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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/solar-co-detector-battery

When running a generator during an outage, what kind of CO detector does CDC recommend?

A battery-powered or battery backup CO detector.

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  1. None, you can smell CO
  2. A plug-in only model
  3. A battery-powered or battery backup detector ✔

Why: During an outage a plug-in alarm may have no power. CO has no smell, so a detector with a battery is your warning.

Huh, didn't know that: CDC says poisonings tied to generators can be reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

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How do you pick out a dead battery from a pile of good ones? It's got no spark!
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References

Answer: A battery-powered or battery backup detector. During an outage a plug-in alarm may have no power. CO has no smell, so a detector with a battery is your warning.

  1. CDC: About Carbon Monoxide www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html
    When using a generator, use a battery-powered or battery backup CO detector in your home.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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