10 Year Life Carbon Monoxide Alarm - Kidde K5CO

CO detectors should be installed near boilers and other potential sources of carbon monoxide. Keep a 1 to 3 meter distance to the boiler etc to avoid small start-up CO discharges to cause false alarms.

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 detectors 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.

Which areas to avoid?

Do not install CO alarms above or below windows.



Although most kitchens contain fuel burning appliances it is not recommended to install your detector there. Kitchens can be quite steamy while you are cooking and this may affect the sensor in the CO detector. Similarly it is not recommended to install detectors in dusty areas such as workshops or garages.

For more information please watch our video guide

Carbon monoxide (chemical symbol: CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and toxic gas created by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (gas, oil, coal and wood) used in our everyday appliances such as heaters, engines and boilers.

Protect yourself and your family by purchasing a CO detector and learning about the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Having no colour, smell or taste means that it is very hard to detect. Inhaling carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen, leaving the body's organs and cells starved of oxygen. Each year, over 50 people die in the UK as a direct result of exposure to Carbon Monoxide Gas (CO). Many more people die through strokes and respiratory illness made worse by inhaling low levels of CO over prolonged periods. More, still are left with permanent damage and invalidity.

The symptoms of CO poisoning can range from mild flu-like symptoms such as headache, drowsiness, confusion, nausea and dizziness to more severe symptoms like breathing difficulties and irregular heartbeat. CO poisoning can ultimately lead to coma and death.

View more symptoms on our carbon monoxide information page.

Do not install CO alarms above or below windows.

Although most kitchens contain fuel burning appliances it is not recommended to install your detector there. Kitchens can be quite steamy while you are cooking and this may affect the sensor in the CO detector. Similarly it is not recommended to install detectors in dusty areas such as workshops or garages.