Survey of the reliability of carbon monoxide alarms deployed in domestic homes and efficacy of use by consumers.

Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are extensively used in domestic premises in the UK to help protect against CO poisoning. Their expected lifetime has been increasing, and some current models now have a replacement period of more than 6 years under normal operation. However, concerns have been expressed as to the reliability of alarms over an extended period.

Response of electrochemical oxygen sensors to inert gas-air and carbon dioxide-air mixtures: measurements and mathematical modelling.

Electrochemical oxygen gas sensors are widely used for monitoring the state of inertisation of flammable atmospheres and to warn of asphyxiation risks. It is well established but not widely known by users of such oxygen sensors that the response of the sensor is affected by the nature of the diluent gas responsible for the decrease in ambient oxygen concentration. The present work investigates the response of electrochemical sensors, with either acid or alkaline electrolytes, to gas mixtures comprising air with enhanced levels of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon or helium.