room where you have a fuel burning appliance, including any room that has a flue running through it and in every sleeping room. Fuel burning appliances include gas boilers, cookers and fire stoves. Visit Project SHOUT and our Gas Safety page for more information about how to protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Where should I put my carbon monoxide alarm?

Your CO alarms should be placed up high, between one and three metres from the gas or fossil fuel appliance you're monitoring for CO leaks. They can be left free standing on a shelf or fixed to a wall using the sticky patches provided. If on a ceiling, the alarm should be mounted at least 30cm from any wall. If on a wall, the alarm should be mounted at least 15cm from the ceiling.

What if I'm having trouble setting up my alarm?

If you need help setting up your alarm call us on 0800 077 4472. The number is free to call.

How loud is it?

It's very loud! The alarm is 85 decibels - which is about as loud as an old-fashioned alarm clock, so it should be easy enough for the average person to hear.

Is it portable?

Yes. Since it’s small and battery operated, you can even take it with you to your camping trips – in fact, a surprising number of carbon monoxide incidents happen on camping trips.

When do I need to replace my alarm?

We recommend replacing your alarm when you need to change your battery – which is about every five years.

What are the potential sources of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Common sources of carbon monoxide poisoning will come from your:

• Boiler
• Fireplace
• Cooker

However, carbon monoxide poisoning can come from any fuel-burning appliance such as:

• Oil and gas boilers
• Portable generators
• Oil or solid fuel cookers
• Gas or paraffin heaters
• Barbeques
• Clogged chimneys
• Wood or gas fireplaces
• Cigarette smoke
• Any fossil fuel-burning appliance

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Symptoms of mild carbon monoxide poisoning include: slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue. Symptoms of medium carbon monoxide poisoning include: severe headache, drowsiness, confusion and fast heart rate. Symptoms of extreme carbon monoxide poisoning include: unconsciousness, convulsions, cardiorespiratory failure, death. Feeling immediately better after leaving your house is another sign that you may be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning.

What to do in an event of a CO incident?

Open all your doors and windows. Stop using all fuel-burning appliances and if possible, turn them off. Evacuate the building and leave all your doors and windows open. Call the National Gas Service on 0800 111 999. Get medical help for anyone you think might have carbon monoxide poisoning. Don't go back inside until the carbon monoxide alarm has stopped or you are told it's safe by an expert. Don't use the leaking appliance again until it's been checked by an expert.