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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CO
WHAT IS CO?
CO is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas produced when fossil fuels do not burn
completely, or are exposed to heat (usually fire). Electrical appliances typically do
not produce CO.
These fuels include:
Wood, coal, charcoal, oil, natural gas, gasoline, kerosene,
and propane.
Common appliances are often sources of CO. If they are not properly maintained,
are improperly ventilated, or malfunction, CO levels can rise quickly. CO is a real
danger now that homes are more energy efficient. “Air-tight” homes with added
insulation, sealed windows, and other weatherproofing can “trap” CO inside.
SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING
These symptoms are related to CO POISONING and should be discussed with ALL
household members.
Mild Exposure:
Headaches, running nose, sore eyes, often described as “flu”-like symptoms.
Medium Exposure:
Dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting.
Extreme Exposure:
Unconsciousness, brain damage, death.
Many cases of reported CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING indicate that
while victims are aware they are not well, they become so disoriented
they are unable to save themselves by either exiting the building or
calling for assistance.
FINDING THE SOURCE OF CO AFTER AN ALARM
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas, which often makes it difficult to
locate the source of CO after an alarm. These are a few of the factors that can
make it difficult to locate sources of CO:
• House well ventilated before the investigator arrives.
• Problem caused by “backdrafting.”
• Transient CO problem caused by special circumstances.
Because CO may dissipate by the time an investigator arrives, it may be
difficult to locate the source of CO. BRK Brands, Inc. shall not be obligated to
pay for any carbon monoxide investigation or service call.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MY FAMILY?
A CO Alarm is an excellent means of protection. It monitors the air and sounds a
loud alarm before carbon monoxide levels become threatening
for average, healthy adults.
A CO Alarm is not a substitute for proper maintenance of home appliances.
To help prevent CO problems and reduce the risk of CO poisoning:
• Clean chimneys and flues yearly. Keep them free of debris, leaves, and
nests for proper air flow. Also, have a professional check for rust and
corrosion, cracks, or separations. These conditions can prevent proper
air movement and cause backdrafting. Never “cap” or cover a chimney
in any way that would block air flow.
• Test and maintain all fuel-burning equipment annually. Many local gas
or oil companies and HVAC companies offer appliance inspections for a
nominal fee.
• Make regular visual inspections of all fuel-burning appliances. Check appli-
ances for excessive rust and scaling. Also check the flame on the burner
and pilot lights. The flame should be blue. A yellow flame means fuel is not
being burned completely and CO may be present. Keep the blower door
on the furnace closed. Use vents or fans when they are available on all
fuel-burning appliances. Make sure appliances are vented to the outside.
Do not grill or barbecue indoors, or in garages or on screen porches.
• Check for exhaust backflow from CO sources. Check the draft hood
on an operating furnace for a backdraft. Look for cracks on furnace
heat exchangers.
• Check the house or garage on the other side of shared wall.
• Keep windows and doors open slightly. If you suspect that CO is escaping
into your home, open a window or a door. Opening windows and doors
can significantly decrease CO levels.
In addition, familiarize yourself with all enclosed materials. Read this
manual in its entirety, and make sure you understand what to do if your
CO Alarm sounds.
TESTING & MAINTENANCE
WEEKLY TESTING
• Test the CO Alarm once a week. If the CO Alarm ever fails to test
correctly, have it replaced immediately! If the CO Alarm is not working
properly, it cannot alert you to a problem.
• DO NOT stand close to the Alarm when the horn is sounding.
Exposure at close range may be harmful to your hearing. When
testing, step away when horn starts sounding.
Push and hold the Test/Silence button on the cover until the LED flashes. The
alarm horn will sound 4 beeps, a pause, then 4 beeps. The ALARM (RED) light will
flash.
The alarm sequence should last 5-6 seconds. If it does not alarm, make sure fresh
batteries are correctly installed, and test it again. If the unit still does not alarm,
replace it immediately.
If the alarm does not test properly:
1. Make sure the battery is installed correctly.
2. Be sure the Alarm is clean and dust-free.
3. Install a fresh 9V battery* and test the Alarm again.
• DO NOT try fixing the Alarm yourself – this will void your warranty!
