Aico Ei261D, Ei261 User Instruction
The CO Alarm will automatically reset once the CO has
cleared. Pressing the test/hush button resets the CO
Alarm immediately. If CO is still present the red light and
horn will turn on again after about 4 minutes.
The CO Alarm is no substitute for keeping chimneys
and flues clear and in good condition, and all of your
appliances serviced regularly according to the
manufacturer s instructions.
Do not fit alarm until all building work is completed to
avoid contamination.
2. CARBON MONOXIDE - THE SILENT KILLER
2.1 What is Carbon Monoxide ?
Congratulations on becoming the owner of an Ei Carbon
Monoxide 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 is an invisible,
odourless, tasteless and extremely toxic gas. It is produced
MAINS POWERED
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
WITH RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM CELL BACK-UP
INSTRUCTION LEAFLET
Read and retain carefully for as long as the product is being
used. It contains vital information on the operation and installation. The leaflet should be regarded as part of the product.
If you are just installing the unit, the leaflet must be given to
the householder. The leaflet is to be given to any subsequent
user.
1. READ THIS FIRST
WARNINGS
(1) The Alarm should be permanently wired to the mains by a
qualified electrician in accordance with IEE wiring
regulations.
(2) Do not locate the CO Alarm where it could be exposed to
dripping, splashing or condensation (e.g. bathroom,
above an electric kettle etc).
Install the Carbon Monoxide Alarm (CO Alarm) in or
near every room that contains a fuel burning appliance,
particularly rooms where people spend a lot of time e.g.
bedrooms, kitchens and sitting rooms.
Install preferably on the ceiling (300mm from walls) in
rooms with an appliance. Install between 1.85m to 3m
horizontally from appliance. In rooms remote from the
appliance install about 1.5 to 2m above floor level, at
breath level.
Regularly check that the green power light is on, so
standby rechargeable cells will fully charge. Important:
The CO Alarm will not work if the mains supply is off and
the rechargeable cells are depleted.
Test the unit weekly by pressing the test/hush buttonthe horn will sound.
Replace sensor module after 5 years operation (see
page 16).
What to do when the alarm sounds:
(1) Open the doors and windows to ventilate.
(2) Turn off the appliance where possible and stop
using the appliance. (The alarm can be silenced
immediately by pushing the test/hush button).
(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, nausea), 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). When it
detects levels of CO above 50ppm the red light flashes
every 5 seconds but the horn does not sound.
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 damage to the
heart and brain from oxygen starvation.
High levels of CO in a house can be caused by:
¥Incorrectly or poorly installed fuel-burning appliances.
¥Blocked or cracked chimneys/flues.
¥Blocked vents or draught-proofing which makes areas
¥with fuel burning appliances or fireplaces airtight.
¥Engines of cars, lawnmowers etc. left running in confined
¥spaces.
¥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
household.
Mild Exposure
: Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue
(often described as flu-like symptoms).
Medium Exposure
: Severe throbbing headache, drowsiness,
confusion, fast heart rate.
Extreme Exposure
: Unconsciousness, convulsions, car-
diorespiratory failure, death.
A high level of CO for a short period (e.g. 350 ppm CO for 30
minutes) will cause the same symptoms, a slight headache,
as a lower level for a longer time (e.g. 150 ppm for 90 minutes). Table Ashows how exposure to different concentrations
of CO generally 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 to save themselves by either
leaving the building or calling for assistance. Young children
and household pets may be the first affected.
Table A: Effects of Cumulative CO Exposure
35 The maximum allowable concentration for continuous exposure
in any 8 hour period according to OSHA *.
150 Slight headache after 1.5 hours.
200 Slight headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea after 2-3 hours.
400 Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life threatening after 3 hours,
also maximum parts per million in flue gas (on an air free basis)
according to US Environmental Protection Agency.
800 Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45 minutes.
Unconsciousness within 2 hours. Death within 2-3 hours.
1,600 Headache, dizziness and nausea within 20 minutes.
Death within 1 hour.
3,200 Headache, dizziness and nausea within 5-10 minutes.
Death within 25-30 minutes.
6,400 Headache, dizziness and nausea within 1-2 minutes.
Death within 10-15 minutes.
12,800 Death within 1-3 minutes.
ppm = parts per million
*OSHA Occupational Safety & Health Association
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. The digital display
indicates the CO level in parts per million, ppm CO, (Model
Ei261D only).
