Study on a Complementary Method to Address the Limitation of Smoke Detectors: Focusing on Carbon Monoxide Sensors

To compensate for the limitations of smoke detectors that frequently emit non-fire alarms, we investigated the carbon-monoxide detection characteristics of smoke detectors using UL 268 fire and non-fire test standards. Large amounts of carbon monoxide were generated during incomplete combustion at the beginning of a fire. Relatively low concentrations of carbon monoxide were also generated under non-fire conditions owing to steam, dust, etc. The response characteristics of general and analog smoke detectors from various manufacturers were analyzed to determine the possibility of linking smoke detectors installed in existing buildings. The experiments revealed that the smoke detectors showed similar reaction characteristics regardless of their manufacturer. However, those equipped with self-made carbon monoxide cross-sensing modules detected different carbon monoxide levels depending on the measurement location or method. Although using a carbon monoxide sensor is effective for distinguishing unwanted fire, additional experiments under various conditions are necessary to establish an appropriate detection range for carbon monoxide based on the response characteristics of the sensor.