3 Ways To Test A Carbon Monoxide Detector - WikiHow

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1 Purchase CO detector tester spray (sometimes referred to as "CO Bump Gas") to test your carbon monoxide detector. You can find this spray at most home improvement stores, or you can purchase it online. One can costs between 8-15 USD and will usually last for a few years.[1] X Research source
- Canned CO tester is a non-flammable aerosol .[2]
- Inhalation of canned CO or contact with the spray is not dangerous, if used as directed.[3] It contains CO gas at a concentration that is not harmful unless illegally concentrated.
2 Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use of the CO test spray. Advertisement
3 Use a plastic bag to enclose the CO detector and the test spray nozzle tightly. Spray the canned CO test spray for at least 3 seconds. You'll need to spray enough so that your detector will be able to pick up the carbon monoxide in the canned test spray. Hold the sprayer down for about 3 seconds. If your detector is working, it will sound the alarm within 15 minutes, at a level of over 500 parts per million.
- You can buy or build a testing device that holds the test spray and seals around the CO alarm while you test the alarm.
- If the detector doesn't go off, you may need to change the batteries or replace the unit.
4 Remove the test bag and sprayer from the CO alarm and fan the CO detector with fresh air. Press the test/hush button on the unit to turn off the alarm sound. There should be a small button somewhere on your detector, usually near an LED light.
- This is also the battery test button, so if you press it when the unit is at rest, the alarm will briefly sound, telling you that the battery is adequate, but does not test the sensor.
5 Repeat the CO spray test annually to be sure your CO detector sensor is working. If you are checking the unit's test button once a month and changing the batteries regularly (assuming it has replaceable batteries), you should only need to check the sensor's sensitivity once a year.