There are a few devices that are essential to install in one’s house. A smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector are two of those devices. These are life-saving devices. Usually, people underrate these devices and do not know the importance of them. The main function of these devices is to alert people about the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide gas. Let us see the basic difference between smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.
Difference between smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector
Generally, smoke detectors are devices that detect smoke possibly caused by fire whereas carbon monoxide detects the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) gas. CO is a deadly gas. When a smoke detector is combined with an alarm and power source, called smoke alarm. An alarm inbuilt with these devices makes a warning sound in the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide gas. Even a person who is sleeping can take the necessary steps to handle such a situation. These devices come separately but nowadays there are devices that come with both functionalities. This is the reason why people often confuse the two.
Do I need a carbon monoxide detector?
CO is a harmful gas. It is very difficult to recognize the presence of CO. CO directly reacts with blood and reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. It can lead to death or serious respiratory disease or brain damage. CO exposure can cause symptoms like dizziness, short of breath, confusion, light-headedness, headache, etc. Harmful levels of CO exposure can lead to death. There are a number of sources in our house that generate carbon monoxide gas, such as space heaters, water heaters, gas stoves, etc. So it is necessary to install a carbon monoxide detector in a house to detect the harmful level of CO.
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors need electricity to operate. There are several models available in the market which can be run by either directly connecting to the electrical outlet or using batteries or electric wire connections.
