Battery Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Battery-operated CO alarms continue working during power outages, providing uninterrupted protection when mains power fails.

Installation takes minutes. Wall mounting requires basic tools, or you can simply position the detector on a shelf.

Multiple detectors provide optimal coverage. Consider placing units near sleeping areas and on levels containing fuel-burning appliances.

Testing your CO alarm ensures it functions correctly. Press the test button periodically to verify the alarm sounds properly.

CO detectors typically last for around 7 years, after which time the sensor starts to deteriorate. Check your unit's documentation for specific lifespan guidance and expiry dates.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas that is undetectable by humans. Inhaling CO reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen to the body's organs and cells.

Each year, over 50 people die in the UK from exposure to carbon monoxide. Many more people die through strokes and respiratory illnesses made worse by inhaling low levels of CO over prolonged periods.

To protect you and your family, purchase a carbon monoxide detector and use the test button weekly to check it is in working order.

CO detectors should be installed near potential sources of carbon monoxide, essentially any fuel-burning appliances. As you are likely to be most affected by CO in areas of your home that you spend the most time in it is advisable to install alarms in those areas as well, such as at head height in the living room and bedrooms. If your property has an attached garage with a connecting door through to the house, it is recommended to fit a CO alarm inside the house leading from that doorway.

Carbon monoxide has been proven to spread into neighbouring properties through open windows, as well as through loft spaces in semi-detached or terrace houses.

Battery powered carbon monoxide alarms can typically be installed wall-mounted or left free-standing on flat, level surface. Combined smoke & CO alarms or mains-powered CO alarms are typically installed on the ceiling.

• Near an appliance: they should be placed within 1 to 3 metres horizontally from the appliance and between the height of the appliance to 150mm below the ceiling – i.e., not above a stove where it would be in the path of steam or fumes.
• In living spaces: they should be positioned close to where the occupant's head is likely to be most of the time – e.g., on your bedside table.
• On the ceiling: at least 30cm away from any wall, light fitting, or other obstruction.

Do not install CO alarms within 3 metres of doors or windows, above radiators, or immediately close to anything that gives off steam or fumes like a cooker or shower room. Similarly, it is not recommended to install detectors in dusty areas such as workshops or garages.

For more information, please check the manufacturer's instructions – you can download the PDF manual from the relevant product page on our site.

CO detectors should be installed near potential sources of carbon monoxide, essentially any fuel-burning appliances such as boilers, cookers and ovens, fireplaces (both open and enclosed burners), and portable generators. As you are likely to be most affected by CO in areas of your home that you spend the most time in it is advisable to install alarms in those areas as well, such as the living room and bedrooms. It is also worth noting that while one detector is better than no detectors at all, larger homes may require several detectors to cover the property fully.

Also note that carbon monoxide has been proven to spread into neighbouring properties through open windows and, in semi-detached or terrace houses, through loft spaces. If your property has an attached garage with a connecting door through to the house, it is recommended to fit a CO alarm inside the house leading from that doorway.

Battery powered carbon monoxide alarms can typically be installed wall-mounted or left free-standing on flat, level surface.

• Near an appliance: they should be placed within 1 to 3 metres horizontally from the appliance and between the height of the appliance to 150mm below the ceiling – i.e., not above a stove where it would be in the path of steam or fumes.
• In living spaces: they should be positioned close to where the occupant's head is likely to be most of the time – e.g., on your bedside table.

Combined smoke & CO alarms or mains-powered CO alarms are typically installed on the ceiling and should be at least 30cm away from any wall, light fitting, or other obstruction.

Do not install CO alarms within 3 metres of doors or windows, above radiators, or immediately close to anything that gives off steam or fumes like a cooker or shower room. Similarly, it is not recommended to install detectors in dusty areas such as workshops or garages.

For more information, please check the manufacturer's instructions – you can download the PDF manual from the relevant product page on our site. You can also watch our video guide to positioning CO detectors.

A weekly check with the test button is sufficient if you choose a high quality [createSectionLinkWithAnchor=986]CO detector[/createSectionLinkWithAnchor]. There is no legal or BSI requirement to test the CO detectors with a test gas.