If the CO Alarm is still not operating properly, and it is still under
warranty, please see “How to Obtain Warranty Service” in the Limited
Warranty. Install a new CO Alarm immediately.
• The Test/Silence button is the only proper way to test the CO Alarm.
NEVER use vehicle exhaust! Exhaust may cause permanent damage
and voids your warranty.
*
For a list of acceptable replacement batteries, see “Regular Maintenance.”
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
To keep the CO Alarm in good working order:
• Test it every week using the Test/Silence button.
• Vacuum the CO Alarm cover once a month, using the soft brush attach
ment. Never use water, cleaners, or solvents, since these may damage
the unit. Test the CO Alarm again after vacuuming.
• Replace the batteries when the CO Alarm “chirps” about every minute
(the low battery warning).
The low battery warning should last for 30 days, but you should replace the battery
immediately to continue your protection.
Choosing a replacement battery:
This CO Alarm requires one 9V alkaline battery. The following batteries are acceptable as replacements: Alkaline Batteries — Duracell MN1604 or Energizer 522;
Lithium Batteries — Ultralife U9VL-J. These replacement
batteries are commonly available at local retail stores.
• Always use the exact batteries specified by this User’s Manual.
DO NOT use rechargeable batteries. For products requiring multiple
batteries, replace all batteries of a set at the same time. Do Not Mix
Old and New Batteries. Clean the battery contacts and also those of
the device prior to battery installation. Install batteries correctly with
regard to polarity (+ and -).
• Please dispose of or recycle used batteries properly, following any
local regulations. Consult your local waste management authority or
recycling organization to find an electronics recycling facility in your
area. DO NOT DISPOSE OF BATTERIES IN FIRE. BATTERIES MAY
EXPLODE OR LEAK.
• Keep battery out of reach of children. In the event a battery is
swallowed, immediately contact your poison control center,
your physician, or the Canadian Battery Ingestion hotline at
1-416-813-5900 as serious injury may occur.
• DO NOT spray cleaning chemicals or insect sprays directly on or
near the CO Alarm. DO NOT paint over the CO Alarm. Doing so
may cause permanent damage.
Household cleaners, aerosol chemicals, and other contaminants can affect the
sensor. When using any of these materials near the CO Alarm, make sure the room
is well ventilated.
WHERE TO INSTALL CO ALARMS
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that a CO Alarm
should be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. For added protection, install additional CO Alarms in
each separate bedroom, and on every level of your home.
If your bedroom hallway is longer than 12 meters (40 feet), install a CO Alarm at
BOTH ends of the hallway.
This alarm can be installed on the wall or ceiling. If the alarm is to be wall mounted
it is recommended that the unit be mounted with hinge down so
the words “Carbon Monoxide Alarm” is readable.
In a Single-level Home:
• Install at least one CO Alarm near or within each separate sleeping area.
• For added protection, install an additional CO Alarm at least 6 meters
(20 feet) away from the furnace or fuel burning heat source.
In a Multi-level Home:
• Install at least one CO Alarm near or within each separate sleeping area.
• For added protection, install at least one CO Alarm on each level of the
home.
• For added protection, install an additional CO Alarm at least 6 meters
(20 feet) away from the furnace or fuel burning heat source.
In Mobile Homes:
• Install CO Alarms on inside walls ONLY. Uninsulated outside walls and
roofs of mobile homes often transfer heat and cold from outdoors. The
Alarm should be located at least 152 mm (6 inches) from all exterior walls
and at least 305 mm (12 inches) from supply or return vents.
WHERE CO ALARMS SHOULD NOT BE
INSTALLED
DO NOT LOCATE THIS CO ALARM:
• In garages, kitchens, furnace rooms, or in any extremely dusty, dirty or
greasy areas.
• Within 1.5 meters (5 feet) of any cooking appliance.
• In extremely humid areas. This alarm should be at least 3 meters (10 feet)
from a bath or shower, sauna, humidifier, vaporizer, dishwasher, laundry
room, utility room or other source of high humidity.
