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For all the latest energy safety news visit www.esv.vic.gov.au
Autumn 2015
energysafe issue 39
Correct use of carbon
monoxide detection equipment
By Tyler Mason, Gas Engineer
Winter is coming and it is again appropriate
to remind gasfitters to ensure they are using
carbon monoxide (CO) detection equipment
in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions to ensure an accurate reading.
ESV has received numerous reports of
CO detectors giving false or misleading readings
when used to measure spillage from either a
space heating appliance or central heating duct
air supply register. These readings are a result
of the way in which CO detection equipment has
been used, with instruments being exposed to
temperatures greater than their maximum rated
temperature.
Gasfitters need to be aware of, and take into
consideration, the limitation of their equipment.
Each type of CO detector available will have
a maximum temperature limit provided by the
manufacturer, and when the detector experiences
temperatures in excess of this limit it will no longer
provide an accurate reading. Many CO detectors
have a maximum operating temperature of
between 40°C and 50°C.
These CO detectors are designed for the
measurement of ambient CO levels within a room,
and are not designed to measure CO in a heater’s
discharge air stream.
If you are using one of these or a similar
product, please