First Alert Model GCO1 User Manual

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USER’S MANUAL

PLUG-IN EXPLOSIVE GAS AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM WITH BATTERY BACK-UP AND SILENCE FEATURE

120VAC ~ 60Hz, 0.25 A

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE.

This unit was shipped with a user’s manual that contains important information about its operation. If you are installing this unit for use by others, you must leave this manual—or a copy of it—with the end user.

Printed in Mexico	LISTED TO
Printed in Mexico	UL 1484	Model GCO1
M08-0123-002 Q 01/08	AND	Model GCO1
	UL 2034

www.brkelectronics.com • www.firstalert.com

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 combination Explosive Gas/Carbon Monoxide Alarm has two separate alarms. The CO Alarm is not designed to detect fire or any other gas. It will only indicate the presence of carbon monoxide gas at the sensor. Carbon monoxide gas may be present in other areas. The Explosive Gas Alarm will only indicate the presence of explosive gas that reaches the sensor. The Explosive Gas Alarm is not designed to sense smoke, heat or flames.

•Do not stand too close to the unit when the alarm is sounding. It is loud to wake you in an emergency. Exposure to the horn at close range may harm your hearing.

•Do not paint over the unit. Paint may clog the openings to the sensing chambers and prevent the unit from operating properly.

•This unit must be powered by a 24-hour circuit. Be sure the circuit cannot be turned off by a switch, dimmer, or ground fault circuit interrupter. Failure to connect this unit to a 24-hour circuit may prevent it from providing constant protection.

•This Alarm must have AC or battery power to operate. If AC power fails and the battery is dead or missing, the alarm cannot operate.

•The Alarm will check for the presence of explosive gas at the sensor less frequently when powered by the back-up battery. Explosive gas could be present during the period between checks without going into alarm, especially during a condition that results in a rapid buildup of explosive gas.

•Test the Alarm once a week. If the Alarm ever fails to test correctly, have it replaced immediately! If the Alarm is not working properly, it cannot alert you to a problem.

•This combination Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas Alarm is intended for residential use and is not suitable for use in hazardous locations as defined in the National Electrical Code.

•This product is intended for use in ordinary indoor locations of family living units. It is not designed to measure CO levels in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) commercial or industrial standards. Individuals with medical conditions that may make them more sensitive to carbon monoxide may consider using warning devices which provide audible and visual signals for carbon monoxide concentrations under 30 ppm. For additional information on carbon monoxide and your medical condition contact your physician.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Basic Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.1-3
Where To Install This Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.1-2
Where This Alarm Should Not Be Installed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .2
Before You Begin Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .2
How To Install This Gas/CO Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	2-3

How Your Alarm Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 If Your Gas/CO Alarm Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

What To Do if CO is Detected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 What To Do if Explosive Gas is Detected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Using the Silence Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Using the Remote Control Test/Silence Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Using the Peak CO Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Understanding the Light, Horn, and Display Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Weekly Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Regular Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 What You Need To Know About CO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6

What is CO? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Symptoms of CO Poisoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Finding the Source of CO After an Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Potential Sources of CO in the Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 How Can I Protect My Family From CO Poisoning? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Regulatory Information For Explosive Gas/CO Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Regulatory Information for CO Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Regulatory Information for Explosive Gas Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

General Limitations Of Explosive Gas/CO Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

INSTALLATION

WHERE TO INSTALL THIS ALARM

For Gas Alarms, mounting depends on the type of explosive gas you intend to detect.

Natural Gas (methane) is typically supplied through a main utility line connected to your home. If you do not live in a rural area you are likely to be a user of natural gas. Natural gas is a fossil fuel consisting mainly of Methane. Methane is much lighter than air and will rise rapidly in air. If you are a user of natural gas, the Alarm should be mounted between 6 and 12 inches (152mm and 305 mm) away from the ceiling (using cord feature) to ensure the earliest opportunity to detect a leak.

Propane is typically supplied to homes by delivery truck in liquid form and stored near the home in propane tanks. Propane is used by homes in rural areas that do not have natural gas service. Since propane is the most commonly used Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), propane and LP-Gas are often used synonymously. Unlike natural gas, propane is heavier than air and will collect at lower levels. If you are a user of propane, the Alarm should be mounted near the floor (using the direct plug-in feature) to ensure the earliest opportunity to detect a leak.

