CO (Carbon Monoxide - not Colorado!) detectors

[ElPasoPA24]

The Forensics Detector CO monitor has around a 5-year lifetime, which is typical for this type of electrometric detector. (It has a one-year warranty.)

I see their info now says the sensor life is 3 years. I’m pretty sure it was stated as a 1 year sensor life when I bought my first unit. It’s nice to see it’s up to 3 years.

 

[chemgeek]

These electrochemical detectors all work the same way. CO is detected at a noble metal anode through which a small current (uA levels) passes continually. When CO is present, it is oxidized, which increases the current. Selectivity is achieved by placing the anode behind a nonpolar membrane which allow the nonpolar CO to pass, but not more polar, oxidizable, interfering gases like nitrogen oxides, hydrogen sulfide, etc. The lifetime of the detector is limited by the consumption of the electrolyte over time. A typical lifetime is a few years, depending on the amount of electrolyte present. What distinguishes an aviation-useful detector is a short dwell time: that is a rise in current signifying the presence of CO generates an alert promptly, unlike a home detector, which may have to experience several hours of elevated CO detection before alarming.

 

[MDreger]

Is the lifetime limited to time in use, or calendar time? If the detector is rarely used, and kept turned off, and in a bag, or box of sorts does the electrolyte still get consumed?

 

[Aeromot]

Radiant has forthcoming pocket size, rechargeable detector, priced at $80 but currently $20 off for pre-orders:

CO-Pocket™ Carbon Monoxide Detector, designed for aviation.

Protect yourself from an invisible danger.The Radiant CO-Pocket™ is a fast, reliable carbon monoxide detector in a rechargeable, pocket-sized, self-contained unit, designed specifically for aviation. It alerts at the FAA-recommended 41 PPM level with buzzer, audible alarm, and bright red strobe...

www.radiantinstruments.com