1.
What to do when the Alarm sounds:
?
(1) Open the doors and windows to ventilate.
READ THIS FIRST
(Cont.)
(2) Turn off the appliance where possible and stop using
the appliance. (The alarm can be silenced immediately by
pushing the test/hushbutton if level is below 150ppm CO).
(3) Evacuate the property leaving the doors and windows
open.
(4) Ring your gas or other fuel supplier on their emergency
number; keep the number in a prominent place.
(5) Do not re-enter the property until the alarm has
stopped. (If the alarm has been silenced by pressing the
test/hush button, wait at least 5 minutes so the alarm can
check that the CO has cleared).
(6) Get medical help immediately for anyone suffering the
effects of carbon monoxide poisoning (headache, nau
sea), and advise that carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected.
(7) Do not use the appliance again until it has been
checked by an expert. In the case of gas appliances this
must be a CORGI registered installer.
When the CO Alarm detects abnormal levels of CO
?
(above 150ppm CO for 30 minutes) the horn sounds and
the red light starts to flash. At higher levels of CO the
alarm will turn on sooner (see table B).
The CO Alarm will automatically reset within a few min
?
utes once theCO has cleared.Pressing the test/hush but
ton resets the CO Alarm immediately if it has sensed
about 150ppm CO. (The unit cannot be silenced if the
level is about 350ppm CO due to theincreased danger). If
CO is still present the red alarm light and horn will turn on
again after 5 minutes.
Warning: The COAlarm is no substitute for keeping chim
?
neys and flues clear and in good condition, and all of your
appliances serviced regularly according to the manufac
turer's instructions.
2
Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer
2.
2.1 What is Carbon Monoxide ?
Congratulations on becoming the owner of an Ei Carbon Mon
oxide Alarm. This will help protect you and your household from
the dangerous effects of carbon monoxide - the silent killer (CO
is the chemical symbol).
Many are killed each year, and many more suffer ill health from
carbon monoxide (CO)poisoning. CO isan invisible, odourless,
tasteless and extremely toxic gas. It is produced by appliances
or vehicles burning fuels, such as coal, oil, natural/bottled gas,
paraffin, wood, petrol, diesel, charcoal etc. CO is absorbed by
red blood cells in the lungs in preference to oxygen - this results
in rapid damageto the heart and brain from oxygenstarvation.
High levels of CO in a house can be caused by:
l
Incorrectly or poorly installed fuel-burning appliances.
l
Blocked or cracked chimneys/flues.
-
l
Blocked vents or draught-proofing which makes areas with
fuel burning appliances or fireplaces airtight.
l
Engines of cars, lawnmowers etc. left running in confined
spaces.
l
Portable paraffin or gas heaters in badly ventilated rooms.
2.2 Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Most people know that high levels of CO are harmful, however
the period of exposure is also important.
The following symptoms are related to carbon monoxide poisoning and should be discussed with all members of the house
hold.
-
Mild Exposure:
Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (of
ten described as “flu-like” symptoms).
Medium Exposure:
Severe throbbing headache, drowsiness,
confusion, fast heart rate.
Extreme Exposure:
diorespiratory failure, death.
-
A high level of CO for a short period (e.g. 350 ppm CO for 30
Unconsciousness, convulsions, car
minutes) will causethe same symptoms,a slight headache, as a
lower level for a longer time(e.g. 150 ppmfor 90 minutes).Table
A shows how exposure to different concentrations of CO gener
ally affects people.
Many cases of reported carbon monoxide poisoning indicate
that while victims are aware they are not well, they become so
disorientated they are unable tosave themselves by either leav
ing the building or calling for assistance. Young children and
household pets may be the first affected.
3
Table A: Effects of Cumulative CO Exposure
-
Concentration of
CO in Air
s
ppm
35 The maximum allowable concentration for continu
150 Slight headache after 1½ hours.
200 Slight headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea after 2-3
400 Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life threatening
800 Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45 min
1,600 Headache, dizziness and nausea within 20
3,200 Headache, dizziness and nausea within 5-10
6,400 Headache, dizziness and nausea within 1-2
12,800 Death within 1-3 minutes.
s
ppm = parts per million
ous exposure in any 8-hour period according to
OSHA *.
hours.
after 3 hours, also maximum parts per million in flue
gas (on an air free basis) according to US Environ
mental Protection Agency.
utes. Unconsciousness within 2 hours. Death within
2-3 hours.
minutes. Death within 1 hour.
minutes. Death within 25-30 minutes.
minutes. Death within 10-15 minutes.
