Precautions for Installing CO2 Monitoring Systems

When installing a CO2 (carbon dioxide) monitoring system, proper equipment placement is critical to ensure the integrity of system functionality and the safety of employees.

Careful consideration needs to be given to planning the location of the system, the layout of the wires, and the protection of the equipment, and staff should be trained on what to do when they hear an alarm.

The CO2 sensor should be installed 12 inches (31 cm) above the ground, and the display of the CO2 monitoring system should be installed 60 inches (152 cm) above the ground.

Note: Do not confuse CO2 (carbon dioxide) monitors with CO (carbon monoxide) monitors. The two serve different purposes. A carbon monoxide alarm should be installed in a residential or commercial space to detect carbon monoxide gas produced by a flame or furnace. Carbon monoxide alarms should usually be installed near the ceiling or top of the wall.

Use of Carbon Dioxide Monitoring Systems

Carbon dioxide monitoring systems are suitable for any place where compressed carbon dioxide is stored or used indoors. Depending on the application, state or local laws and regulations may require the installation of such a system.

While placing CO2 sensors 12 inches above the ground can provide early warning, it makes it difficult to read CO2 levels on the screen. Therefore, most CO2 safety alarms consist of two parts:

(1) CO2 sensor: Installed 12 inches (31 cm) above the ground, close to the gas source.
(2) Remote display: Installed outside the door, 60 inches (152 cm) from the ground.
(3) Co2 safety sign: Warning occupants in case of a leak.

While both sensors and displays include audible and visual alerts, remote displays and safety signs are important because they are able to alert employees before entering enclosed areas where high levels of CO2 may be present.

Installation of CO2 Sensors

Before installing a CO2 safety monitoring system, an on-site assessment should be carried out, taking into account the following factors:

Find out if local and state regulations require a CO2 safety monitoring system. Typically, a high-visibility flash mounted above the door is the most common addition.

Some regulations also require carbon dioxide safety monitors to be connected to fire alarm panels to automatically call local fire departments when a carbon dioxide leak is detected.

Make sure that the sensor installation position is not damaged by the movement of surrounding objects, such as drums, crates, or gas cylinders. In addition, if you use a power adapter, be sure to fix the plug on the wall to avoid employees unintentionally or deliberately pulling the alarm.

Why Install the CO2 Sensor 12 Inches above the Ground?

Carbon dioxide, which is heavier than air, accumulates on the ground when it leaks and then gradually rises. Carbon dioxide gas can be thought of as water, and if there is a leak, carbon dioxide will accumulate on the ground first, which is why carbon dioxide safety monitoring sensors should be installed near the ground.

If your basement stairs are near carbon dioxide tanks or gas cylinders, carbon dioxide gas may flow to the basement, fill the basement before starting to fill the main floor. In this case, security monitoring sensors should also be installed in the basement, 12 inches above the ground.

Remote Display Installation

The remote display should be mounted at a height of 60 inches (152 cm) from the ground, near the door frame of any door leading to the enclosed area, and should be on the same side as the door handle to ensure that the display is not obscured when the door is opened.

If there are multiple entrances, it is often possible to connect multiple remote displays to a single CO2 sensor to ensure that all entrances can be monitored.

Carbon Dioxide Safety Mark

After installing the CO2 safety sensor and remote display, install safety signs on each door to ensure that the signs are clearly visible whether the door is open or closed.

Coverage of Bulk CO2 System Areas

In these applications, typically one display can cover about 1500 square feet (length x width of space). It is common practice to place CO2 sensors within 10 feet of bulk CO2 storage tanks, gas cylinders, or bib holders. For larger Spaces or facilities, additional monitors may be required. In addition, enclosed rooms or Spaces (such as closets, offices, bathrooms) may require additional monitoring because gases may build up in these enclosed Spaces.

Coverage of CO2-enriched Regions

Co2 safety monitoring is also required for applications that intentionally inject CO2 into Spaces, such as indoor agricultural environments. Intentional carbon dioxide concentration in such Spaces requires the installation of safety monitors.

Each installation should be considered individually depending on the specific layout and changes in enclosed Spaces. Choose a monitoring provider to help plan the layout of the facility, ensure the correct coverage, and obtain approval from the local government.

Please note that the above recommendations are best practices based on experience, but are not specific recommendations for a specific location in your building. Each installation is unique. If you have any questions about the installation, consult your local building inspector.

Sum up

The proper installation of a CO2 monitoring system is essential for safety and compliance with regulatory requirements. Each installation site has its own unique requirements, so it is important to conduct a detailed assessment and planning before proceeding with the installation. If you have any questions or need further guidance, be sure to contact a professional or local building inspector to ensure system effectiveness and compliance. With proper installation and maintenance, a CO2 monitoring system can provide a reliable safety guarantee for your working environment.