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First Alert CO600 Plug-In AC-Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm
$24.95
Final price set by Amazon · may vary
Short answer: The CO600 is First Alert's plug-in AC-powered CO alarm — permanent, no battery maintenance, designed for locations with a reliable outlet. The tradeoff versus the CO606 is that the CO600 has no battery b...
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Short answer: The CO600 is First Alert's plug-in AC-powered CO alarm — permanent, no battery maintenance, designed for locations with a reliable outlet. The tradeoff versus the CO606 is that the CO600 has no battery backup, meaning a power outage during a CO event would cut power to the alarm. For most permanent home installations where power outages are infrequent, the CO600 is solid. For peace of mind during outages, step up to the CO606.
Key specs at a glance
- Power: 120V AC plug-in — no batteries required
- Battery Backup: None
- Sensor: Electrochemical CO sensor
- Alarm Output: 85dB at 10 feet
- End-of-Life Signal: Yes — audible warning when replacement is needed
- Listing: UL 2034
- Warranty: 7-year limited
- Dimensions: 5" × 3.4" × 1.7"
CO600 vs CO606 — Do You Need Battery Backup?
| Scenario | CO600 | CO606 |
|---|---|---|
| Normal operation (AC power on) | ✓ Full function | ✓ Full function |
| Power outage | ✗ No protection | ✓ Battery takes over |
| Battery maintenance | None required | Annual 9V replacement |
| CO risk during outages | Higher (generators, candles) | Covered |
| Price point | Lower | Higher |
CO Poisoning Risk and Why Placement Matters
Carbon monoxide is produced by any fuel-burning appliance — gas furnaces, water heaters, generators, fireplaces, and vehicle exhaust. CO is colorless and odorless and at moderate concentrations causes symptoms that mimic the flu: headache, dizziness, nausea. At high concentrations it causes loss of consciousness and death. The CO600 is rated to alarm before CO reaches dangerous concentration levels in normal residential exposure scenarios.
- Install on each level of the home and outside each sleeping area
- Place 5 feet above floor level — CO is slightly lighter than air and disperses throughout the room
- Avoid kitchens, high-humidity areas, and locations near furnace vents
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the CO600 work during a power outage?
No — the CO600 requires 120V AC and has no battery backup. During a power outage, the unit will not function. This is a critical consideration because power outages often coincide with increased CO risk from generators and alternative heating sources. If outage protection is important, choose the CO606 instead.
Does the CO600 detect smoke or natural gas?
No — the CO600 detects carbon monoxide only. It will not alarm for smoke, propane, natural gas, or other hazards. Install separate smoke alarms and consider a natural gas/propane detector if applicable.
How long does the CO600 last?
First Alert rates the CO600 for a 7-year service life. The electrochemical sensor degrades over time and the unit emits an end-of-life signal (distinct from the alarm pattern) when replacement is needed. Do not attempt to extend use beyond the rated service life.
Is the CO600 sufficient to meet code requirements?
The CO600 is UL 2034 listed, which is the standard referenced by NFPA 720 and most state CO alarm codes. However, check local requirements — some jurisdictions require battery backup or interconnected alarms in new construction.
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What to check before you buy
- UL 2034 listing
- Residential CO alarms in the US are listed to UL 2034. Industrial CO monitoring is a different class of instrument with different alarm thresholds.
- Alarms expire
- CO sensors have a finite life - commonly 7 to 10 years from manufacture. Many units now sound an end-of-life chirp and cannot be reset.
- Placement
- CO mixes with air rather than layering at the ceiling like smoke, so alarms go on every level and outside sleeping areas. Keep them away from fuel-burning appliances and vents to reduce nuisance alarms.
- Digital display
- A display showing parts per million lets you distinguish a low-level chronic leak from a spike, which matters when talking to responders.
How it compares to other carbon monoxide alarms we review
| Product | List price |
|---|---|
| First Alert CO600 Plug-In AC-Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm (this page) | $24.95 |
| Kidde COB Battery-Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm | $26.97 |
| Kidde COP Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Battery Backup | $34.97 |
| Kidde COBD Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Portable AA with Digital Display | $31.97 |
| Kidde COPD plug-in carbon monoxide alarm | $43.97 |
| Kidde COB10 Carbon Monoxide Alarm, 10-Year Battery, LED Alarm-Only | $45.97 |
| Kidde COBD10 Carbon Monoxide Alarm, 10-Year Battery with Digital Display | $52.97 |
List prices recorded when this page was last updated; Amazon pricing moves frequently, so check the live listing. Browse the full carbon monoxide alarms range.
Frequently asked questions
Where should CO alarms be installed?
On every level of the home and outside each sleeping area. Because CO mixes fairly evenly with air, height placement is less critical than it is for smoke alarms - follow the manufacturer instructions.
How long does a CO alarm last?
The electrochemical sensor has a limited life, commonly 7 to 10 years from the date of manufacture. Most modern units chirp at end of life and must be replaced, not reset.
What CO level is dangerous?
