View as

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

A carbon monoxide detector senses CO, a gas with no smell, colour or taste that fuel-burning appliances such as boilers and stoves can produce, and sounds before it builds to a harmful level. This range covers battery and mains CO alarms from Aico and Espire, multi-sensor heat and CO alarms, and wireless detectors that report to Ajax, Hikvision AX-Pro and Pyronix alarm systems.

Choosing Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

Choose by power source, whether the alarm needs to link to others, and whether it should also detect heat or smoke.

Battery or mains

Battery models such as the Aico Ei208 and Pyronix CO-WE2 run on a 10-year cell. Mains models suit homes already wired for mains alarms: the Aico Ei3018 has an integrated 10-year rechargeable lithium backup, and the Espire ES1CLV a sealed battery.

Standalone, radio-linked or on an alarm system

The Aico Ei208WRF joins a RadioLINK+ system so a CO alarm near a boiler sounds every alarm in the home. The Ajax FireProtect, Hikvision DS-PDCO-E-WE and Pyronix CO-WE2 report to their own intruder alarm hub.

CO alone or multi-sensor

The Aico Ei3028 and Espire ES1CHL combine heat and CO, the Aico Ei3030 fire and CO, and the Ajax FireProtect Plus smoke, heat and CO in one head.

ModelSensesPowerLinks to
Aico Ei208CO10-year lithiumStandalone
Aico Ei208WRFCOBatteryRadioLINK+
Aico Ei3018COMainsEi3000MRF module
Espire ES1CHLVCO and heatMains, 10-year lithium batterySee product page
Pyronix CO-WE2CO10-year batteryPyronix hub, two-way

Standards & compliance

BS EN 50291-1 is the standard for carbon monoxide alarms in domestic premises; the Aico Ei208, Ei208WRF, Ei3018, Ei3028 and Ei3030 and the Espire ES1CLV list it. The Ei208 and Ei208WRF also list BS EN 50291-2, for caravans, boats and similar spaces. Check the product's listing for the space it is going into.

Brands we stock in Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

Aico, Ajax, ESP, Hikvision and Pyronix.

Aico, Ajax and ESP make most of the alarms.

Related categories

CO alarms usually sit on the same system as smoke alarms and detectors and wireless smoke alarms; see also fire safety equipment.

Frequently asked questions

Where should a carbon monoxide alarm be fitted?

In the room with the fuel-burning appliance, such as a boiler or stove, following the position given in the alarm's instructions. Many installers also add alarms in bedrooms. Linked alarms such as the Aico Ei208WRF on RadioLINK+ sound together, so a CO warning in a boiler room is heard throughout the home.

How long does a battery CO alarm last?

The Aico Ei208 and Pyronix CO-WE2 run on a 10-year battery, and the Espire ES1CHL on a 10-year lithium cell. When the alarm reaches the end of its life it is replaced as a whole unit rather than given a new battery.

Can a CO alarm be interlinked with smoke alarms?

Yes, within the same system. The Aico Ei208WRF joins a RadioLINK+ network with Aico smoke and heat alarms, and the Aico Ei3018 is Ei3000MRF compatible for radio interlink on mains systems. Ajax, Hikvision AX-Pro and Pyronix detectors link through their own alarm hub.

Is there an alarm that detects both carbon monoxide and fire?

Several. The Aico Ei3028 and Espire ES1CHL and ES1CHLV sense heat and CO, the Aico Ei3030 is a fire and CO multi-sensor, and the Ajax FireProtect Plus detects smoke, heat and CO in one wireless head. One multi-sensor saves a separate CO alarm where heat and CO risks share a room.

Which standard should a domestic CO alarm meet?

Look for BS EN 50291-1, the standard for carbon monoxide alarms in domestic premises. The Aico Ei208, Ei208WRF, Ei3018, Ei3028 and Ei3030 and the Espire ES1CLV list it, and the Ei208 and Ei208WRF also list BS EN 50291-2 for caravans, boats and similar spaces; check the listing if the alarm is going somewhere other than a house or flat.

What sensor do these CO alarms use?

The Aico Ei3018 uses an electrochemical sensor, the type used for detecting carbon monoxide in the home, and names it on its product page. Compare the sensor, power source and linking options on the product pages before mixing models in one property.

Is a carbon monoxide alarm the same as a carbon dioxide alarm?

No. A carbon monoxide (CO) alarm detects CO, the gas produced by fuel-burning appliances, while carbon dioxide is a different gas. Every alarm and detector in this range senses carbon monoxide, including the Aico Ei208 and Ei3018 and the Espire ES1CLV.

Is there a wireless carbon monoxide detector?

Yes. The Hikvision DS-PDCO-E-WE, Pyronix CO-WE2 and Ajax FireProtect detectors report wirelessly to their own intruder alarm hubs, and the Aico Ei208WRF joins a RadioLINK+ system, so a CO warning reaches the rest of the system without new cable being run.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

You may also like

  • Fast shipping

    On every UK Order

  • Special Trade Discount

    Regular sales and discounts

  • WME Guarantee

    We provide warranty

  • Full Support

    Talk to a real person