CO Detectors

Of the two marine-rated units tested, Fireboy/Xintex gets our vote, but if you're more cautious, go with the MTI. The non-marine units are good, too, especially the Kidde Nighthawks.

The nine detectors were sealed in a 30-gallon ûfish tank and fed CO gas in carefully metered ûamounts. A separate high-precision CO detector ûwas used to control CO levels in the tank.

It's been four and a half years since we last looked at carbon monoxide detectors (CO detectors). Since then much has changed with respect to the standards around which most detectors are developed. In the past there were two UL standards which governed the performance requirements of CO detectors. Marine/Recreational Vehicle and Residential were rated under separate UL standards. Today a revised standard exists which combines and expands requirements for all CO detectors. The structure of the new UL standard has had a positive influence on the sensitivity to and detection limits of CO. Today's detectors are less likely to be overly sensitive in yielding nuisance alarms at low levels…