• In areas where temperature is colder than 4.4˚ C (40˚ F) or hotter than
37.8˚ C (100˚ F). These areas include unconditioned crawl spaces,
unfinished attics, uninsulated or poorly insulated ceilings, porches, and
garages.
• In turbulent air, like near ceiling fans, heat vents, air conditioners,
fresh air returns, or open windows. Blowing air may prevent CO from
reaching the sensors.
• Outside the Mobile Home.
• In direct sunlight.
• This CO Alarm is designed for use inside a single-family home or
apartment. It is not meant to be used in common lobbies, hallways,
or basements of multi-family buildings unless working CO Alarms
are also installed in each family living unit. CO Alarms in common
areas may not be heard from inside individual family living units.
• This CO Alarm alone is not a suitable substitute for complete
detection systems in places which house many people, like hotels
or dormitories, unless a CO Alarm is also placed in each unit.
• DO NOT use this CO Alarm in warehouses, industrial or commercial
buildings, special-purpose non-residential buildings, or airplanes.
This CO Alarm is specifically designed for residential use, and may
not provide adequate protection in non-residential applications.
• Test units used in RV’s after the vehicle has been in storage,
before each trip, and once a week while in use. Failure to test
units used in RV’s as described may remove your protection.
• Apply the adhesive label supplied with this alarm permanently and
visibly within 610 mm (2 feet) of the alarm.
GARAGE
SUGGESTED AREAS FOR INSTALLING ADDITIONAL CO ALARMS
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
HALL
LIVING ROOM
KITCHEN
BASEMENT
BEDROOM
REQUIRED TO MEET NFPA RECOMMENDATIONS
INSTALLATION
Read “Where To Install CO Alarms” before starting.
Before you start installation,
find the pair of self-adhesive labels included
with this CO Alarm. On each label write in the phone number of your emergency
responder (like 911) and a qualified appliance technician. Place one label near the
CO Alarm, and the other label in the “fresh air” location you plan to go if the alarm
sounds.
IF YOUR CO ALARM SOUNDS
Actuation of your CO Alarm indicates the presence of carbon monoxide
(CO) which can kill you. In other words, when your CO Alarm sounds,
you must not ignore it!
IF THE ALARM SIGNAL SOUNDS:
1. Immediately move to fresh air—outdoors or by an open door or window.
Do a head count to check that all persons are accounted for. Do not
re-enter the premises, or move away from the open door or window until
the emergency services responder has arrived, the premises have been
aired out, and your CO Alarm remains in its normal condition.
2. Call your emergency services, fire department or 911. Write down the
number of your local emergency service here:
________________________________________________________________
3. After following steps 1-2, if your CO Alarm reactivates within a 24-hour
period, repeat steps 1-2 and call a qualified appliance technician to
investigate for sources of CO from fuel-burning equipment and applianc
es, and inspect for proper operation of this equipment. If problems are
identified during this inspection have the equipment serviced
immediately. Note any combustion equipment not inspected by the
technician, and consult the manufacturers’ instructions, or contact the
manufacturers directly, for more information about CO safety and this
equipment. Make sure that motor vehicles are not, and have not, been
operating in an attached garage or adjacent to the residence. Write down
the number of a qualified appliance technician here:
________________________________________________________________
Alarms have various limitations. See “General Limitations of CO Alarms”
for details.
USING THE SILENCE FEATURE
• The Silence Feature is for your convenience only and will not
correct a CO problem. Always check your home for a potential
problem after any alarm. Failure to do so can result in injury or
death.
• NEVER remove the batteries from your CO Alarm to silence the
horn. Use the silence feature. Removing the batteries removes
your protection! See “If Your CO Alarm Sounds” for details on
responding to an alarm.
The Silence Feature is intended to temporarily silence your CO Alarm’s alarm horn
while you correct the problem—it will not correct a CO problem. While the alarm is
silenced it will continue to monitor the air for CO.
