carbon monoxide alarms

[magistra]

Can someone please explain why it is that CO alarms, unlike smoke alarms, are not supposed to be opened? When the battery gives up we have to buy a whole new alarm, whereas with smoke alarms we merely replace the battery.
Diana

[Hymie]

Carbon Monoxide alarms use an electrochemical detector cell which gives an output current dependent on carbon monoxide concentration. However the electrochemical cell has a limited life (typically 5 years) which is why you have to throw the whole unit way. Most carbon monoxide alarms give some form of indication (light or sound) that they have reached the end of their useful life.

Some carbon monoxide alarms incorporate a user replaceable detector cell, avoiding the need to replace the complete alarm.

Although smoke detectors have no such inherent lifetime limitation, most manufacturers recommend that they are replaced after 10 years.

[magistra]

thank you, Hymie

[ORAC60]

hi
ive just put a new battery in my fixed battery co2 detector just open back and changed battery
its done so you buy a new one
if this helps

[magistra]

can you be sure that it's still working, though? We did the same, then tested it in the exhaust fumes from the car and it didn't sound the alarm.
Thanks anyway.