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What does a carbon monoxide detector’s flashing white light mean?

My new carbon monoxide detector is doing something strange: it has a flashing white light. What would it mean if a carbon monoxide detector has a flashing white light?

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Melanie Mergen · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It’s good you’re paying attention to these things! What your
carbon monoxide detector’s
flashing white light means depends on its brand and model number.
For example, some First Alert detectors use white light to indicate that the device is working.
In other cases, a flashing (or solid) light with no alarm could mean it’s detected a low level of carbon monoxide. If it were to reach a dangerous level, that’s when the alarm would begin to sound. In other cases, it could mean it’s time to replace the batteries, which sounds unlikely since you say this is a new device.
Again, it all depends on the device you’re using. Solid and flashing lights will vary between detectors, making it a bit confusing to decipher what a new device’s indicators mean.
To know for sure what the detector’s flashing white light is trying to tell you, it’s best to check the manual.
Just like a working carbon monoxide detector, a good insurance policy can give you and your household peace of mind. When it comes to the latter,
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