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Do unused carbon monoxide detectors expire?

AliceW
Posts: 85 Forumite

I have a Kidde carbon monoxide detector: date of manufacture 2012. Until today it had never been taken out of its box, used or activated. It says on it to replace 7 years after installation and has a space to write the date installed. My son has taken it home with him because his has given an end of life bleep, and needs to be thrown away. He's put the batteries in mine and tested it as per the instruction book, and he says its working fine. But I'm worried because I can't seem to find out anywhere if it's safe to use if it's never been activated. I don't understand how these things work so would love some advice.
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Comments
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Is it worth the risk ? I know I wouldn’t want to take a chance on that type of equipment2
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There isn't an easy way to test CO detectors, apart from the test button, and I have no idea if that does any more than operate the sounder. It will be past its claimed life, but if it has been in sealed packaging, MAYBE that doesn't degrade it.
A new detector isn't that expensive, and while not exactly money saving, might put your mind at rest.I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the In My Home MoneySaving, Energy and Techie Stuff boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.
All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
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The sensor is liable to degrade even if it hasn't been in service. I certainly wouldn't accept it. And your son will be in no position to credibly claim that it's working fine. How can he possibly know that?
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The detector is radioactive and decays, its done its job for the 7 year life span and now its time to recycle it.0
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Too risky.
It may seem as though it's working but how does he know? And is it as efficient as it should be or degraded.
Not only a life at stake but it would negate any type of insurance if it doesn't do the job.
Buy him a new one as a giftI can rise and shine - just not at the same time!
viral kindness .....kindness is contageous pass it on
The only normal people you know are the ones you don’t know very well
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twopenny said:
it would negate any type of insurance if it doesn't do the job.0
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