This guide provides information on testing systems and their components used for measuring responses of CO alarms or detectors subjected to gases, vapors, and their mixtures. Components of a testing system include a chamber, clean air supply module, humidification module, gas and vapor delivery module, and verification and control instrumentation.

The CO detector is tested by sequential exposure to CO and interference gases at the specified challenge concentrations. A properly functioning alarm/detector will sound upon sufficient exposure to CO but will not sound upon any exposure to interference gases consistent with applicable standards (for example, IAS 6-96 (1) , UL 2034).

1.1 This guide describes testing systems used for measuring responses of carbon monoxide (CO) alarms or detectors subjected to gases, vapors, and their mixtures.

1.2 The systems are used to evaluate responses of CO detectors to various CO concentrations, to verify that the detectors alarm at certain specified CO concentrations, and to verify that CO detectors do not alarm at certain other specified CO concentrations.

1.3 The systems are used for evaluating CO detector responses to gases and vapors that may interfere with the ability of detectors to respond to CO.

1.4 Major components of such a testing system include a chamber, clean air supply module, humidification module, gas and vapor delivery module, and verification and control instrumentation.

1.5 For each component, this guide provides a comparison of different approaches and discusses their advantages and disadvantages.

1.6 The guide also presents recommendations for a minimum configuration of a testing system.

1.7 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.8 This guide does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For more specific safety precautionary information, see 6.2.