Alarm saying CO detected.

[Gusshr]

One of the two brands CO/fire detectors alarms on the boat (self powered from home cheapo) went off a week ago 4 seconds on and few off pointing towards a CO problem. The others two detectors from a different brand were off. Found some batteries with low water. Added water, everything is fine for couple days. Then the alarm is going off again. Only one type of detectors is going off. The other two detectors (different brand) stay silent even when I bring them closer to the one that is beeping. Should I ignore? Oh by the way no running engines or generators. Not even nearby running boats. Thanks

 

[captainwjm]

What is the age of the detector alarming? Some brands will alert once they reach their expiration date.

We had a similar situation happen to us several years ago. Just one of several onboard. We checked the alarming until and found it way past the date listed on the unit. Went and bought a new unit from Lowes with no further alarming.

 

[Boatsb]

The ultimate in design obsolescence.

That's a common alarm with kidde.

 

[captainwjm]

It's not planned obsolescence, it's based on the material used to sense the smoke. "The life expectancy of smoke alarms is generally 10 years, after which point their sensors can begin to lose sensitivity. The test button only confirms that the battery, electronics, and alert system are working; it doesn’t mean that the smoke sensor is working."


https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/04/when-to-replace-an-older-smoke-alarm/index.htm

 

[Briankinley2004]

Had one in my RV doing similar. I replaced it with same type but a new one and no problems. I dont remember brand

 

[Gusshr]

That alarm is 6 months old.

 

[SEVEN]

Take it back and have it replaced.

 

[captainwjm]

Also check to see if it has been recalled; I seem to recall a Kidde recall several months ago. When they did their fire extinguisher recall in the winter, I had replaced at no charge 8 seperate extinguishers.

 

[Gusshr]

My concern is that could I have a bad battery that is maybe producing excessive Hydrogen even after adding water? As some CO detectors will cross react to Hydrogen.

 

[captainwjm]

That's a valid concern, and the home model CO detectors [as opposed to the designated marine units] are more susceptible to false alerts due to this cause. I'd still try the cheapest/easiest solution first and get a new unit before delving into a more expensive battery/charger solution.

 

[Boatsb]

No,

Its the charger. I got a deal on a new one for you.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

CO detectors alarm in the presence of hydrogen gas. If your batteries are gassing off, it will set off the CO alarm.

 

[PeterK]

Had the same thing last week. Bad cell and the gas set off my detector. Funny thing was the one outside the ER was screaming Carbon Monoxide, the salon one was chirping Fire!Fire!Fire!

A boat buck later, issue resolved...