Sections on this page
- Quell Carbon Monoxide Alarms
- What is carbon monoxide?
- Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
- How carbon monoxide alarms work
- Where Should You Install a Carbon Monoxide Alarm?
- What to do if your carbon monoxide alarm sounds
- Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
- Frequently asked questions
- Where can I buy Quell CO alarms
Quell Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Carbon monoxide is often called the silent killer because it is a poisonous, colourless, odourless and tasteless gas. Most people don’t realise they are being exposed until symptoms begin—and early symptoms can easily be mistaken for a cold, flu or fatigue.
If your home has a gas heater, gas fireplace, wood heater, attached garage, or you use a petrol-powered generator, a carbon monoxide alarm provides an essential early warning when dangerous CO levels are detected
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas produced when fuels such as gas, wood, oil, petrol, or charcoal burn incompletely. It can be released by faulty or poorly maintained appliances, or when fuel-burning appliances are used in poorly ventilated or inappropriate spaces.
Common household sources of carbon monoxide include:
- Gas heaters
- Gas fireplaces
- Wood-burning heaters
- Open fireplaces
- Petrol-powered generators
- Vehicles running in attached garages
- Outdoor BBQs & heaters used in enclosed spaces
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for fatigue, stress, dehydration or a cold or flu.
Mild exposure
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Tiredness
Moderate exposure
- Severe headache
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Rapid heartbeat
Severe exposure
- Confusion
- Collapse
- Loss of consciousness
- Can be fatal
How carbon monoxide alarms work
A carbon monoxide alarm continuously monitors the air for the presence of carbon monoxide using an electrochemical sensor. If dangerous CO levels are detected over a period of time, the alarm sounds, providing an early warning so you can evacuate safely and seek assistance.
Where Should You Install a Carbon Monoxide Alarm?
For the best protection, install carbon monoxide alarms:
- Outside every sleeping area – Install a CO alarm in the hallway or area immediately outside bedrooms.
- Near fuel-burning appliances – Place an alarm in rooms with gas heaters, wood heaters, fireplaces, gas hot water systems, or other fuel-burning appliances.
- On every level of your home – Install at least one CO alarm on each storey of your home.
- In rooms with attached garages – Install an alarm close to the internal door connecting an attached garage to your home.
What to do if your carbon monoxide alarm sounds
Always treat a carbon monoxide alarm seriously. If the alarm activates:
- Move everyone outside immediately, including pets.
- Open doors and windows on your way out if it is safe to do so, but don’t delay leaving.
- Do not stop to look for the source of the carbon monoxide.
- Call 000
- Seek medical attention for anyone who was exposed, even if they feel okay. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms can be delayed.
- Do not re-enter until emergency services or a licensed gas fitter confirms it is safe to do so.
Because carbon monoxide is invisible and odourless, you cannot tell when the danger has passed. The safest response is always to leave immediately.
Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
A combination smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm provides two essential forms of protection in one compact device.
- Dual protection – Detects both smoke and dangerous carbon monoxide levels.
- Space-saving – One alarm instead of two, making installation simple.
- Easy maintenance – Only one device to test, clean, and replace.
- Ideal for fuel-burning homes – Perfect for areas with gas heaters, fireplaces, or other fuel-burning appliances.
A combination alarm is a convenient, cost-effective way to enhance your home’s fire and carbon monoxide safety.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question? Visit the Quell FAQ page for answers the most commonly asked questions.
Where can I buy Quell CO alarms
Quell carbon monoxide alarms are stocked at major retailers right across Australia, including
- Bunnings
- Mitre 10
You can pick one up next time you’re already out shopping.
You can also find your nearest retailer by visiting our Stockist page.