Table B: CO Alarm Response
*
Slight Headache
Table B shows how the built in microprocessor 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 indicates the level of CO.
If your CO Alarm sounds follow the instructions on
page 2.
When ventilation is provided by leaving the window and doors
open, the CO build up may have dissipated by the time help
arrives and the alarm may have stopped sounding. Although
your problem may appear temporarily solved it is crucial that
the source of the CO is determined and appropriate repairs
made.
NEVER IGNORE THE ALARM.
Pre-Alarm: When the alarm detects over 50ppm CO the red
light flashes every 5 seconds. This helps locate CO leaks as
the unit gives an indication straight away. (Without this feature
the CO level would need to be at 150ppm CO for 30 minutes
for an indication to be given). Note the Pre-Alarm signal may
be triggered by CO coming for example, from cooking with
gas, from car engines or from nearby barbecues. This is usually not a concern unless the Pre-Alarm signal persists for
over an hour and the CO source is unknown.
NOTE: The CO Alarm may sound if cigarette smoke is blown
into it, or aerosols are released nearby.
CO ALARM MEMORY.
When the test button is pressed the horn sounds and the indicator lights flash as follows:-
- Red Light is Off if no CO is detected since reset or powerup.
- Slow Flashing Red Light (every 2 seconds) if 150ppm
CO has been detected since power-up.
- Fast Flashing Red Light (every 0.5 second) if 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 red light stops flashing. cover the horn
with a cloth to muffle the alarm.
Ei261-D Only
When the test button is held the display shows the previous
peak reading. This tells you if the unit has detected CO in your
absence and helps to detect and locate leaks, monitor
premises etc.
When the test button is held for 20 seconds the peak reading
resets to zero. (Cover the horn with a cloth to muffle the loud
alarm).
Please note the memory will also be reset when the unit is
removed from the mounting plate.
3. WHERE TO PLACE CO ALARMS
3.1 Suitable Locations
Ei Electronics recommends that the advice of the Health &
Safety Executive (HSE) UK is followed as this is based on
research done at the BRE subsequent to the issuing of the
BS 7860 : 1996 standard.
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) UK give the following
recommendations for rooms where CO alarms should be
located — these are in order of priority:
- In rooms with flueless or open flued appliances.
- In rooms where the occupant spends most time
- In bedrooms
British Standard BS 7860:1996 give the following advice:
Ideally you should have a detector in or near every room that contains a fuelburning appliance.
However, if you have more than one appliance, but only one detector, you should
take the following into consideration when deciding where best to put the detector.
(1) If there is an appliance in the room where you sleep, you should put the
detector in that room.
(2) If there is an appliance in a room that you use a lot, e.g. a sitting room, you
should put it in that room.
(3) If you live in a bedsit, put the detector as far away from the cooking appli-
ances as possible, but near to the place where you sleep.
(4) If the appliance is in a room not normally used (e.g. a boiler room), put the
detector just outside the room so that you will be able to hear the alarm
more easily.
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¡C or rise above 40¡C.
(9) Where dirt or dust could block the sensor and stop 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 or condensation (e.g. above an electric kettle).
(12) Near paint, thinners, solvent fumes or air fresheners.
1
2
3
5
6
7
8
4
Model Ei 261
Model Ei 261D
WITH DIGITAL DISPLAY
DIGITAL DISPLAY
Ei261D ONLY
' Ei ELECTRONICS 2001 P/N. B14332 R1
?
?
?
Figure 1
ppm
Concentration
of CO in Air
Inhalation Time (approx)
and Symptoms Developed
CO Level
ppm
Horn On
within
Red
Alarm Light
Time to first
Symptom*
0 ppm
50ppm
150 ppm
350 ppm
Off
Off
30 min
6 min
-
-
90 min
30 min
Off
Flashes every 5 sec
Flashes every 2 sec
Flashes every 0.5 sec
* If they contain or are near a fuel-burning appliance
Figure 2
Kitchen *
Bedroom *
Sitting Room *
?
LOCATION FOR
TAMPERPROOF SCREW
GAS ENTRY HOLES
SIDE VIEW
MOUNTING PLATE
TAMPERPROOF CATCH
WARNING: DISCONNECT MAINS BEFORE REMOVING ALARM FROM
CEILING OR WALL
PUSH SMALL
SCREWDRIVER
STRAIGHT IN
TO RELEASE.