When CO reaches alarm levels the alarm will sound— repeating horn pattern: 4
beeps, a pause, 4 beeps, etc. Press and hold the Test/Silence button until the horn
is silent. The initial Silence cycle will last approximately 4 minutes.
NOTE:
After initial 4-minute Silence cycle, the CO Alarm re-evaluates present CO
levels and responds accordingly. If CO levels remain potentially dangerous —or start
rising higher—the horn will start sounding again.
While the detector is silenced:
“ALARM-MOVE TO FRESH AIR”
If you hear the alarm horn and the Red light is flashing,
move everyone to a source of fresh air.
DO NOT disconnect the battery from the CO Alarm!
If the CO Alarm...
Is silent for only 4 minutes, then
starts sounding loudly—4 beeps,
pause, 4 beeps, pause
This means...
CO levels are still potentially
dangerous.
If the CO Alarm...
Remains silent after you pressed
the Test/Silence button
This means...
CO levels are dropping.
SILENCING THE LOW BATTERY WARNING
This silence feature can temporarily quiet the low battery warning “chirp” for up to
8 hours. You can silence the low battery warning “chirp” by pressing
the Test/Silence button. The horn will chirp, acknowledging that the low
battery silence feature has been activated.
After 8 hours, the low battery “chirp” will resume.
Replace the battery as soon
as possible; this unit will not operate without battery power!
To deactivate this feature: Press the Test/Silence button again. The unit will
go into Test Mode and the low battery warning will resume (LED flashes and
unit sounds “chirp” once a minute.)
If you cannot silence the low battery warning, replace the battery
immediately.
HOW
TO INSTALL THIS CO ALARM
THE PARTS OF THIS
ALARM
FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS!
1. “OPEN HERE” tab
2. Cover hinge
3. Test/Silence button
4. Power/alarm indicator
Tools you will need:
• Pencil • Drill with 5 mm (3/16”) drill bit
• Hammer • Standard flathead screwdriver
1. Hold base firmly and pull up on cover tab marked “OPEN HERE.” This
will open the hinged cover. The cover may unsnap from the base if it’s
opened too far. This will not damage the unit—the cover hinge snaps
back into place easily.
2. Hold the CO Alarm base against the ceiling (or wall) and make a mark
at the center of each of the mounting slots with a pencil.
3. Put the unit where it won’t get covered with dust when you drill the
mounting holes.
4. Using a 5 mm (3/16”) drill bit, drill a hole through each pencil mark.
5. Insert the plastic screw anchors (in the plastic bag with screws) into the
holes. Tap the screw anchors gently with a hammer, if necessary, until
they are flush with the ceiling or wall.
6. Tighten the screws (provided) into the screw anchors, then loosen them
two turns.
7. Fit the CO Alarm over the screw heads as shown. Close cover.
8. If the CO Alarm cover does not line up the way you want it, rotate the
base and re-tighten the screws.
9. Activate the battery. With the cover open, remove and reinstall the
battery so the terminals on the battery match the terminals on the CO
Alarm. Match “+” to “+” and “-” to “-.” Push the battery in until it snaps
in securely and cannot be shaken loose.
If the battery is not snapped in completely, the unit cannot receive
battery power. The CO Alarm may beep briefly when you install the
battery—this is normal.
Once the battery is installed, the red power indicator light (behind the
test button) will flash once a minute to show you the CO Alarm is
working.
10. Close the cover all the way.
11. Test the CO Alarm. See “Weekly Testing.”
To lock/unlock the cover to the base:
1. Using needle-nose pliers or a utility knife, detach locking pin from
back of alarm base.
2. Insert locking pin into the slot located on the front of the alarm as
shown in the diagram.
3. Remove pin to unlock and replace battery.
Cover Open
1. “Open Here”
2. Test/Silence button
3. CO alarm base
4. “No Battery” tab
5. Mounting slots
6. Install 9V battery here
7. Locking pin slot
Locking Pin
LOCKING FEATURE
This unit is designed to be
mounted on the ceiling, or on
the wall if necessary.
