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Chapter 7
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
Carbon monoxide known as CO is indeed the silent killer.
It is a by-product of combustion. CO is invisible, taste-
less, odorless and is produced by all internal combustion
engines, heating and cooking appliances.
The most common forms of CO on board vessels are the
engines, generator and if applicable, propane heating and
cooking devices.
Never operate these devices when people are sleeping. A
slight amount of CO in the human body over several
hours causes headaches, nausea and symptoms close to
food poisoning, motion sickness or flu. High concentra-
tions can be fatal within minutes.
HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS
The CO detector uses a mini computer to measure and
accumulate CO levels. It uses the principle of “time -
weighted averaging.” The detector monitors CO concen-
trations, temperature, humidity and time to calculate
COHb levels. To explain COHb, our bodies prefer to
absorb CO to oxygen and COHb is the absorbed ratio
stated in a percent.
If the detector senses high levels of CO the alarm will
sound in a few minutes. If lower levels are sensed, the
detector will accumulate the data and sound an alarm
when the appropriate level is reached. Read and under-
stand the CO owner’s manual in the information pouch.
To turn the CO detector system on:
1. Notice the CO breaker on the 12 volt main DC panel.
The system should be always left on. The CO circuitry
works to its best performance when continually activated
plus it accords advanced warning when entering an area
high in CO.
2. When power is applied to the detector, the power indi-
cator (top) will flash on and off, followed by the (red)
lower alarm indicator flashing off and on as part of a 8-
14 minute warm-up period. The green (top) power indi-
cator will indicate a solid green when the unit has reached
correct operating temperature.
3. The test cycle should be
activated frequently. Sim-
ply press the button. When
it is released, the (top)
power indicator will flash
off and the lower indica-
tor light will flash. Then,
the lower indicator will
flash off and the upper in-
dicator light will relight.
The top indicator light be-
ing on solid green indicates
normal operation. Refer to
the CO detectors owner’s manual for an explanation of
the test cycle indicators.
4. When an alarm sounds take action immediately. The
danger alarm indicator flashes red and the horn beeps 4
times, pauses and repeats the cycle. This indicates a rate
of 10% COHb has been reached.
a. Operate reset/silence button.
b. Call your emergency services (911)
c. Immediately move to fresh air. Do not re-enter the ves-
sel. until emergency personnel have arrived, aired the ves-
sel out and the alarm is in a normal condition.
d. After following steps a-c and your alarm reactivates
within a 24-hour period call a qualified technician to in-
spect the vessel. Note that the CO detector will clear when
the CO concentration has dropped below 70 ppm.
Note: When the ship’s batteries are disconnected at
the battery terminals, the CO detectors will not op-
erate.
CO DETECTOR
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