UL 2034 alarms are designed to respond to rising concentration over time, sounding faster at higher levels. Any alarm should be treated as real: get everyone outside and call emergency services.
Is a CO alarm the same as a smoke alarm?
No. They detect entirely different hazards. Combination units exist, but a smoke alarm alone offers no protection against carbon monoxide.
Why does my CO alarm chirp?
A single periodic chirp is usually low battery or end of sensor life; a repeating alarm pattern is a CO event. Check the manual for the specific pattern before assuming it is a battery.
Where do the specifications on this page come from?
They are taken from the manufacturer's published listing. WC Safety does not laboratory-test products, and nothing is claimed here that the manufacturer does not state.
Does WC Safety sell this product?
No. WC Safety is an independent review site and an Amazon Associate. Purchases happen on Amazon, and we earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Brand / Vendor
First Alert
Model / SKU
CO600
Product Type
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Price
$24.95 (Amazon)
Rating
4.86 / 5 — 7 reviews
Availability
Check current availability on Amazon
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Verified Buyer Reviews
Customer Reviews
★★★★★4.7 / 5· 6,414 ratings on Amazon
★★★★★
Accurate and dependable
I ordered this as a replacement for the exact same product. It produced the ‘end of life’ warning seven years after installation almost to the day. I never had an issue with false readings, and when I had my furnace serviced, I had the tech check for built up fumes to see if the sensor had missed a build up, and it was not misreading. The plug in feature is great…no need to replace batteries!
Verified Purchaser · January 7, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Get one and be safe!
Must recommended for your residence! Will last about five years! Easy to install.
Verified Purchaser · June 10, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Good Alarm
Since most of the major appliances, stove, heater, water heater etc in my home are powered by natural gas I decided CO alarms would be a good Idea. This alarm has a small form factor so it does not take up all the space of the electric socket, you will still be able to use the top plug. Its a plug and play application. Plug it in run the test and you are good to go. Although small the alarm has a loud warning alarm in case CO is detected. I haven't experienced any false alarms or weird behavior from the alarm and so far is has worked well.The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends buying and installing a CO alarm that meets the requirements of the current UL 2034 safety standard. I saw a review here stating that this alarm was not UL 2034 certified, which is not true. The CO600 is UL2034 certified.Underwriters Laboratories Inc. UL2034 defines three specific alarm points by whichall residential CO alarms must alarm. They are measured in parts per million (ppm) of CO over time (in minutes).UL2034 Required Alarm Points:* If the alarm is exposed to 400 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM BETWEEN 4 and 15MINUTES.* If the alarm is exposed to 150 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM BETWEEN 10 and 50MINUTES.* If the alarm is exposed to 70 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM BETWEEN 60 and 240MINUTES.The detector must ignore CO levels of 30 ppm or less for at least 30 days and ingore levels of 70 ppm or less for at least an hour. There are detectors available that will alarm at a lower level. All detectors must have a silence button. Pushing it will silence the alarm for four to six minutes. If the concentrations stay above 70 PPM it will alarm again in six minutes. (Previously set at 100 PPM) The detectors have only two alarms, a full alarm and a trouble alarm. The second revision of UL-2034 detectors allowed (not mandated) warning alarms that sounded at low levels. Some found this confusing.Detectors manufactured under the new standard should reduce the number of nuisance alarms. These detectors must not alarm in the presence of the gases listed in the following table below the indicated level.Methane 500 PPMButane 300 PPMHeptane 500 PPMEthyl Acetate 200 PPMIsopropyl Alcohol 200 PPMCarbon Dioxide (CO2) 5,000 PPMMore info on UL-2034 can be found on Underwriters Laboratories website ul.comIf the device starts to malfunction/ give false alarms I will update my review.
Verified Purchaser · June 21, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
Does not have a backup battery
We had a unit very similar to this that finally reached the end of its life and started the death beeping. I thought I was replacing it exactly when I purchased this one online but to my dismay I discovered that it does not have a battery backup. It is electric only and while it works very well at least the test button gave the desired signal, I'm kind of sorry it didn't have the battery in it in case the power would be out. But then I thought about that a little bit and if the power is out well the furnace is not going to be running so how could we get carbon monoxide in the house? Anyway I kept it plugged in in the hallway and hopefully it will do a fine job for us for the next 6 years. Seems like a good unit for the money just be aware there's no battery backup.
Verified Purchaser · November 9 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
good purchase
Easy to plug in and good to have the peace of mind knowing it’s there. Our previous alarm got to end of life and started beeping - I would appreciate a little more clarity which beeps are end of life and which beeps are the alarm!
Verified Purchaser · February 5 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
GOOD PRODUCT.
EXPENSIVE, BUT WORTH IT....HAD 3 YEARS ALREADY & NO ISSUES.
Verified Purchaser · February 3 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Peace of mind
There's little more to this than testing and just plugging it in, and it brings peace of mind to know it's there in case of any carbon monoxide issue, especially during the winter months.
Verified Purchaser · May 30, 20 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
Showing 7 of 6,414 Amazon reviews.
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