SILENCING THE END OF LIFE SIGNAL
This silence feature can temporarily quiet the End of Life warning “chirp” for up
to 2 days. You can silence the End of Life warning “chirp” by pressing the Test/
Silence button. The horn will chirp, acknowledging that the End of Life silence fea
-
ture has been activated.
After approximately 2 days, the End of Life “chirp” will resume.
After approximately 2-3 weeks the End of Life warning cannot be silenced.
Insert Locking Pin
CO ALARM
Sensor has detected enough CO to trigger an alarm. Light flashes rapidly
and horn sounds loudly (
repeating
4 beeps, pause)
. See “If Your CO Alarm
Sounds” for details. During an alarm, move everyone to a source of fresh air.
DO NOT move the CO Alarm!
DURING TESTING
Light flashes Red with the horn pattern
(4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps)
, simulating
a CO Alarm condition.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ..................................................1
Basic Safety Information ....................................1
How Your CO Alarm Works ..................................1
Understanding Your CO Alarm ...............................1
How To Install This CO Alarm .................................2-3
Where to Install CO Alarms ..................................2
Where CO Alarms Should NOT Be Installed .....................2
If Your CO Alarm Sounds .......................................3
If the Alarm Signal Sounds ..................................3
Using the Silence Feature ...................................3
Testing and Maintenance .......................................4
Weekly Testing ............................................4
Regular Maintenance .......................................4
What You Need To Know About CO ............................4-6
What is CO? ..............................................4
Symptoms of CO Poisoning .................................4
Finding the Source of CO After an Alarm .......................4
How Can I Protect My Family? ...............................4
Potential Sources of CO in the Home ........................5-6
Canadian Standards Association 6.19-01 ........................5-6
General Limitations Of CO Alarms ............................. 5-6
Troubleshooting Guide .......................................5-6
Limited Warranty ............................................5-6
© 2015 BRK Brands, Inc. All rights reserved.
First Alert® is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust.
Distributed by BRK Brands, Inc.
3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122
Consumer Affairs: (800) 323-9005
www.brkelectronics.com • www.firstalert.com
INTRODUCTION
BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
• Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions alert you to important operating
instructions or to potentially hazardous situations. Pay special
attention to these items.
• THIS IS NOT A SMOKE ALARM! This CO Alarm is designed to detect
carbon monoxide from ANY source of combustion. It is NOT designed
to detect smoke, fire, or any other gas.
• This CO Alarm is approved for use in single-family residences.
It is NOT designed for marine use.
• This CO Alarm will only indicate the presence of carbon monoxide gas
at the sensor. Carbon monoxide gas may be present in other areas.
• The Silence Feature is for your convenience only and will not correct
a CO problem. Always check your home for a potential problem after
any alarm. Failure to do so can result in injury or death.
• NEVER ignore your Carbon Monoxide Alarm if it alarms. Refer to
“If Your CO Alarm Sounds” for more information. Failure to do so
can result in injury or death.
• Test the CO Alarm once a week. If the CO Alarm ever fails to test
correctly, have it replaced immediately! If the CO Alarm is not working
properly, it cannot alert you to a problem.
• This product is intended for use in ordinary indoor residential areas.
It is not designed to measure compliance with commercial and
industrial standards. This device is designed to protect individuals
from the acute effects of carbon monoxide exposure. It will not fully
safeguard individuals with specific medical conditions. If in doubt
consult a medical practitioner.
HOW YOUR CO ALARM WORKS
GENERAL INFORMATION
• This CO Alarm does not operate without working batteries.
Removing the batteries, or failure to replace them at the end of
their service life, removes your protection.
A CO Alarm measures the CO levels in the air. It will alarm if CO levels rise
quickly (if the heat exchanger on your furnace breaks, for example), or if CO
is consistently present (a slow CO leak on a fuel-burning appliance).
This Carbon Monoxide Alarm features a permanently installed sensor and an
85 dB alarm horn. It also has a silence feature to temporarily quiet the alarm
horn.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CO ALARM
LOW BATTERY WARNING
The light continues to flash (RED) and the horn also “chirps” once every minute.
This warning should last for up to 30 days, but you should replace
the batteries as soon as possible.
