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120V AC Powered Plug-In
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm
Owner’s Manual
Thank you for purchasing a Firex carbon monoxide alarm.
It is an important component of your home security system.
Please read this booklet thoroughly. The more familiar
you are with the information it contains, the easier you will
find it to install, operate, and maintain your carbon monoxide
alarm properly. This ultimately means greater security
and peace of mind for you and your family.
The Maple Chase Company
2 The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide (CO)
2 CO Alarm Features
3 Where to Install Your CO Alarm
4 How to Install Your CO Alarm
5 How to Operate Your CO Alarm
6 What to Do if the Alarm Sounds
6 Maintenance and Cleaning
6 Troubleshooting
7 Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
7 Home Safety Tips
8 Limited Warranty
Table Of Contents
Model COQ1
110-659B
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2
The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas. It cannot be seen, felt, tasted, or smelled. The
effects of CO poisoning can cause household members to become extremely ill or
even cause death. Due to damage, poor maintenance, or defects, many
appliances like furnaces, ovens, fireplaces, kerosene heaters, and grills may silently
emit CO. Advanced warning of CO poisoning is only possible if you install and maintain a CO detection device.
The amount of CO in the air is measured in parts per million (ppm). Carbon
monoxide occurs when fuel burns without sufficient oxygen (incomplete
combustion). This type of malfunction can happen to any fuel-burning appliance at
any time. Many fireplace chimneys, for example, can become filled with leaves during
the fall season. If enough leaves, dirt, and soot are accumulated in the chimney,
proper ventilation will be interrupted. This can cause a backdraft of CO into the
home. The result can be fatal. With proper maintenance and cleaning, however, the
potential for CO build up can be reduced.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious issue. Many families suffer daily, and over
one thousand lives are lost each year because of this deadly household gas. With
proper maintenance and care, this CO alarm can give family members advanced
warning to CO emissions. Please read this manual thoroughly to learn how to properly install, operate, clean, and repair your CO alarm, and for important safety tips to
safeguard your family from deadly CO poisoning.
The following symbols identify the most important safety messages in this manual.
When you see this symbol, be aware that if the message is ignored, the hazard WILL
result in SEVERE bodily injury or death.
When you see this symbol, be aware that if the message is ignored, the hazard CAN
cause SEVERE bodily injury or death.
When you see this symbol, be aware that if the message is ignored, the hazard CAN
or WILL cause MINOR bodily injury.
BE AWARE OF COMMON SOURCES OF CARBON MONOXIDE. Common
sources of carbon monoxide are furnaces heating devices, water heaters, gas
stoves, kerosene heaters, fireplaces, barbecues used indoors, running motors
or engines in attached garages, and gasoline powered devices, such as generators or pumps used in emergency situations. Be aware of the proper uses for
each device. Have these devices serviced and cleaned regularly. Use common
sense, and follow safety and hazard instructions carefully whenever using any
of these devices.
Individuals with medical problems may consider using warning devices which provide
audible and visual signals for carbon monoxide concentrations under 30 ppm.
CO Alarm Features
• 90° rotatable plug—allows flexible horizontal and vertical outlet installation.
• Large test/reset button—easy to use.
• Three level light and sound alarm system—you always know if:
1. Your system is operating properly.
2. Your system requires immediate replacement.
3. CO levels are at dangerous alarm levels.
• Electrical Rating: 120V AC, 60Hz, 0.05 amps
CAUTION
!
WARNING
!
DANGER
!
WARNING
!
WARNING
!
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3
CO Alarm Features cont.
This CO alarm is designed to detect carbon monoxide gas from
any source of combustion. It is NOT designed to detect smoke, fire, or any
other type of gas. If this CO alarm sounds its alarm horn, DO NOT assume that
it is a false alarm. The alarm horn requires your immediate action.
This product is intended for use in ordinary indoor locations of family living
units. It is not designed to measure compliance with Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) commercial or industrial standards.
Where to Install Your CO Alarm
Carbon monoxide gas can be anywhere and everywhere. CO gas is equal
to or slightly lighter than air, and disperses evenly with the air in a room.
Therefore, install this CO alarm where air circulation is best. DO NOT
mount the CO alarm within 1 foot of the ceiling/wall or wall/wall intersection, or other “dead air” spaces.
Since most CO fatalities occur while families are sleeping, we recommend that you install
at least one CO alarm in the hallway outside each separate sleeping area and one inside
each bedroom or sleeping area.
We also recommend that you install a CO alarm on every separate living level of the home
where household members frequently spend time, as well as in the basement.
See figures 1, 2, and 3 for typical CO alarm locations within the home.
This alarm will only indicate the presence of carbon monoxide gas at the sensor.
Carbon monoxide gas may be present in other areas.
DO NOT Install CO alarms:
• Near bathrooms or in shower areas. Steam and aerosol sprays can
disable the alarm.
• In closets, crawlspaces, unused attics, or unheated areas
where surrounding air temperatures may go below 40°F (4.4°C) or above
100°F (37.8°C).
• Within five feet of any fuel-burning appliance (stove, kerosene heater, fur-
nace, fireplace, etc.).
• Within one foot of any wall, corner, or other “dead air” spaces.
• In rooms where chemicals or cleaning supplies are frequently used (paint,
hair spray, thinner, etc.). Allow plenty of ventilation in rooms where chemicals are
used.
• Directly above a sink, bathtub or basin.
• Directly above or below air exchange or heating vents.
• Behind drapes, furniture, or appliances that could block air flow to the
CO alarm.
CAUTION
!
WARNING
!
WARNING
!
WARNING
!
WARNING
!
BEDROOM
single story
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
BATH
BASEMENT
FURNACE
ROOM
FIGURE 1
LIVING
ROOM
FURNACE
ROOM
two story
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
LIVED-IN ATTIC
BATH
BASEMENT
split level
BEDROOM
FAMILY / GREAT ROOM
BATH
BATH
LIVING
ROOM
UTILITY
ROOM
BASEMENT
FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3
Key
CO alarm locations
KITCHEN
KITCHEN