Do unused carbon monoxide detectors expire?

AliceW

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.

eci22

Is it worth the risk ? I know I wouldn’t want to take a chance on that type of equipment 

victor2

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. 

Risteard

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?

markin

The detector is radioactive and decays, its done its job for the 7 year life span and now its time to recycle it.

twopenny

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 gift 

grumbler

markin said:

The detector is radioactive...

Not true.  

CSI_Yorkshire

twopenny said:

it would negate any type of insurance if it doesn't do the job.

Also not true.