WELCOME CHIRP
Horn chirps and light blinks once when batteries are first connected.
ALARM RECEIVING BATTERY POWER
Light flashes every minute. Horn is silent.
CO ALARM REQUIRES SERVICE (MALFUNCTION SIGNAL)
The light flashes (RED) and the horn sounds 3 “chirps” every minute.
CO Alarm needs to be replaced.
CO ALARM HAS REACHED ITS END OF LIFE
The light flashes (RED) and the horn sounds 3 “chirps” every minute.
CO Alarm needs to be replaced.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE.
This user’s manual contains important information about your Carbon
Monoxide Alarm’s operation. If you are installing this CO Alarm for use by
others, you must leave this manual —or a copy of it—with the end user.
M08-0217-016 K1 11/15 Printed in Mexico
BATTERY POWERED
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM
TEN YEAR END OF LIFE
USER’S MANUAL
Model CO250RVA-48B
CERTIFIED TO
CSA STANDARD
6.19-01
LIMITED WARRANTY
BRK Brands, Inc. (“BRK”) the maker of BRK® brand and First Alert® brand products, warrants that for a period of ten years from the date of purchase, this product will be free
from defects in material and workmanship. BRK, at its option, will repair or replace this product or any component of the product found to be defective during the warranty period. Replacement will be made with a new or remanufactured product or component. If the product is no longer available, replacement may be made with a similar product of
equal or greater value. This is your exclusive warranty.
This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser from the date of initial retail purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales receipt. Proof of purchase is required
to obtain warranty performance. BRK dealers, service centers, or retail stores selling BRK products do not have the right to alter, modify or any way change the terms and con
ditions of this warranty.
This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or damage resulting from any of the following: negligent use or misuse of the product, use on improper
voltage or current, use contrary to the operating instructions, disassembly, repair or alteration by anyone other than BRK or an authorized service center.
Further, the warranty does not cover acts of God, such as fire, flood, hurricanes and tornadoes or any batteries that are included with this unit.
BRK shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages caused by the breach of any express or implied warranty. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law,
any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration to the duration of the above warranty. Some states, provinces, or jurisdictions do
not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so
the above limitations or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state, or province to province.
How to Obtain Warranty Service
Service:
If service is required, do not return the product to your retailer. In order to obtain warranty service, contact the Consumer Affairs Division at 1-800-323-9005.
To assist in serving you, please have the model number and date of purchase available when calling.
For Warranty Service return to:
1301 Joe Battle, El Paso, TX 79936
Battery:
BRK Brands, Inc. makes no warranty, express or implied, written or oral, including that of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose, with respect to battery.
Fuel-burning appliances like:
portable heater, gas or wood burning fireplace,
gas kitchen range or cooktop, gas clothes dryer.
Damaged or insufficient venting:
corroded or disconnected water heater vent
pipe, leaking chimney pipe or flue, or cracked heat exchanger, blocked or clogged
chimney opening.
Improper use of appliance/device:
operating a barbecue grill or vehicle in an
enclosed area (like a garage or screened porch).
Transient CO Problems:
“transient” or on-again-off-again CO problems can be
caused by outdoor conditions and other special circumstances.
This CO Alarm is intended for residential use. It is not intended for
use in industrial applications where Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) requirements for carbon monoxide detectors
must be met.
CO Alarms may not waken all individuals.
If children or others do not readily
waken to the sound of the CO Alarm, or if there are infants or family members with
mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in the event
of an emergency.
CO Alarms will not work without power.
This alarm requires a 9V alkaline
battery to operate.
CO Alarms for Solar or Wind Energy users and battery backup power
systems:
AC powered CO Alarms should only be operated with true or pure sine
wave inverters. Operating this Alarm with most battery-powered UPS (uninterruptible power supply) products or square wave or “quasi sine wave” inverters
will
damage the Alarm
. If you are not sure about your inverter or UPS type, please
consult with the manufacturer to verify.
This CO Alarm will not sense carbon monoxide that does not reach the
sensor.