Both propane and natural gas are colorless and odorless. For safety reasons, an ordorant (Mercaptan) is added so that any leak can be detected by smell. The common detection threshold for smelling the gases is around 20% of the Lower Explosion Limit (LEL). This can vary greatly depending on the individuals sense of smell and how long they have been exposed to it. The LEL of each of these gases defines the bottom range of flammability for the gas. Your Alarm is calibrated to sound before 25% of the LEL of either gas detected.

Therefore, it is possible that you may smell gas before the Alarm is activated. If you are not sure which gas your home uses, contact your utility company.

For 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.

In general, install combination Explosive Gas and Carbon Monoxide Alarms:

•WHERE YOU CAN HEAR THE ALARM FROM ALL SLEEPING AREAS

•In or near bedrooms and living areas or wherever you suspect a gas or CO exposure is likely.

•On each level of a multi-level home.

Improper location can affect the sensitive electronic components in this Alarm. Please see “Where this Alarm Should Not Be Installed”.

Recommended Placement

DINING ROOM	KITCHEN BEDROOM BEDROOM
LIVING ROOM	BEDROOM

Continued...

INSTALLATION, Continued

See “Avoiding Dead Air Spaces” for more information.

NOTE: For any location, make sure no door or other obstruction could keep carbon monoxide or gas from reaching the Alarm.

This unit should receive continuous electrical power. (The battery is meant for emergency back-up only). Choose an outlet where it can’t be accidentally unplugged or switched off by children. Keep small children away from the unit. Teach them not to play with it or unplug it. Explain what the alarms mean.

WHERE THIS ALARM SHOULD NOT BE INSTALLED

To avoid causing damage to the unit, to provide optimum protection, and to prevent unnecessary alarms, Do NOT locate this Alarm:

•In garages, kitchens, crawl spaces and unfinished attics. Avoid extremely dusty, dirty or greasy areas. Installation in these areas could lead to nuisance alarms, may expose the sensor to substances that could damage or contaminate it, or the Alarm may not be heard by persons in other areas of the home, especially if they are sleeping.

•In the garage, vehicle exhaust can contain some carbon monoxide. These levels are higher when the engine is first started. Within hours of starting a vehicle and backing it out of the garage, the levels present over time can activate the Alarm and become a nuisance.

•In the kitchen, some gas appliances can emit a short burst of CO or gas upon start-up. This is normal. If your Explosive Gas/CO Alarm is installed too close to these appliances, it may alarm often and become a nuisance.

•Keep units at least 20 feet (6 meters) from the sources of combustion particles (stove, furnace, water heater, space heater) if possible. In areas where a 20-foot (6m) distance is not possible – in modular, mobile, or smaller homes, for example – it is recommended the Alarm be placed as far from these fuel-burning sources as possible. The placement recommendations are intended to keep these Alarms at a reasonable

distance from a fuel-burning source, and thus reduce “unwanted” alarms. Unwanted alarms can occur if an Alarm is placed directly next to a fuelburning source. Ventilate these areas as much as possible. If you must install the Alarm near a cooking or heating appliance, install at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) from appliance.

•In extremely humid areas. This Alarm should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from a shower, sauna, humidifier, vaporizer, dishwasher, laundry room, utility room, or other source of high humidity.

•In direct sunlight.

•In turbulent air, like near ceiling fans or open windows. Blowing air may prevent CO or gas from reaching the sensors.

•In areas where temperature is colder than 40˚ F (4˚ C) or hotter than 100˚ F (38˚ C). These areas include non-airconditioned crawl spaces, unfinished attics, uninsulated or poorly insulated ceilings, porches, and garages.

•Less than 12 inches (305 mm) away from fluorescent lights. Electrical “noise” can interfere with the sensor.

•In “dead air” spaces. See “Avoiding Dead Air Spaces”.

AVOIDING DEAD AIR SPACES

“Dead air” spaces may prevent gas from reaching the Alarm. To avoid dead air spaces, follow installation recommendations below.

On ceilings, install Alarms as close to the center of the ceiling as possible.

If this is not possible, install the Alarm at least 4 inches (102 mm) from the wall or corner.

For wall mounting, the top edge of Alarms should be placed between 6 inches (152 mm) and 12 inches (305 mm) from the wall/ceiling line.

On a peaked, gabled, or cathedral ceiling, install Alarm within 3 feet (0.9 meters) of the peak of the ceiling, measured horizontally.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLATION

Since CO generally mixes well with air, mounting the Alarm will depend on the type of explosive gas you intend to detect. If you are not certain which type of gas you are using in your home, please read about natural gas and propane in “Where to Install this Alarm”.

