First Alert C0400 – The Only Carbon Monoxide Detector You Will Ever Need? In this country, one of the main reasons for accidental death by poisoning is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. It is also known as the silent killer due to the fact that it has no smell, no taste, and no color. Yet, every time a fossil fuel is burned, including natural gas, gasoline, propane, wood, charcoal, or oil, the gas is released. More often than not these types of fossil fuels are burned outside only, and the CO is absorbed by the air without presenting any danger. Click here for the Top 10 Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors.
However, if it is released in an enclosed space, such as a house boat, a bathroom, or a garage, then it has the potential to kill. Because of this, it is vital to have carbon monoxide detectors in place to determine whether a dangerous level of CO is present. There are many such monitors available on the market, one of which is First Alert CO400. Let’s take a look at what makes this particular model different from the others.
About First Alert CO400
First Alert CO400 is one of the highest rated carbon monoxide alarms in the country. This is partly due to the fact that it is fitted with an electrochemical sensor, which is the most advanced sensor of its kind. Of course, unless you have an in-depth understanding of gases and chemicals, this probably doesn’t explain to you why it is such a good device. What you are likely to care more about is the fact that this device is one of the most accurate that is currently in existence, that it is very low cost, that it is battery operated, that it is easy to use, and that it comes with an excellent warranty. Very simply put, the First Alert CO400 gives you a truly winning combination that you can truly rely on.
Installing this particular device is also quite easy. People tend to be reluctant in having these alarms in their homes because their design and size mean that they take up quite a lot of wall space. Furthermore, a lot of these devices are AC operated, which means they also take up one of the outlets, which also restricts where they can be placed. However, this particular CO monitor is fully battery operated. You can put it down anywhere you like in any room you like as well. That said, it is recommended to have it at eye level, which is where it is most important that the CO levels are kept in check. Most people simply put the device on a shelf and leave it there. That said, it does come with the necessary hardware to wall mount it as well, should you prefer it that way.
When you purchase the device, you will receive an easy to understand instruction manual, but you are unlikely to need it. The monitor is incredibly easy to operate and you will find that it simply makes sense. The buttons on the face of the monitor control the test and you can silence it if it alerts you. If you silence it and the problem continues to exist, the alarm will simply go off again as it rearms itself automatically. This means that you cannot accidentally switch the monitor off and no longer have the security of measuring the CO level in your home.
Specifications
First Alert CO400 is one of the easiest to use devices of its kind on the market. First Alert is an established name in the business and all their carbon monoxide monitors are highly reviewed and loved by their many customers. The company focuses on user friendliness and accuracy. The latter is demonstrated by the fact that it comes with an electrochemical CO sensor, which is the most advanced type of technology available today, delivering the most accurate results. Since you cannot see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide, it is absolutely vital that you have a monitor such as this one in place.
Because First Alert CO400 is battery operated, you also don’t run the risk of it not working during a power outage, which is when the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning is the highest. This is because it is at this time that people tend to burn fossil fuels to stay warm and to provide light indoors. Additionally, the device features a low battery alert, both visual and audible, which means you will always know when to replace the battery.
The design, meanwhile, is compact and attractive, which means it will not stand out like a sore thumb. It can be placed anywhere you like without the need for installation. The battery door, meanwhile, is at the front, which is very easy to access. It requires two AA batteries, which aren’t supplied. Lastly, the device is UL (Underwriters’ Laboratory) certified, which further guarantees its effectiveness.
The battery door mechanism, however, leaves something to be desired and is, in fact, the only thing that people have complained about. It is made of cheap plastic and feels very flimsy. Indeed, some people have mentioned that the latch easily breaks, particularly if someone were to close it before batteries have been inserted. Others have noticed that the door doesn’t close properly, and this caused the device to malfunction.
Other manufacturers’ specifications:
⦁ It measures 6.58” x 8.56” x 2.29” and weighs 0.81 pounds.
⦁ It sounds an alert when CO is detected.
⦁ It uses an electrochemical sensor.
⦁ It is battery operated and can therefor work anywhere.
⦁ The alarm that indicates high CO levels rings at a loud 85 decibels.
⦁ It has a single button for testing and silencing the alarm.
⦁ The alarm resets itself automatically.
⦁ That it comes with both a low battery warning and a convenient end of life timer.
⦁ That it can run on either two AA batteries or one 9V battery.
⦁ That it comes with a five year limited warranty.
What I Liked About First Alert CO400
⦁ It is battery operated.
⦁ It comes with an electrochemical sensor, which is the most accurate of its kind.
⦁ It is very user friendly, both in terms of set up and in terms of operation.
⦁ It comes with an excellent warranty.
⦁ It is a free standing device, meaning you can place it anywhere. At the same time, it comes with all the hardware required to mount it to the wall.
⦁ The battery compartment is conveniently placed at the front of the device.
⦁ It is very affordable.
What I Didn’t Like About First Alert CO400
⦁ It has an expiration date.
⦁ The battery compartment is flimsy at best.
⦁ Sometimes, the battery compartment doesn’t properly close, leading to the device malfunctioning.
The Final Verdict
The most important thing that you can do for your family is install a CO monitor in your home. The First Alert CO400 is certainly a device to consider. With its advanced electrochemical sensor, ease of use, and ease of installation, it really offers everything you could possibly need. Hence, it is 100% recommended.