This CO Alarm will only sense CO at the sensor. CO may be present
in other areas. Doors or other obstructions may affect the rate at which CO reaches
the CO Alarm. For this reason, if bedroom doors are usually closed
at night, we recommend you install a CO Alarm in each bedroom and in the hallway
between them.
CO Alarms may not sense CO on another level of the home.
For example, a CO Alarm on the second level, near the bedrooms, may not sense CO in
the basement. For this reason, one CO Alarm may not give adequate warning.
Complete coverage is recommended. Place CO Alarms on each level of the home.
CO Alarms may not be heard.
The alarm horn loudness meets or exceeds cur-
rent standards of 85 dB at 3 meters (10 feet). However, if the CO Alarm
is installed outside the bedroom, it may not wake up a sound sleeper or one who
has recently used drugs or has been drinking alcoholic beverages. This
is especially true if the door is closed or only partly open. Even persons who are
awake may not hear the alarm horn if the sound is blocked by distance or closed
doors. Noise from traffic, stereo, radio, television, air conditioner, or other appliances may also prevent alert persons from hearing the alarm horn. This CO Alarm is
not intended for people who are hearing impaired.
CO Alarms are not a substitute for a smoke alarm.
Although fire is a source
of carbon monoxide, this CO Alarm does not sense smoke or fire. This CO Alarm
senses CO that may be escaping unnoticed from malfunctioning
furnaces, appliances, or other sources. Early warning of fire requires the
installation of smoke alarms.
CO Alarms are not a substitute for life insurance.
Though these CO Alarms
warn against increasing CO levels, BRK Brands, Inc. does not warrant or imply in
any way that they will protect lives from CO poisoning. Homeowners and renters
must still insure their lives.
CO Alarms have a limited life.
Although the CO Alarm and all of its parts have
passed many stringent tests and are designed to be as reliable as
possible, any of these parts could fail at any time. Therefore, you must test your CO
Alarm weekly.
CO Alarms are not foolproof.
Like all other electronic devices, CO Alarms have
limitations. They can only detect CO that reaches their sensors. They may not give
early warning to rising CO levels if the CO is coming from a remote part of the
home, away from the CO Alarm.
Constant exposure to high or low humidity may reduce battery life.
GENERAL LIMITATIONS OF CO ALARMS
The following conditions can result in transient CO situations:
1. Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel appliances caused by out
-
door conditions such as:
• Wind direction and/or velocity, including high, gusty winds. Heavy air in
the vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods between cycles).
• Negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust fans.
• Several appliances running at the same time competing for limited
fresh air.
• Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes dryers, furnaces, or
water heaters.
• Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs which can amplify
the above situations.
2. Extended operation of unvented fuel burning devices (range, oven,
fireplace).
3. Temperature inversions, which can trap exhaust close to the ground.
4. Car idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near a home.
These conditions are dangerous because they can trap exhaust in your
home. Since these conditions can come and go, they are also hard to
recreate during a CO investigation.
POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CO IN THE HOME
CO Alarm goes back into alarm 4 minutes after you
press the Test/Silence button.
CO levels indicate a potentially dangerous situation.
IF YOU ARE FEELING SYMPTOMS OF CO
POISONING, EVACUATE your home and call 911 or
the Fire Department. If not, press the Test/Silence
button again and
keep ventilating your home.
The light flashes (RED) and the horn sounds
3 “chirps” every minute.
MALFUNCTION SIGNAL. CO Alarm needs to be
replaced.
CO Alarms under warranty should be returned to
manufacturer for replacement. See “Limited Warranty”
for details.
PROBLEM... THIS MEANS... YOU SHOULD...
The light continues to flash (RED) and the horn “chirps”
once every minute.
Low battery warning.
Install a new 9V alkaline battery
*
.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
CO Alarm sounds frequently even though no high
levels of CO are revealed in an investigation.
The CO Alarm may be improperly located. Refer to
“Where to Install CO Alarms.”
Relocate your alarm. If frequent alarms continue,
have home rechecked for potential CO problems.
You may be experiencing an intermittent CO problem.
The light flashes (RED) and the horn sounds
3 “chirps” every minute.
