Common mistakes when planning and installing CO detection systems in garages and enclosed spaces
Carbon monoxide (CO) detection systems are a mandatory safety feature in enclosed garages and other spaces where there is a risk of exhaust emissions. Their main function is to immediately detect increased CO concentrations and automatically control ventilation and signalling to protect people and property. In practise, however, irregularities often occur that can significantly limit the functionality of the system.
The most common errors that should be taken into account during planning and implementation are listed below.
Inadequate positioning of the detector
- CO is a gas that has approximately the same density as air. The detectors should therefore be installed in the breathing zone of people (approx. 1.5 – 1.8 m above the floor).
- Installation directly next to ventilation openings, doors or windows leads to a dilution of the air in the immediate vicinity of the detector and thus to delayed detection.
- Incorrect positioning can lead to “dead zones” in which the system does not register the actual CO concentration.
Insufficient sensor density
- A common mistake is to oversize the room with one or too few detectors. Standards and technical regulations clearly define the maximum area and volume that a detector can cover.
- In garages with several floors or zones, the sensors are often distributed incorrectly, resulting in areas without sufficient protection.
Incorrect selection of sensor technology
- Electrochemical sensors have high precision and stability, but need to be calibrated regularly and have a limited service life.
- Semiconductor sensors are more resistant to humidity and temperature fluctuations, but can be prone to false alarms in the presence of other gases.
- Incorrect selection of sensors in relation to the ambient conditions will result in unreliable system operation.
Improper integration into the ventilation system
- The CO detection system must be connected to the ventilation system in such a way that the contaminated air is automatically extracted.
- In practise, incorrect control logic is sometimes installed – the ventilation is only activated when the concentration thresholds are too high, which can lead to the permissible limit values being exceeded.
- Insufficient testing of the control part of the system results in the ventilation not reacting as intended.
Neglect of maintenance and regular testing
- Sensors have a limited service life (on average 3–5 years for electrochemical types). If they are not replaced and calibrated regularly, the system loses functionality.
- Regulations and standards prescribe regular functional tests, including checking the activation of ventilation and signalling. In practise, this step is often neglected.
Lack of technical documentation and final acceptance
- Every system must be supplied with design documentation, maintenance instructions and records of final and functional tests.
- Failure to carry out final tests leads to uncertainty about the performance of the system and makes future maintenance or retrofitting work more difficult.
Conclusion
Properly designed, installed and maintained CO detection systems are essential for the safety of occupants of enclosed garages and similar spaces. Errors in the planning or implementation phase can lead to limited functionality or complete loss of the system’s protective function.
Strict compliance with the applicable standards, technical guidelines and manufacturer recommendations as well as regular maintenance ensure a high degree of reliability and long-term safety of the system