January 5, 2026 – A Performax carbon monoxide detector, model 358-8402, has been reported as non-functional after a consumer discovered it failed to respond to any CO sources during testing, raising significant safety concerns for a device designed to protect lives. The incident highlights the critical importance of verifying the functionality of life-safety devices beyond simple button tests.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On December 11, 2025, a consumer reported a Performax 358-8402 carbon monoxide (CO) detector as non-functional after it consistently failed to respond to various CO sources during testing. The unit, purchased from Menards, displayed “0 ppm” at all times, showing no reaction despite deliberate exposure to CO-producing agents.
The consumer followed testing instructions and performed multiple functional tests:
1. Butane Test: Raw butane gas from an unlit lighter was released directly into the sensor vents for 60 seconds. While working CO detectors often show cross-sensitivity to butane, this Performax unit displayed no ppm reading, no alarm, and no reaction whatsoever.
2. Vehicle Exhaust Test: The detector was held directly at the tailpipe of a running vehicle for over one minute. A functioning detector would typically show a significant change in readings and alarm when exposed to vehicle exhaust at close range. However, the Performax unit continued to display “0 ppm” with no alarm or reaction.
The consumer confirmed that the display itself was functional, and the test button produced an audible beep, indicating basic power and alert functionality. However, the core CO sensor appeared to be entirely non-functional. The consumer noted that they had previously relied on the detector while experiencing symptoms like lightheadedness and flushed skin, assuming conditions were safe due to the detector’s constant “0 ppm” reading. The failure of the unit during testing raised serious concerns about their past reliance on the inaccurate readings and the potential risk to other consumers.
Safety Concerns
The failure of a carbon monoxide detector to detect the presence of CO gas represents an extremely high and immediate safety risk. Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas, making a functional detector the only reliable way to detect its presence.
- Immediate Dangers: A non-functioning CO detector leaves occupants completely vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can quickly lead to severe health issues, unconsciousness, and death. If CO builds up undetected, individuals may become incapacitated before realizing the danger.
- Long-Term Risks: Prolonged exposure to even low levels of CO can cause chronic health problems, including neurological damage, heart issues, and other debilitating conditions, especially in children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. The user’s report of feeling lightheaded and flushed while relying on the faulty detector underscores the potential for delayed or cumulative harm.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone relying on this specific model of CO detector for safety in their homes, garages, vehicles, or any enclosed space where combustion appliances are present. This includes families, individuals, and pets.
- Property Damage Potential: While CO poisoning does not directly cause property damage, an undetected CO leak could incapacitate occupants, preventing them from responding to other hazards like fires or gas leaks that could lead to property destruction.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Performax 358-8402 carbon monoxide detector, or any CO detector, immediate action is crucial to ensure your safety:
- Immediately Verify Functionality: Do not solely rely on the “test” button, which primarily checks the alarm and battery. Perform a functional test as recommended by the manufacturer, ideally using a CO test gas or by carefully exposing it to a known CO source in a controlled environment (e.g., a professional service).
- Replace Suspect Units: If your detector fails to respond to a CO source or is past its recommended replacement date (typically 5-7 years, check the unit’s manufacture date), replace it immediately.
- Ensure Alternative Detection: Until you can verify your detector’s function, ensure proper ventilation in areas with combustion appliances (furnaces, water heaters, gas stoves, fireplaces, vehicles).
- Know the Symptoms: Be aware of CO poisoning symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, weakness, confusion, and blurred vision. If you experience these symptoms, especially if others in the household do too, immediately get to fresh air and seek medical attention.
- Report Incidents: If you encounter a similar issue with your Performax CO detector or any other safety device, report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.saferproducts.gov.
- Contact the Manufacturer: Reach out to MENARD INC to report the defect and inquire about a replacement or refund.
Manufacturer’s Response
As of the date of this report, the manufacturer, MENARD INC, has not provided a response to this specific incident report.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.