Carbon dioxide detector are an essential safety device in all workplaces, especially those that use or store flammable gases. A CO2 leak can be difficult to detect since it is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. In low concentrations it is present in the air we breathe but at higher levels it can be dangerous or even fatal. That is why it’s important to monitor CO2 concentrations and alert people in the event that a leak occurs.
These devices get the job done through electrochemical sensors which have electrodes submerged in an electrically conductive solution called an electrolyte. When carbon monoxide enters the gas-permeable compartment that houses the sensor, a chemical reaction causes an increase in the current passing through the electrolyte. The specific amount by which the current surges indicates the concentration of the target gas in the detector. Metal oxide sensors work along similar lines, but instead of a chemical solution they have circuitry that lowers the resistance to the flow of electricity depending on the presence of carbon monoxide molecules in the sensor.
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There are also a variety of handheld CO2 meters that provide a real-time graph of the CO2 waveform and have the ability to be logged or programmed. These are used by industrial hygienists and first responders to identify and trace CO2 conditions.
A good rule of thumb is to install a CO detector within 15′ of any sleeping area in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If your detector alarms and you feel ill, open windows, leave the room, and call 911 or the fire department immediately.