What You Should Know Before You Buy a Carbon Monoxide Tester

If you have gas appliances in your home, then you already know you need a carbon monoxide tester. But do you know how they work, and what your choices are? Before you buy one, read this article to discover the different types so you can make the best choice.

Carbon monoxide testers all do the same thing... they just do it in different ways. There are three sensor types. The most common type has a metal oxide sensor that is heated and reacts with carbon monoxide in the air. Generally, these are powered electrically and come with battery back-up in case of power outages. If you don't want to remember to test and change batteries, this is a good option. However, you will only be able to place them where there are outlets, and this may not be adequate... especially since CO doesn't sink, and outlets are usually closer to the floor.

The next type of carbon monoxide tester has biomimetic sensors. They are discs that have been coated with a special gel. When CO comes into contact with them, the gel turns color and sets off the alarm. They are usually less expensive and battery operated, so you can mount them wherever you need them. You just need to remember to test and change the batteries. People often use these as additional testers around the house.

Finally, there are electrochemical carbon monoxide testers. When CO comes into contact with the sensors, a chemical reaction causes an electrical current that sets off the alarm. This type is usually the most expensive because they are also the most sensitive. Unlike other testers, they read low levels of CO on the air and may also have a memory feature that records readings over time. Some have a continuous digital readout for at a glance readings, and many sound a warning when the sensors are wearing out and need to be replaced.

You must place your carbon monoxide tester properly in order for it to work effectively, no matter which type of sensor you opt for. In or near your bedroom is the best place, because you are most as risk for CO poisoning when you are asleep. Place your monitor outside of all of the bedrooms, such as in the hallway, and if you have other sleeping areas in the house make sure you mount one there as well. You want to ensure though that your detector is away from high humidity areas, such as the bathroom, and at least 6 feet from your appliances.

A carbon monoxide tester is just one element of household safety. Make sure you have a regular maintenance plan for your gas-fueled systems, and that you and your family have and practice an emergency plan so that you all know what to do when and if the alarm does go off.

There is a lot to look out for when trying to make your home secure and safe. There are many hidden dangers to be aware of.

Hopefully this has helped you if you are looking for a carbon monoxide tester but if you need further help then please visit carbonmonoxidemonitor.net for more information about a carbon monoxide monitor.

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Should Bird Flu Concern Bangkok-Bound-Travelers?

Having spent many years in the media, you learn quickly that "if it bleeds, it leads."

In other words, if it's tragic, sorrowful, and shocking... it's the lead story.

In television, they love footage that is viewer stimulating. In radio, they want to grab your attention with a "what" did he say headline. In print, it's all about the attention grabbing headline.

Remember; "Dewey Wins!"

Accuracy is secondary, I guess.

Attention is paramount.

Bird Flu was all over the news for quite some time, but has faded in popularity recently. Perhaps the election campaigning is more interesting to watch, read, and hear about.

Iraq doesn't even get the headlines it used to. Of course, after five years, I guess they're running out of headlines.

Bird Flu or SARs is still a problem that "lives" among us.

Good news on this front comes from Thailand's National Electronic and Computer Technology Centre.

A man by the name of Saran Samritdejkhajorn has invented an apparatus that has the ability to measure the temperature of anyone who passes by it.

Comprised of a thermal-imaging camera, some temperature and humidity sensors, and some circuitry, this device could be a simple way to identify those with the contagious disease known as Bird Flu.

Therm-Screen V.2.0 software is now being created by Mr. Samritdejkhajorn and a pilot project for the Bird Flu detector is in the works.

Testing continues and the gathering of data is on-going, all of which is projected to improve accuracy.

If you sleep with the chickens in Thailand, you should worry about Bird Flu, if you sleep in a hotel, you really shouldn't be concerned. Just use common sense.

Since I live in the capital city of Bangkok, I never let the threat of Bird Flu come to mind. It's a city, not a jungle or rural farm plot of land with chickens roaming.

Occasionally, I'll spot a sparrow or a pigeon, but the cats are controlling the bird population quite nicely.

My advice; don't wait to travel, travel while you're still young enough to make use of all the wonderful that you will learn from your travels.

Lazz Laszlo is a former Investment Executive and Radio & Television Financial Reporter with many entrepreneurial endeavors to his credit. He spends his time as an emcee, public speaker, enjoying life and writing about business, travel, retirement, strategy, and pleasure. To learn more, please visit Lazz's website; [http://www.925-wage-slave-alternatives.com]

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