How can you properly test a Carbon Monoxide alarm?

[MX2]

Just pushing the "Test" button doesnt make sense to me except to test the audible alarm. So how could I test it? Extension cord out to the tailpipe of my car and plug it in there?

 

[Rubycon]

The test button is SUPPOSED to test the circuitry not just the audible part so that should work. CO emissions from motorcars should be quite low - combustion in the presence of insufficient necessary oxygen is what generates unburned HC which CO is the deadly part.

 

[d3n]

I'm curious, does the test actually test the sensor itself? I don't see how that would be possible.

 

[Rubycon]

Originally posted by: d3n
I'm curious, does the test actually test the sensor itself? I don't see how that would be possible.

It tests the circuitry up to the sensor. If the sensor itself is bad the unit should put itself in trouble mode and chirp. This of course depends highly on the individual device.