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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the spacing for the detectors that Macurco manufactures?
The spacing for Macurco's detectors are based upon the amount of airflow in the area where the unit is mounted, below is the typical spacing for detectors. This spacing is based upon an open area with good airflow. Narrow hallways and areas where there is not good airflow may require additional detectors.
- Residential:Carbon Monoxide - one detector per 900 square feet.
- Heating Gases - one detector per 900 square feet.
- Commercial: Carbon Monoxide - one detector per 5000 square feet.
- Combustible Gases – one detector per 900 square feet.
2. What is the mounting height for Macurco's detectors.
The mounting height for Macurco’s gas detectors depends upon the type of gas that you are trying to detect.
- Carbon Monoxide:Mount at breathing level (4-5 feet above the ground).
- Combustible Gases: Mounting height depends on the specific gravity (weight) of the gas.
- Heavier than air (propane, LP, refrigerants): one foot above the floor
- Lighter than air (methane, natural gas, hydrogen): one foot below the ceiling.
3. Is there a warm up period for Macurco's gas detectors?
All of Macurco’s detectors have a 1-2½ minute initial warm up cycle . During this period the LED indicator on the unit will either cycle between RED and GREEN or blink. After this warm up cycle the LED on the unit will stay GREEN.In addition to this warm up cycle all of Macurco’s detectors take 24 hours to stabilize in the atmosphere.
4. What gage wiring does Macurco recommend for installing Macurco's products?
Macurco recommends using the wiring sizes that are recommended by the National Electrical Code.
Distance of run Wire Gage
- 575 feet 20 AWG
- 686 feet 18 AWG
- 1300 feet 16 AWG
- 2100 feet 14 AWG
- 3200 feet 12 AWG
1. Does a carbon monoxide detector detect diesel fumes?
No, once a diesel engine warms up there is not enough CO in the exhaust to be detected. However, Macurco can detect other gases that are present in diesel exhaust. Macurco’s two solutions for detecting diesel exhaust are as follows:
- Air Quality Controller (AQC-12, AQC-21):Picks up hydrocarbons present in the exhaust, has adjustable comfort level.Recommended for alerting of the presence of diesel exhaust fumes, at an air supply vent for example.
- Nitrogen Dioxide Detector (ND-1, ND-2):Detects nitrogen dioxide presence in exhaust.May be required by local code.Recommended for parking garage ventilation control.
2. Where should I mount a CO detector in a home?
There are two usual sources of CO in homes – defective heat sources (furnaces and wood burning stoves) and automobiles running in adjoining garages. For best protection mount the CO detector in the hallway near each bedroom. In addition, another CO detector may be mounted just inside the door from an adjoining garage. Consider placing another detector in a bedroom that is adjacent to a furnace room.
Do NOTmount the unit in the garage.Do NOT mount the unit where the normal temperature is below 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) or exceeds 122 degrees F (50 degrees C), or within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of a cooking appliance.
3. Should I place a CO detector in a residential garage?
Macurco does NOT recommend mounting a CO detector in a residential garage.The reason that this is not recommended is that residential garages do not have equipment (fans and dampers) in place to vent CO from the garage.If a CO detector is mounted in a residential garage the detector WILL go into alarm.
4. What is the difference between a residential / office CO detector and CO detectors manufactured for commercial applications?
CO detectors for residential and office use comply with standards set by Underwriters Labs (UL).Alarms from these units usually cause evacuations or emergency unit dispatch.The UL Standard is set to forbid early alarms (in less than 1 hour @ 70 ppm for example).Macurco’s residential/ office units (CM-15, CM-15A) are designed to meet this standard.
CO detectors and controllers for commercial applications are manufactured to comply with standards set by national organizations such as:the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Uniform Building Code and Building Owners and Contractors Association.These units are designed to start ventilation at lower readings (after 5 minutes at 25-35 ppm for example) and to sound an alarm at higher readings (That are still lower and/or faster than UL standards permit).
5. What are the commercial standards for CO exposure in parking facilities and warehouses?
The commercial standards that Macurco calibrates to are as follows:
OSHA:50 parts per million (ppm) of CO over averaged eight hours.
UBC:50 parts per million over 8 hours and not exceeding 200 parts per million in one hour.
BOCA:25parts per million over 8 hours and not exceeding 200 parts per million in one hour.
1. Where should I mount a heating gas detector in the home?
The most common sources gas leaks in a home are gas powered appliances (furnace, water heater, gas dryer, stove, fire places, etc).Mount the detector in the room where a source of a gas leak is possible. The location selected should not be near a corner, as this is a dead air space.It is not recommended to place gas detectors in kitchens or bathrooms because of various chemicals and vapors that are used in these areas, if you are concerned about possible leaks in these areas mount the detector in the next room or adjacent hallway.
1. What is the life of a Macurco gas detector?Macurco’s detectors have an indefinite life span. However, the sensor in the units needs to be replaced periodically; every 7-10 years for solid state sensors, every 3-5 years for electro-chemical sensors.Many of the detectors manufactured by Macurco back in the early 1970s are still in service today.
2. Does Macurco offer technical support on the products that they manufacture?
Macurco has a full technical support staff to answer any installation and application questions that you may have about our products.Technical support hours are 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Mountain Standard Time.
3. What is the length of warranty on the products that Macurco manufactures?
As of 7/1/00 Macurco’s warranty on all products is two (2) years from the manufacture date stamped on the unit. The warranty on repairs is six (6) months on parts and labor.
4. Where can I purchase Macurco’s products?
Macurco’s products are sold through Wholesale Distributors in the Fire & Security, HVAC and Propane industries. Please contact a professional contractor in these industries for pricing and availability of all Macurco products.
5. How can I receive additional information on Macurco’s line of gas detecting equipment?
To request a Macurco full line catalog CLICK HERE.
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