Consumer Guide Blog

FIRST ALERT Plug-in Carbon monoxide Alarm with digital display:

It comes with a digital display, remote control test/silence, and AC/battery back-up. It samples air once in every second and the internal memory chip permanently stores the highest levels detected. The silencer button alarms if levels persist. It also comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. It uses an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor which is the most accurate technology available. The test/silence button both silences a non-threatening alarm and allows the user to test the unit’s functionality. The unit monitors and re-alarms if carbon monoxide levels persist sounding a loud 85-decibel horn. Installation is as simple as anyone can plug it in to any wall outlet. Its cost varies from $40-$60.

Kidde Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector:

It is a combination smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. It has a loud voice alarm indicator to designate fire or carbon monoxide detection or both. Detection sensitivity is described as extra-sensitive, and test/reset buttons allow for easy alarm silencing. This makes it better than other detectors. It comes with a sliding wall mount. The unit also has a low-battery indicator light. It is a combination of smoke and carbon monoxide detector. This makes it more unique as compared to others. It also has wireless interconnected system which enables all units in the house/place to communicate with one another for an early alert system. The alarm beeps and voice announces the nature of alarm events. The LED indicator flashes red during all alarm events and green to indicate active Silent Mode state, previously detected event and the unit is properly operating. This makes the device user friendly and easy to use. Its cost is around $47.00.

Kidde Nighthawk 900-0076 digital Carbon Monoxide Detector:

It is the only battery powered alarm that includes a backlight digital display, providing continuous monitoring of CO levels. The unit also includes a peak level memory, test/reset button, low battery signal, multiple mounting options and a 5-year limited warranty. This is a battery powered alarm thereby provides protection even during a power outage. Peak level memory recalls the highest carbon monoxide level detected. Updated digital reading every 15 seconds enables the user to see if levels change. The Backlit digital display readout from 30-999 PPM provides continuous monitoring of CO Levels. The Test / reset button allows the user to immediately silence alarm and test the alarm. It also alerts the user with the low battery signal when the battery needs to be replaced. Safety feature makes it difficult to close the cover without batteries in the unit. No costly sensor replacement needed. The loud 85 decibel alarm gives an alarming sound which can easily alert the user in the room. These awesome features really impress the experts and therefore it is mostly recommended. It costs around $32.99 - $40.00

Kidde Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector:

It has a digital readout from 0 to 999 parts per million to warn of even low carbon monoxide levels. Updated digital reading every 2-1/2 minutes lets the user to see if levels changes. Peak-level memory display shows highest carbon dioxide reading since unit was last reset. This enables the user to recall the previous readings. A loud, 85-decibel alarm sounds when CO is detected. Test/reset button allows user to reset unit immediately as discussed above in other detectors. It costs around $44.97.

FIRST ALERT Plug-in Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector:

It installs easily by simply plugging into an outlet. It comes with a silencer button to allow for quick silencing of alarm during CO detection alarming. It uses 40% less electricity than other models and it comes with a 5-year limited warranty. Plug-in carbon monoxide alarm with battery backup easily plugs into any standard outlet with no additional mounting is necessary. Battery backup ensures alarm works even during power outages. So this makes it available if there is not electricity. This carbon monoxide alarm utilizes electrochemical sensor for increased accuracy. An electrochemical sensor which is the most accurate technology available for detecting carbon monoxide as compared to other common sensing technologies. The user can plug this alarm into any standard 120v ac outlet with no additional mounting. TheMute button mutes unnecessary alarms, also tests alarm function with same button. There is a low battery signal mute which quiets low battery signal for up to 8 hours.

Its price ranges from $19.76 - $30.99.

Experts’ comments:

In so many years more than 50 models of CO detectors have hit the market; however the experts still recommend the top five detectors to the consumers which are discussed above. Many experts also prefer the Kidde detectors as compared to First Alert Plug detectors present in the market. Amongst all, Kidde Nighthawk detectors receive more reviews and highest ratings. For e.g. some contributors note the frequency of replacing backup batteries for both brands, along with some false alarms. The false alarms and the insufficient battery back-up in First Alert Plug makes them lacking in the quality and reliability. According to the experts the Kidde Nighthawk 900-0076 has all the features which make it unique and best available CO detector in the market.

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The user is advised to choose a carbon monoxide detector that has been tested and approved. If you want a carbon monoxide detector that monitors low levels of CO, look for one that has memory. If you are not diligent about checking and replacing batteries, a battery operated carbon monoxide detector is not right for you. Although they allow for more flexible placement, a plug-in carbon monoxide detector may be best. So the user needs to first check what he needs and then search for the detector.

Precautions to be taken while using the detector:

The most important precaution is that never plug a CO detector into an outlet that is controlled by a switch. Test your CO detector once a week by pushing the button of the device. The typical life-time of a CO detector is 5years and after that it demands replacement, unless the manufacturer recommends sooner. If the alarm sounds, evacuate your home and call the professional for assistance. Leave it to the professionals to determine the source of the CO. Because carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and also because it may be found with warm, rising air, detectors should be placed on a wall about 5 feet above the floor. The detector may be placed on the ceiling. Do not place the detector right next to or over a fireplace or flame-producing appliance. Keep the detector out of the way of pets and children. Each floor needs a separate detector. If you getting a single carbon monoxide detector, place it near the sleeping area and make certain the alarm is loud enough to wake the user.

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