carbon monoxide detector beeping

Carbon monoxide detector beeping is a common event that every carbon monoxide detectors owners are facing. A correct response against it is very important.

In fact, not all beeping cases are the same. You should act differently for each beeping case since the meaning is also different.

And the meaning does not always mean that the detector is detecting carbon monoxide gas.

But, never ignore any beeping case you are facing with your carbon monoxide detector. It may detect carbon monoxide gas.

And when you feel the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, you must take action quickly and call 911 immediately to get help.

The Meaning of Carbon Monoxide Detector Beeping and Its Required Response

There are many questions raised on the internet associated with how to respond to carbon monoxide detector beeping.

Then I think it will be helpful if I can summarize those questions into an easy-to-read guide for you. So, hope you will not need to search for the answers elsewhere when you are facing a new case.

But, when I checked user manuals for several carbon monoxide detector types and brands, I found that it is very hard to summarize those beeping cases. Since it depends on the brand and type.

So, in this post, I summarize beeping cases for battery-powered Kidde carbon monoxide detectors with digital displays. If you use other types or brands then I suggest you download their manuals to know their alarm characteristics.

Here are the cases.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Beeping Continuously

Actuation of the carbon monoxide detector (CO detector) indicates the presence of carbon monoxide gas. So, you must respond quickly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

The LCD display shows a steady value of CO concentration from 30-999 and red LED flashes with a beep.

  1. Press the reset or test button
  2. If it reactivates in several minutes after you press the button, call 911 to get help.
  3. Move to fresh air outdoor quickly
  4. Do a head count to check that all persons or employees inside are safe.
  5. Do not reenter the office, room, or building until the officers state clearly.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Beeping Every 30 Seconds

When you find it beeps one quick beep every 30 seconds, it means that your battery-powered Kidde CO detector has a low battery level. At the same time, Red LED flashes every 30 seconds.

Replaced all the batteries immediately to solve the problem.

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But, if after replacing the batteries the beeping continues, it indicates an error occurred to the unit or it has malfunctioned.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Beeps 2 Times

If you hear your CO detector beeps 2 times every 30 seconds with Red LED flashes twice every 30 seconds, and if the display shows END, this means that the unit has reached its end of life.

You need to replace it immediately to continue detecting carbon monoxide gas.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Beeping with Constant Alarm

When you see the display is blank with a constant alarm sound, this means that the unit is a malfunctioning. You need to replace the unit immediately.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Beeping Continuously with Random Display

When you press the test or reset button, the CO detector will show random values (approximately 200) with continuous beeps, it is a normal condition. You do not need to take action.

How to Respond Different Carbon Monoxide Detector Brands or Types

As I suggest to you in the previous paragraph, different CO detectors may show different alarm sounds or beep with the same condition. So, you need to check the user manual.

You can find user manuals for several popular carbon monoxide detectors from several brands such as Kidde and First Alert.

Here are those manuals:

  1. Kidde KN-COB-DP2 10-Year Carbon Monoxide Detector: manual
  2. FIRST ALERT CO400 Carbon Monoxide Detector, Battery Operated: manual
  3. First Alert CO605 Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup: manual
  4. Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detector, AC-Plug-In with Battery Backup, Digital Display: manual
  5. First Alert CO615 Dual-Power Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup and Digital Display: manual
  6. First Alert BRK SC7010B Hardwired Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector with Battery Backup: manual
  7. Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, Battery Powered with LED Lights, CO Alarm: manual
  8. Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup, Digital Display & LED Lights, CO Alarm: manual

Conclusion

Carbon monoxide detector beeping should be responded to differently. It will depend on the beeps, alarm sound, and or displays. But, never ignore it when it is beeping. Check the user manual to make sure the mean of each beeps and the action you need to take.