PUSH COVER
BACK
3.3 Installation.
The HSE, UK gives more detailed recommendations
as follows:
If locating the CO Alarm in a room with an
appliance:
- the alarm should be located between 1.85m and 3m
horizontally 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).
The BS 7860 : 1996 standard recommends that the CO Alarm should be at
least 1.5 metres (5ft) above floor level, and also the detector should be at
least 1.85 metres (6ft) from the appliance.
INSTALLING CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
The Alarm is designed to be permanently mounted, using it s
own built-in terminal block to connect it to the mains. The
mounting plate can be screwed directly to the ceiling.
Alternatively it can be screwed to a standard junction box
(BS 4662 single gang accessory box). It requires a current of
60mA. The Alarm must not be exposed to dripping or
splashing. There are important markings on the underside of
the alarm.
IMPORTANT PRECAUTION: Do not install the actual
alarm itself in new or renovated buildings until all work is
completed (including floor coverings) and the building
has been fully cleaned. The wiring can be installed when
appropriate. (Excessive dust and debris from building
work can contaminate the sensor and cause problems, it
will also invalidate the guarantee). If it must be installed,
cover it completely, particularly around the edges, with a
dust cover, until all cleaning is finished.
The Alarm must not
be connected when the house wiring
insulation is being checked with high voltages i.e. don t use a
megger on the alarm.
WARNING: Do not use the CO Alarm on an intermittent basis,
or as a portable detector for the spillage of combustion products from fuel burning appliances or chimneys.
WARNING: Mains operated Alarms should be installed and
interconnected by a qualified electrician in accordance with
the Regulations for Electrical Installations published by the
Institution of Electrical Engineers (UK). Failure to install this
Alarm correctly may expose the user to shock or fire hazards.
WARNING: The Alarm must be continuously powered 24
hours a day so it is important that it is not on a circuit that can
be turned off by a switch.
INSTALLATION
(1) Select a location complying with the above advice.
(2) Disconnect the AC mains supply from the circuit that is
going to be used.
(3) Remove the mounting plate from the CO Alarm by
releasing the tamper-proof catch with a small screwdriver
as shown in Figure 1 and sliding the Alarm from the plate.
(4) The house wiring must be connected to the terminal block
on the mounting plate as follows:
L: Live - connect to the house wires coloured brown, red
or marked L.
N: Neutral - connect to the house wires coloured blue,
black or marked N.
IC: Interconnect - connect to the third core. (If you are
not interconnecting units, do not connect anything to the
IC terminal). See below for information on
interconnecting).
Warning: Mixing Live & Neutral wires will damage
interconnected alarms.
We recommend the use of 6243Y mains cable when
interconnecting units. Use the third core for interconnection.
Do not use an earth wire for the interconnect line.
Lift off the wiring cover as shown in Figure 3.
N.B. The Alarm does not need to be earthed. However the
terminal marked is provided for the convenience of the
installer so that any copper earth wire or cable coloured green
or green & yellow, can be safely terminated.
To interconnect the Alarms connect all the IC terminals
together as shown in Figure 5
(5) If the mains wires are recessed, bring the wires through
the rear hole in the mounting plate as shown in Figure 4
If the mains wires are being brought along the surface, conduit can be inserted into the top and/or bottom, for the cable.
(a) position the mounting plate so the cable conduit is as
shown in Figure 4
(b) Carefully cut around the knockout on the outside wall so
the conduit fits. (Note: to comply with the BS 7860, IP42
protection rating, seal around conduit with silicone rubber or
similar to prevent water entering).
(6) Carefully align the mounting plate and screw into place.
Connect the wires to the terminal block. With recessed wiring,
ensure the rear gasket seals around the edge of the hole in
the ceiling or wall. This is to prevent air draughts affecting the
CO gas entering the alarm. If the orifice is not closed off by
the gasket it should be sealed with silicone rubber or equivalent.
Replace the wiring cover.
Carefully line up the unit on the base and slide on.
Press the test/hush button for 10 seconds. The horn will
sound.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the Alarm without first
releasing the tamper clip as shown in Figure 1.
(7) Connect the mains power to the alarm circuit. Check the
green light is on.
Check the operation of the Alarm as outlined below.
