3 carbon monoxide alarms fail Consumer Reports testing

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Consumer Reports testing found serious flaws with multiple carbon monoxide alarms sold on Amazon and eBay.

In its most recent tests, Consumer Reports found three similar-looking off-brand alarm models with the brand names Foho, GoChange and NetBoat that failed critical performance tests. Consumer Reports labeled them a "don't buy" due to safety risk.

Carbon monoxide alarms are designed to sound before the level of carbon monoxide in a person's bloodstream reaches a dangerous level.

"We test each carbon monoxide alarm at two CO levels. First we test at 100 parts per million, where the alarm should sound after about 40 minutes. Then we test at 400 parts per million, when the alarm should sound between 4 and 15 minutes," explained Bernie Deitrick, an engineer with Consumer Reports.

All three alarms failed some aspect of consumer reports testing: either for going off too quickly or not at all.

Consumer Reports also noted that the three alarms do not have a "UL" certification, which is a mark given to all carbon monoxide alarms that meet a voluntary industry safety standard.

If you already own one of the Foho, GoChange or NetBoat carbon monoxide alarms, Consumer Reports advises you to stop using them.

Consumer Reports suggested replacing them with a CO alarm that meets UL certifications, like the Consumer Reports top-rated First Alert CO 615, a standalone alarm, or the First Alert Onelink SCO 501 CN, which is an interconnected alarm that syncs with multiple alarms in your home.

After being contacted by Consumer Reports, Amazon said the two products that failed the tests were no longer available for sale.

They also removed similar-looking models that Consumer Reports said did not list a UL certification.

Amazon also said it would work with people who may have purchased the alarms, under the terms of its return policy.

eBay responded that based on the report, they also removed the specific carbon monoxide alarm listing from the seller and requested the seller contact any buyers who may have purchased the alarms.

Consumer Reports was unaware of any injuries related to the products.

Consumer Reports is a not-for-profit organization that does not accept advertising and does not have any commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site.