How to Choose the Best Travel Carbon Monoxide Detector for Hotels, Airbnbs and Rentals

Friday 10th October 2025

Every year, families check into accommodation without knowing they’re missing a crucial piece of safety equipment. People pack first aid kits. People buy travel insurance. But there’s an invisible danger in hotels and holiday rentals: carbon monoxide.

The decision to carry a travel carbon monoxide alarm isn’t about fear. It’s about taking control of your family’s safety in unfamiliar surroundings.

Understanding the Carbon Monoxide Risk

Carbon monoxide forms when fuel doesn’t burn completely. It has no colour, no smell, no taste. In accommodation, it can come from:

• Faulty boilers or water heaters
• Blocked chimney flues
• Poorly maintained gas appliances
• Inadequate ventilation around heating systems

UK legislation requires CO alarms to be installed in properties with solid fuel burning appliances and in all rented homes anywhere in the UK if they have a fixed appliance. But requirements vary between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. And internationally? Standards differ from country to country.

This creates uncertainty for travellers.

The early symptoms of CO exposure mirror common travel complaints. Headache. Tiredness. Nausea. Dizziness. You might assume it’s jet lag or unfamiliar food. This similarity makes carbon monoxide particularly dangerous in travel situations.

What Makes a Great Travel Carbon Monoxide Alarm?

Essential Certification Standards

When choosing a travel CO alarm, look for Kitemark certification. Specifically, you need devices certified to both:

• BS EN 50291-1 (for domestic use)
• BS EN 50291-2 (for caravans and boats)

This dual certification confirms your detector meets rigorous testing standards for various environments.

Designed for Portability

The best travel carbon monoxide detectors balance compact design with reliable function. The UltraFire ULLCO10 with travel strap, featured on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, was designed specifically for travellers. Its included strap allows secure positioning without permanent mounting.

Long-Life Power Sources

For regular travellers, sealed lithium batteries offering 10-year lifespans eliminate battery concerns. Models like the FireAngel FA3322 and UltraFire ULLCO10 feature built-in batteries designed to last the detector’s entire operational life.

Choosing Your Travel CO Detector

For Dedicated Travel Protection

The UltraFire ULLCO10 with Travel Strap stands out as purpose-built for travellers and backpackers.

Key features:

• 10-year sealed lithium battery.
• Dual Kitemark certification (BS EN 50291-1 and BS EN 50291-2).
• Supplied with travel strap.
• 10-year warranty.

This model addresses the specific needs of people who regularly stay in different accommodation.

Digital Display Options

Some travellers prefer visible CO level monitoring. Digital models provide real-time readings and additional features:

The Kidde K7DCO displays CO levels from 10ppm and includes peak level memory to record the highest CO concentration detected.

The FireAngel FA3322 combines a digital display with Sleep Easy technology, which prevents low battery warnings between midnight and 6am. It shows CO levels, temperature and warning conditions.

Both models carry the essential dual Kitemark certifications.

Budget-Friendly Protection

The Kidde K7CO and FireAngel FA3313 offer certified protection with replaceable AA batteries.

These models provide:

• 10-year operational lifespan.
• Dual Kitemark certification.
• Proven reliability.
• Lower initial cost.

They’re suitable for occasional travellers who want quality protection.

Extended Stay Solutions

For longer accommodation stays, consider the Firehawk CO7B-10Y or FireAngel FA3820.

Both feature:

• 10-year sealed batteries.
• Compliance with 2022 Welsh and Scottish legislation.
• Low-volume test functions for discrete weekly testing.
• Dual Kitemark certification.

Positioning Your Detector Effectively

Travel CO detectors require adaptable positioning:

• Place at breathing height when sleeping (typically bedside table level).
• Position between any CO source and sleeping area.
• Keep at least one metre from cooking appliances.
• Avoid bathrooms where humidity might affect operation.
• Test the alarm when you first arrive.

The portability of these devices means you can adjust placement based on each room’s layout.

The Broader Impact of Travel CO Protection

Carrying a travel CO alarm represents more than personal safety. It demonstrates the importance of CO protection to the hospitality industry.

When guests arrive equipped with safety devices, it highlights the value of proper CO detection. This awareness can encourage property improvements that benefit all future guests.

Regional Standards and Protection

The UK has strengthened CO alarm requirements in recent years:

• Scotland introduced new standards in 2022.
• Wales updated landlord requirements in 2022.
• Northern Ireland implemented new landlord regulations in 2024.

But these standards only apply within UK borders. Your travel carbon monoxide detector provides consistent protection regardless of local regulations.

Making CO Detection Routine

Integrate CO detection into your standard travel preparation:

1. Keep your travel CO alarm with essential documents.
2. Test it before departure and replace batteries if required.
3. Check your accommodation immediately upon arrival.
4. Position the detector appropriately for each room.
5. Know the alarm sounds and what they mean.

Consider purchasing a dedicated travel unit rather than moving home detectors. This ensures continuous protection at home and maintains travel readiness. It is also important to educate everyone in your party about the symptoms before you travel.

A Note on Product Selection

We stock various CO alarms suitable for travel, from basic models to advanced digital displays. Each product we offer meets strict UK certification standards. The models mentioned here represent different price points and features, but all provide the essential protection travellers need.

Your family’s safety shouldn’t depend on unknown accommodation standards. A certified travel carbon monoxide alarm offers peace of mind for less than the cost of airport parking.

We believe every traveller deserves proper protection. That’s why we offer comprehensive advice alongside our range of certified travel CO detectors. Find the right protection for your travel needs at Safelincs. Because returning home safely isn’t just about avoiding obvious dangers. It’s about preparing for the risks you can’t see.

All information correct at time of posting.