(8) The unit may be tamperproofed further, by removing the
knockout in the sidewall of the mounting plate as shown
in Figure 1. Insert the self tapping screw (3mm diameter,
12mm long) after the unit is on the mounting plate
INTERCONNECTING Ei ELECTRONICS CARBON
MONOXIDE ALARMS
When one unit detects CO all units alarm. All horns will sound
but only units detecting CO will flash their red lights.
A maximum of twelve Ei 261/261D CO Alarms may be
interconnected along with an Ei 128C module with relay (see
technical specification).
(If you wish to interconnect more than twelve alarms contact
your distributor). Systems using more than 3 or 4 alarms must
be very carefully planned to ensure nuisance alarms are not
excessive e.g. from weekly testing.
¥ All alarms must be cleaned and maintained regularly.
¥ A qualified person must be on call to quickly remove any
faulty alarms, which are causing all the alarms to sound.
W
ARNING
: Do not connect these Alarms to any other
type of Ei Alarm, or to any other model produced by
another manufacturer, apart from those listed above.
Doing this may damage the Alarms and could result in a
shock or fire hazard.
The interconnect wire (minimum 0.75mm
2
cable) must be
treated as if it was live. It should be insulated and sheathed.
A maximum of 250 metres (820 ft) of wire can be used (maximum resistance between detectors 50 ohms). Connect as
shown in Figure 5.
These Carbon Monoxide Alarms should be interconnected
only within the confines of a single family living unit. If they are
connected between different units there may be excessive
nuisance alarms. Everybody may not be aware that they are
being tested etc.
4. TESTING YOUR CO ALARM
(1) Regularly check that the green mains power light is on.
The unit cannot detect CO if the mains power is not on and
the rechargeable battery is depleted. (If it is off check circuit
breakers, fuses, wiring etc).
(2) Test the unit weekly by pressing the test/hush button. Hold
the test button for 5 seconds until the horn sounds for over 5
seconds. This will help to familiarise you and your family with
the distinctive on-off sound of the CO Alarm. This test checks
that the electronics and horn are working correctly. If the units
are interconnected, button test each unit in turn and check all
interconnected units alarm.
(3) If the CO Alarm gives a short beep and the amber fault
light flashes every 40 seconds it means the self-checking circuit may have detected a fault. Press and hold the test/hush
button. If the amber light flashes without the horn sounding,
the sensor is faulty. On the Ei 261D the display will show SF
indicating Sensor Faulty.
(4) If the Alarm fails to operate when the test/hush button is
pressed, disconnect the mains supply at the distribution fuse
board, remove unit from mounting plate for 3 minutes. Put unit
back on mounting plate. Re-connect the mains and try again.
(This procedure resets the microprocessor in the unit).
(5) If the unit beeps every 40 seconds it means the battery is
depleted. (On the Ei 261D with depleted cells, the display will
show CP to remind you to Connect mains Power).
Connect mains (ensure green light is on) to allow cells to
charge.
(6) Once a year check the rechargeable cells by switching
off mains and pressing the test button for 10 seconds. The
horn should sound loudly. Re-connect mains power.
If the CO Alarm fails any of the above tests it must be
replaced immediately (see section 9 Getting the CO Alarm
Serviced ).
The CO Alarm is fully operational and will provide protection
against a build up of Carbon Monoxide gas, 70 seconds after
it is connected to the mains supply.
Testing with Carbon Monoxide.
Pressing the test button causes the unit to check for CO 4
seconds later - this is the Fast CO Test Mode. This eliminates
the long waiting normally required e.g. up to 30 minutes at
150ppm CO and up to 6 minutes at 350ppm CO.
The unit can be tested with CO by using one of the kits that
comes with CO either in a glass phial or aerosol can. Follow
the instructions on the kit but be sure to press the test button
to speed up the CO sampling directly after you expose the
unit to the CO. It is best if possible to inject the CO gas into
the gas entry holes, see Figure 1. When it senses the CO it
will give 3 beeps and the red light will flash as per table B. It
then resets to normal mode. (If unit fails to respond press test
button again as gas can take some
seconds to enter sensor).
The Fast CO Test Mode normally does not activate the mem-
ory function. (This can be checked by pressing the test button. If the red light flashes continuously indicating CO was
detected, hold the test button for 20 seconds until the red light
stops flashing as the memory resets).
How to distinguish between CO Alarm and Smoke Alarm
Warnings.
The CO Alarm has a distinctive on-off sound of 3 pulses, followed by a pause as compared with a typical Smoke Alarm
which has a rapid pulsing sound.
