What does the carbon monoxide detector sound like

In an industrial setting, detectors have loud sounds of about 85 decibels to even wake someone asleep. 

A smoke detector beeps three times in a repeating pattern, and a carbon monoxide detector beeps four times in a repeating pattern.

Emergency Smoke Alarm: 3 Long Beeps

Alarm Mode: In the event the alarm detects smoke, it will beep 3 times every 1.5 seconds as its LED flashes red. As the alarm is beeping, the escape light lights up to guide you to safety

What to Do in Case of a Smoke Alarm

When a smoke detector has detector the presence of smoke in the room, it sounds an alarm. A standard smoke detector has been set such that it produces loud sounds which a person who is asleep can hear.

In case of these emergencies, here are the steps to take.

• Stay calm at all times and follow the escape plan.
• Find the exit route and get out. Never go back for anything, just leave as you are.
• Before opening any doors or windows, feel them with the back of your hand to make sure they are not hot. If they are cool, open slowly. 
• When walking through the smoke, take shallow breaths and cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth.
• Using the fire escape plan, meet outside at the designated place and do a headcount to make sure everyone is safe.
• Always stay outside until it is safe to go back inside.

Emergency Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm Sound: 4 Loud Beeps, Repeating.

Alarm LED: High carbon monoxide concentration in a house of 30 to 999ppm within a certain time is high for a particular space. In a CO detector, a blue backlight lights up, followed by the red LED flash 4 times at intervals of 5.8 seconds. After about 4 minutes, the red LED flashes 4 times in a minute.

Alarm Sound: It beeps 4 times every 5.8 seconds and after 4 minutes, it beeps 4 times in a minute.

Unit Status: During this period, it shows that the concentration of carbon monoxide detected is harmful.

What to Do if the CO Alarm Sounds

When a carbon monoxide detector detects CO in the house, the alarm beeps 4 times to alert everyone in the building. Do this when you hear the alarm

• Turn off the alarm
• Seek emergency personnel from nearby stations.
• Use the emergency by going outside and doing a headcount, and make sure everyone is available. In other cases, you can open the window for fresh air. Do not close the window or enter the house until the condition is clear and it is safe.

If your alarms beep again within 24 hours, follow steps 1-3 and call the technician to find the source of CO and inspect if the equipment is working properly.

Alarms are always serious, and never underestimate them. There should be protocols in every house in case an alarm goes off. Although sometimes factors like electric disturbances, dust, or insects can cause an alarm, that should not be a reason to take them lightly.

Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in October 2018 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.

Installing a carbon monoxide (CO) detector in residential and commercial buildings is extremely important, as it indicates the presence of this odorless, colorless, tasteless, and potentially fatal gas. An effective detector will sound a beeping or chirping noise to warn those inside to quickly leave the premises.

According to the most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “Approximately 50,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency department each year due to accidental CO poisoning.”

The agency adds that of those, more than 430 will lose their lives. 

To ensure a properly functioning CO detector, homeowners and business owners must periodically perform tests and inspections. The first indication of a potential issue is a beep or chirp—occurring anywhere between every 30 seconds to five minutes.

This could be one of two things.

A beeping or chirping CO detector could signify the presence of gas, or a low battery. Regardless of the reason, further action should be taken.

Below we’ll discuss how carbon monoxide detectors can protect your loved ones and property, and why it’s important to conduct regular device inspections, testing, and maintenance.

A beeping or chirping CO detector could signify the presence of gas, or a low battery. Regardless of the reason, further action should be taken.

How Do CO Detectors Work?

Powered by batteries or connected directly to residential and commercial electrical systems, CO detectors function via a silicon microchip, sensors, and semiconductors. Upon detecting this potentially fatal gas, they sound a beeping or chirping noise indicating potential danger. Detectors equipped with LCD screens also display CO levels and system statuses to indicate inspection deadlines.

CO detectors also signal noxious gas buildup, even before occupants experience symptoms. For example, low CO levels of approximately 50 parts per million (ppm) won’t trigger beeping for several hours, while 150 ppm sound detectors almost immediately.

CO Detector Beeping & Chirping Signals

It’s important to reiterate: Carbon monoxide can be fatal. Because CO detectors protect people from this dangerous gas, incessant chirping should signal occupants to immediately leave the residence or place of business. This deadly gas may be present, and fire emergency professionals should be contacted, immediately.

When listening for CO detector beeps or chirps, there are differences between patterns.

Note the following: 

• Four beeps accompanied by a pause indicate CO is present. Occupants should immediately seek fresh air and notify emergency personnel.
• One chirp per minute means CO detector batteries are due for replacement.
• Five beeps per minute signals the detector should be replaced.

CO Poisoning Symptoms & Exposure

According to the New York State Department of Health: "If you suspect CO poisoning, have everyone leave the area to get fresh air immediately. Contact the fire department and the gas company or heating contractor.”

The agency also recommends scheduling regular inspections of home heating sources, such as furnaces, fireplaces, and chimneys.

Watch for the following symptoms if you think you may have been exposed to CO:

• Nausea 
• Chest Pain
• Dizziness  
• Shortness of Breath

The American Association of Poison Control Centers is also available for medical advice on this and other potentially fatal situations. 

Regularly Maintain & Inspect CO Detectors

Although some CO detectors have replaceable batteries, units with 10-year-lifetime sealed lithium batteries will also beep as an end-of-life warning. It’s important to keep track of a CO detector’s age, and conduct regular testing, inspections, and maintenance.

If your CO detector has replaceable batteries, it’s recommended to change them every six months, or upon daylight saving time. CO detectors eventually run their course—most with shelf lives of five to seven years.

Best Places to Install CO Detectors

Whether for a small apartment or multi-room home, it’s recommended to place detectors on walls at least five feet from the ground. Optimal locations include bedrooms or other sleeping areas, and near gas fireplaces, ovens, and stoves. Consider installation in garages and sheds, or other spaces with gas-powered tools and vehicles.

Place CO detectors on each floor of commercial buildings, including within offices and other communal areas, such as kitchens, conference rooms, and cafeterias.

Alarm.com Mobile Alerts

Working with General Security for fire and safety technologies gives you access to the Alarm.com mobile app, as well as local authorities through 24/7 Central Station Monitoring. Real-time alerts are sent to any mobile device—whether regarding a carbon monoxide leak, or low or missing batteries. While you should always regularly test and inspect devices, such direct connections grant invaluable peace of mind—while preventing injuries and saving lives. 

Ensuring Health & Safety

Whether upgrading existing fire and safety measures or adding an entirely new system, consider working with a reputable provider such as General Security, for expert assistance with installation, monitoring, and inspections.

How do I know if my carbon monoxide detector is off?

What sound does a First Alert carbon monoxide detector make?

Do carbon monoxide detectors sound continuously?

How loud is a carbon monoxide alarm?