TJ Electricals offers advice on an invisible danger that increases in winter

As the weather starts to cool down and people’s thoughts turn to heating and hot food, some lifesaving advice from TJ Electricals on Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Although Spain is considered by many to be a warm country, in reality during the winter months the temperature can plummet, particularly at night, and it is at this time of year that heating and hot food take over from cool air conditioning, salads and outdoor barbecues!

However, there is a danger that can lurk unseen and undetected in our homes as we start to turn on the heating and increased the use of indoor gas cooking appliances. That danger is carbon monoxide, which can prove very dangerous or even lethal after prolonged exposure. This is why TJ Electricals advise the use of Carbon Monoxide Detectors where there is a possibility of exposure to the danger.

Many people use gas to power heating or their hot water supply, or a gas oven or hob or when lighting the log burner or pellet burner. While all these are good options and perfectly safe in most situations, there is the possibility that a malfunction or lack of service can allow carbon monoxide to be produced.

Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless and is produced when fuels burn incompletely – this could be from a boiler, gas fire, oven, hob, log burner, pellet burner or a blocked flue or chimney. It can also travel through walls from attached properties, so as well as having an alarm next to appliances in your property it would also be advisable to have one in living spaces and bedrooms.

To help prevent a carbon monoxide leak it is advisable to get your log or pellet burner serviced regularly and also heating and cooking appliances regularly serviced by reputable engineers who are gas safety registered in Spain (UK registration is not valid).

An easy but important task is to check on the expiry date of the (orange) gas hoses, look for the ‘Fecha de Caducidad’ (Expiry date) on the hose itself (see image below). If it is out of date it is advisable to replace it as soon as possible.

Although many people have smoke detectors fitted in their homes, which are beneficial, carbon monoxide can still go undetected.

TJ Electricals currently stock Fire Angel Carbon Monoxide Detectors which are developed with support from the UK Fire and Rescue Service. TJ’s also stock smoke detectors and are happy to discuss and give advice on detector choice and placement.

For more information on TJ Electricals checkout the TJ Electricals/Euronics Facebook Page and Website.

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