In addition, when your CO Alarm is sounding the red alarm
light in the centre of the cover will be flashing.
Testing both your CO Alarms and Smoke Alarms weekly will
help you and your family to clearly distinguish between them
in an emergency.
5. MAINTAINING YOUR CO ALARM
Clean the outside case by occasionally wiping with a clean
damp cloth, (disconnect the mains supply at the
distribution/fuse board first). Do not use any cleaning agents,
bleaches, detergents or polishes, including those in aerosol
cans. Avoid spraying air fresheners, hair spray, paint or other
aerosols near the CO Alarm. Do not place air fresheners near
the unit.
Use the narrow nozzle of a vacuum cleaner to remove fluff
and other contamination from the cover slots to ensure CO
gas can reach the sensor.
Caution: Do not paint the CO Alarm.
Remove the CO Alarm when decorating. Do not allow water
or dust to contaminate the alarm.
Warning: Do not open or tamper with the CO Alarm. There
are no user serviceable parts inside apart from the sensor
module - see below. This can damage the unit and may
expose the user to shock or fire hazards.
How to disconnect and remove the alarm:
(1) First disconnect the mains supply to the CO Alarm circuit
at the distribution/fuse board.
(2) Remove tamperproofing screw if fitted (see Figure 1).
(3) Release catch as shown in Figure 1 and slide unit off
mounting plate.
SENSOR MODULE REPLACEMENT
Replace the sensor module after 5 years operation (or by
the date on the side of the unit).
It must also be replaced if the amber light flashes and the unit
beeps every 40 seconds. Remove the alarm from the mounting plate as described above. Pull out the sensor module from
the rear. Replace with a new sensor module (Ei 261M)
(Contact Aico or EI Electronics, for your nearest module supplier). Carefully align the module including the three connector pins and push firmly home. Slide the alarm back on to the
mounting plate. Reconnect the mains supply. Wait 4 minutes
for the new sensor to stabilise and then press the test button
- the horn should sound.
Check the alarm as described in section 4 above.
6. LIMITATIONS OF CO ALARMS
(1) The Ei 261/261D CO Alarm will not work without mains
power if the rechargeable cells are depleted. The green
power light must be on at all times as far as possible.
(2) Carbon Monoxide must enter the unit for it to be detected.
There may be Carbon Monoxide in other areas of the house
(e.g. downstairs, in a closed room etc). but not in the vicinity
of the CO Alarm. Doors, air draughts and obstructions can
prevent the CO reaching the Alarm. For these reasons we
recommend CO Alarms are fitted both near and in bedrooms,
particularly if bedroom doors are closed at night. Additionally
install in rooms where members of the household spend
much of their time, and in rooms with potential sources of CO
gas.
(3) The CO Alarm may not be heard. The sound output is loud
but it may not be heard behind a closed door or if it is too far
away. Interconnecting CO Alarms greatly improves the probability that they will be heard. The Alarm may not wake up
somebody who has taken alcohol or drugs. The alarm sound
may be masked by other sounds such as T.V., stereo, traffic
noise etc. Fitting CO Alarms on either side of closed doors will
improve their chance of being heard. This CO Alarm is not
designed for people with impaired hearing.
(4) CO Alarms don t last indefinitely. CO Alarms are sophisticated electronic devices with many parts. Although the alarm
and its component parts have undergone stringent tests, and
are designed to be very reliable, it is possible that parts can
fail. Therefore, you should test your CO Alarm weekly. We
recommend that the CO Alarm sensor is replaced after 5
years operation. The complete unit should be replaced after
10 years.
(5) CO Alarms are not a substitute for life insurance. House-
9
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11
13
14
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16
WIRING
T
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
12
Figure 5
CONDUIT
INSERT SCREWDRIVER TO LIFT
AND REMOVE WIRE COVER
KNOCK OUT
FOR SURFACE WIRING
CONDUIT
L N IC
IC - INTERCONNECT
N - NEUTRAL
L - LIVE
MAINS CABLE
SEALING GASKET
(MUST BE IN PLACE)
TERMINAL SCREWS
L N IC
KNOCK OUT FOR
SURFACE
WIRING
CONDUIT
L - LIVE
N - NEUTRAL
IC - INTERCONNECT
RECESSED WIRING AREA
EARTH (IF PRESENT
L N IC
WIRING
CONDUI
L N IC
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