carbon monoxide detector British Kitemark EN 50291-1; More information on the standard, including the types of alarms, is in the Tolerable Standard Guidance Chapters 16 and 17. Please note that the Nest Protect System will not meet the standard. This is because they do not meet the requirements for a heat alarm under the relevant British Standard. When carbon monoxide is detected, the strip turns black, the light shining onto it is absorbed and little or none is reflected. The electronic eye detects the lack of reflected light and a shrill, piercing alarm sounds. Metal-oxide detectors have open chambers containing sensors made of metal (tin or platinum) oxide. How to Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Knowing how to test carbon monoxide detectors is essential. Most detectors have a “test” button on the front of the unit. To test the unit, push and hold the button for approximately 20 seconds. You should hear at least two loud beeps. (Check manufacturer instructions for specific details.) If your carbon monoxide alarm keeps chirping, the battery may be low or weak. On First Alert carbon monoxide detectors, check to see if the battery light is yellow or green. If the alarm is chirping and the light is yellow, it means the battery is low. The way to get a carbon monoxide alarm to stop chirping is to replace the battery. Inside a Carbon Monoxide Detector A small silicon microchip sends an electronic charge, a sort of "what to do" signal, to the other parts of the detector. Light-emitting diodes ( LEDs) use lights to let you know how the unit is functioning and whether the battery needs to be Wires to the Carbon monoxide ( chemical formula CO) is a poisonous, flammable gas that is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and slightly less dense than air. Carbon monoxide consists of one carbon atom and one oxygen atom connected by a triple bond. It is the simplest carbon oxide. Get into fresh air right away. Call 911 or emergency medical help if you or someone with you has symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. These include headache, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, weakness and confusion. At the hospital, treatment may involve: Breathing pure oxygen. In the emergency room, standard treatment involves Press and hold this button for a few seconds to initiate the testing process. Alternatively, some detectors may require you to use a testing kit specifically designed for carbon monoxide detectors. Listen for the Alarm: Upon initiating the test, the carbon monoxide detector should sound an alarm after a few seconds. LK4tA.