Inhalation Time (approx)
and Symptoms Developed
* OSHA Occupational Safety &
Health Assocation
2.3 What happens when your CO Alarm detects Carbon
-
Monoxide ?
When the Alarm detects dangerous levels of CO, it sounds a
loud alarm and flashes the red alarm light.
Table B shows how the built in microcontroller reacts to different
levels of CO gas and exposure time. At higher levels of CO the
alarm turns on sooner. The rate of flashing of the red light in
dicates the level of CO.
-
Table B: CO Alarm Response
CO Level
s
ppm
(max)
-
0
150
350
-
s
ppm = parts per million
Horn & red
light on within
——
30 min
6 min
Red
Alarm Light
off
Flashes every 2 sec
Flashes every ½ sec
*
Slight Headache
4
Time to first
Symptom
-
-
-
-
*
——
90 min
30 min
If your CO Alarm sounds, follow the instructions given at
the top of page 2.
When ventilation is provided by leaving the windows and doors
open, the CO build up may have dissipated by the time help ar
rives and the alarm will have stopped sounding. Although your
problem may appear temporarily solved, it is crucial that the
source of theCO is determined and appropriate repairs made.
NEVER IGNORE THE ALARM
NOTE:
into it or aerosols are released nearby.
2.4 CO Alarm Memory (
When the test button is pressed the horn sounds and the indica
tor lights flash as follows:-
- Flashing Green Light if no CO is detected since reset or
power-up.
- Slow Flashing Red Light (every 2 seconds) if about 150ppm
CO has been detected since power-up.
- Fast Flashing Red Light (every ½ second) if about 350ppm
CO has been detected since power-up.
This tells you if the unit has detected CO in your absence and
helps to detect and locate leaks, monitor premises etc.
Reset Memory by holding down the test button for over 20 seconds until the green light flashes (instead of the red). Cover the
horn with a cloth to muffle the loud alarm. Please note: The
memory will be reset when the battery is removed.
The CO Alarm may sound if cigarette smoke is blown
EI 205 only)
Where to place CO Alarms3.
3.1 Suitable Locations
Ei Electronics recommends that the advice of the Health &
Safety Exectutive (HSE) UK is followed as this is based on re
search done at the BRE subsequent to the issueing of the BS
7860 : 1996 standard.
CO alarms shouldbe located inthe following areas- these arein
order of priorty:
- In rooms with flueless or open flued appliances
- In rooms where the occupant spends most time
- In bedrooms
Figure 1
-
Kitchen*
Bedroom
* If they contain or are near a fuel-burning appliance
-
3.2 Unsuitable Locations
Do not place the CO Alarm in any of the following areas.
(1) Within 1.85 metres (6 feet) of the appliance.
(2) Outside the building.
(3) In or below a cupboard.
(4) In a damp or humid area.
(5) Directly above a sink or cooker.
(6) Next to a door or window or anywhere that it would be affected by draughts.
(7) Where it would be obstructed, e.g. by curtains or furniture.
(8) In an area where the temperature could drop below -5 ° Cor
rise above 40 ° C.
(9) Where dirtor dust could block the sensor andstop it working.
(10) Where it could be easily knocked or damaged, or where it
could be accidentally turned off or removed.
(11) In a bathroom or where the CO alarm may be exposed to
water splashes orcondensation (e.g. above an electric kettle).
(12) Near paint, thinners, solvent fumes or air fresheners.
Sitting
Room
3.3 Installation
*
*
The HSE, UK gives recommendations as follows:
If locating the CO Alarm in a room with an appliance
- the alarm should be located between 1.85m and 3m horizon
tally from the appliance.
- the alarm should be located preferably on the ceiling. Ceiling
mounted detectors should be at least 300mm from any wall.
- if placed on a wall the CO Alarm should be as high as possible
(higher than doors and windows) but not within 150mm of the
ceiling.
If locating the CO Alarm in a room remote from the appliance
- the alarm should be located at a level similar to the breathing
zone of the occupant (typically in the living rooms at 1.5 to 2.0m
above floor level and in bedrooms at the height of the bed).
Once you have selected a suitable location, open the battery
compartment by sliding up the cover as shown in figure 2.
Install the batteries ensuring they are orientated correctly as
shown in the battery box. The green, red & amber lights will immediately flash in sequence to show they are working - this is
normal.
Mark the position of the two mounting holes by using the unit as
a template. Drill two holes using a 6mm drill for the plastic plugs
supplied, (ensure you don’t drill into the house wiring). Screw
the unit to the wall.
Check that the CO Alarm can be heard in all thebedrooms. If not
another CO Alarm should be located nearer the bedrooms.
-
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