How do I make my own carbon monoxide detector?
How do I make my own carbon monoxide detector?
Required Materials
- 1 Arduino Uno.
- 1 multimeter (DMM)
- 1 breadboard with various jumper wires.
- 2 Resistors 10 kΩ
- 1 Resistor 100 kΩ
- 1 SPEC CO Gas Sensor (Digi-Key Part Number: 1684-1000-ND)
How do carbon monoxide sensors work?
A silicon microchip, housed in a plastic shell, sends an electrical charge to a small detection chamber that contains a CO sensor. This sensor can detect and measure CO concentration in the atmosphere. If the sensor detects high levels of CO, the microchip will trigger an alarm.
What is inside of a carbon monoxide sensor?
Inside the carbon monoxide alarm is a small sensor with three electrodes on it. These three electrodes lead into a container of a chemical called the electrolyte. This container is gas permeable, meaning that gas from the atmosphere can pass freely into and out of it.
What gases can be detected by a CO sensor?
A carbon monoxide detector alone will only detect carbon monoxide, but an entire system with an additional natural gas leak sensor will be able to detect both gases.
How can you detect CO without a detector?
How to find carbon monoxide leaks
- Brownish or yellowish stains around appliances.
- A pilot light that frequently goes out.
- Burner flame appears yellow instead of clear blue (exception: natural gas fireplaces)
- No upward draft in chimney flue.
- Stale-smelling air.
- Soot, smoke or back-draft inside the home.
How do carbon monoxide detectors sound?
If your detector is low on battery, you will likely hear a short chirp every minute. To warn of dangerous CO levels, most detectors will beep 4 or 5 times in a row about every 4 seconds.
Is carbon monoxide heavier or lighter than air?
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.
How do you test for carbon monoxide in the air?
The Best Way to Test for Carbon Monoxide Because CO is colorless, tasteless, odorless and non-irritating, the best way to detect its presence is to use an electronic combustion testing instrument.