END OF LIFE SIGNAL. CO Alarm needs to be
replaced.
Immediately replace the CO Alarm.
If you
have any questions that cannot be answered by reading this manual, call Consumer Affairs at 1-800-323-9005.
*
For a list of acceptable replacement batteries, see “Page 4: Regular Maintenance.”
For your records, please record:
Date Purchased: _______________Where Purchased: ___________________
Date Installed: ____________/____________Month/Year
Replace alarm 10 years after installation. Please write the date in the
space provided:
_____________/____________Month/Year
The alarm will also provide an audible End-of-Life Signal approximately
10 years after installation to remind you to replace the unit.
The End-of-Life Signal can be silenced for up to 2 days. Do not unplug
the alarm or remove the batteries until you get replacement.
WHAT LEVELS OF CO CAUSE AN ALARM?
Canadian Standards Association 6.19-01 requires residential CO Alarms to sound
when exposed to levels of CO and exposure times as described below. They are
measured in parts per million (ppm) of CO over time (in minutes).
CSA 6.19-01 Required Alarm Points*:
• If the alarm is exposed to 400 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM BETWEEN
4 and 15 MINUTES.
• If the alarm is exposed to 150 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM BETWEEN
10 and 50 MINUTES.
• If the alarm is exposed to 70 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM BETWEEN
60 and 240 MINUTES.
*
Approximately 10% COHb exposure at levels of 10% to 95% Relative Humidity
(RH).
The unit is designed not to alarm when exposed to a constant level
of 30 ppm for 30 days.
CO Alarms are designed to alarm before there is an immediate life threat. Since you
cannot see or smell CO, never assume it’s not present.
• An exposure to 100 ppm of CO for 20 minutes may not affect average,
healthy adults, but after 4 hours the same level may cause headaches.
• An exposure to 400 ppm of CO may cause headaches in average,
healthy adults after 35 minutes, but can cause death after 2 hours.
This CO Alarm measures exposure to CO over time. It alarms if CO levels
are extremely high in a short period of time, or if CO levels reach a certain minimum over a long period of time. The CO Alarm generally sounds an alarm before
the onset of symptoms in average, healthy adults.
Why is this important? Because you need to be warned of a potential CO
problem while you can still react in time. In many reported cases of CO
exposure, victims may be aware that they are not feeling well, but become
disoriented and can no longer react well enough to exit the building or get help.
Also, young children and pets may be the first affected. The average healthy adult
might not feel any symptoms when the CO Alarm sounds. However, people with
cardiac or respiratory problems, infants, unborn babies, pregnant mothers, or elderly people can be more quickly and severely affected by CO. If you experience even
mild symptoms of CO poisoning, consult your doctor immediately!
Standards:
Canadian Standards Association 6.19-01.
According to Canadian Standards Association 6.19-01: “Carbon monoxide alarms
covered by these requirements are intended to respond to the
presence of carbon monoxide from sources such as, but not limited to, exhaust
from internal-combustion engines, abnormal operation of fuel-fired appliances, and
fireplaces. CO Alarms are intended to alarm at carbon monoxide levels below those
that could cause a loss of ability to react to the dangers of Carbon Monoxide expo
sure.” This CO Alarm monitors the air at
the Alarm, and is designed to alarm before CO levels become life threatening.
This allows you precious time to leave the house and correct the problem. This is
only possible if Alarms are located, installed, and maintained as described in this
manual.
Gas Detection at Typical Temperature and Humidity Ranges:
The CO
Alarm is not formulated to detect CO levels below 30 ppm typically. Tested
for false alarm resistance to Methane (500 ppm), Butane (300 ppm), Heptane (500
ppm), Ethyl Acetate (200 ppm), Isopropyl Alcohol (200 ppm) and Carbon Dioxide
(5000 ppm). Values measure gas and vapor concentrations in parts per million.
Audible Alarm:
85 dB minimum at 3 meters (10 feet).
CANADIAN STANDARDS ASSOCIATION 6.19–01
Printed in Mexico M08-0217-016 K1 11/15
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