Brinks CO Detector Problems

Although Brinks Home Security is best known for its home security systems, the company has extended its product line in recent years to include things like carbon monoxide, or CO, detectors. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, but toxic gas that can be fatal if it's not identified. However, the Brinks CO detector has been known to have its share of problems, leading to malfunction and product recalls.

Recall

• According to DetectaGas.com, all of Brinks' ESL SafeAir 240-COE CO detectors that were manufactured between November 2000 and August 2002 were recalled in the fall of 2008. The recall was due to a malfunction in the detector that left it unable to detect the toxic carbon monoxide gas one year after its installation. Such a defect could result in death, as CO detectors are expected to last for at least five years.

Troubleshooting

• Brinks CO detectors come hardwired into the security system, as part of a home security and CO detector combination package. However, because it's not a standalone CO detector, it presents its share of issues as well. For example, if the detector malfunctions, it's typically not something that the average homeowner can repair themselves. Because it's hardwired into the security system, any tinkering with it could impact the entire security system. When these hardwired CO detectors malfunction, it is almost always necessary to have someone from Brinks make the necessary repair, which may cost hundreds of dollars.

Cost

• One area where Brinks CO detectors can be a problem for homeowners, is in terms of their price. At the time of publication, most CO detectors cost around $20; and can easily be installed by the homeowner. However, one of Brinks' CO models is integrated into a security system. So not only are you paying for the security system, you must pay for Brinks professional installation as well: According to HomeSecurityTopics.com, the price of one of these systems starts around $99.

Detection Levels

• According to Alarm-Monitoring-Service.com, Brinks CO detectors only pick up severe levels of carbon monoxide. However, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to even low levels of CO can be enough to cause health problems; such as headaches, dizziness, disorientation and nausea. Catching such conditions early can prevent these minor effects from occurring, in addition to the more dire effects that can result from increased exposure to this noxious gas.