•Make sure the alarm is not receiving excessively noisy power. Examples of noisy power could be major appliances on the same circuit, power from a generator or solar power, light dimmer on the same circuit or mounted near fluorescent lighting. Excessively noisy power may cause damage to your Alarm.

Find the pair of self-adhesive labels included with this Gas/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 Gas/CO Alarm, and the other label in the “fresh air” location you plan to go if the alarm sounds.

HOW TO INSTALL THIS GAS/CO ALARM

IMPORTANT! Read all instructions before using this product. Tools you will need: Screwdriver, drill.

1.Determine the best location for your Gas/CO Alarm.

2.Your Alarm is equipped to be mounted as a corded unit (recommended for natural gas detection), a direct plug unit (recommended for propane gas detection). The unit can be plugged directly into a wall outlet. If your outlets are mounted horizontally, refer to “If Outlet is Mounted Horizontally (Sideways)”.

If the adapter is taken out of the unit, the Alarm can be installed high on the wall, while the adapter is plugged into a wall outlet. The explosive gas you use will determine if the Alarm should be installed high on the wall (AC cord option) or low on the wall (direct plug option).

ACTIVATING THE BATTERY BACK-UP

Activate the battery back-up by installing the battery. The battery is for back-up only and is not intended to power the Alarm for an extended period of time in the absence of AC.

The Alarm will light-up the display briefly to indicate the unit is receiving power.

DIRECT PLUG ALARM INTO AN OUTLET (for Propane Detection)

This Alarm can be plugged directly into a wall outlet located close to the floor. This is the recommended configuration for detecting propane.

1.Choose a standard UNSWITCHED 120V AC outlet.

2.Plug Alarm in.

IF OUTLET IS MOUNTED HORIZONTALLY (SIDEWAYS)

If you are going to use your Alarm as a direct plug into an outlet that is mounted horizontally (sideways), you may want to rotate the adapter 90º, as follows:

1.With back of unit facing you (AC blades on your left), place your left thumb on adapter release and grab AC blades with your right hand to release the left side.

2.Repeat for the other side adapter thumb release. This will allow adapter to slide out.

3.Remove adapter.

4.Rotate the adapter 90º and snap firmly back into place.

5.Plug Alarm into AC outlet.

WALL MOUNTED ALARM (for Natural Gas Detection)

Installation tips for power cord models: The power cord option provides more flexibility in mounting locations and allows the Alarm to be easily installed at or above eye level.

NOTE: If you mount the Alarm high on a wall, make sure it is between 6 to 12 inches (152-305 mm) down from the ceiling. Any higher than this, it will be in “dead air” space and carbon monoxide or natural gas may not reach the sensors.

NOTE: Do not cover the Alarm with a curtain.

To install for a wall-mount, you will need to pull out the removable adapter and power cord, as follows:

1.Repeat steps 1 to 3 as described above in “to rotate the adapter”.

2.With adapter out, pull out power cord and unwrap it.

3.Insert the screws provided until head is approx. 1/8 inch (3 mm) from wall (if mounting in plaster board or drywall, drill 3/16 inch (5 mm) hole and use plastic anchor provided). Use mounting guide template to locate holes as shown in diagram below.

4.Hook the Alarm over the screw onto the keyhole in back of unit.

5.Plug power cord into AC outlet.

SECURING THE POWER CORD TO AN OUTLET

DISCONNECT POWER TO THE OUTLET TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK.

1.Remove the wallplate screw from the outlet and hold the wallplate in position.

2.Plug the power cord into the wall outlet so that the screw hole lines up with the wallplate screw hole.

3.Insert the screw through the power cord screw hole and into the wallplate screw hole.

4.Tighten screw in place and restore power to the outlet.

Mounting Guide Template

3 7/83.875inchesinches(98mm)

TEST THE ALARM

1.Make sure the Alarm is receiving AC power. Under normal operation, the Green indicator light will shine continuously. If the Green power indicator light does not light, recheck connections. If connections are correct and the Green power indicator still does not light, the unit should be replaced immediately.

2.Press and hold the test button until the alarm sounds. You will hear the signal that indicates the presence of explosive gas followed by the signal for carbon monoxide.

When testing the Alarm, have someone else check that the Alarm can be heard easily from the sleeping areas. The unit should be located where it can wake you if it alarms at night.

HOW YOUR ALARM WORKS

THE COVER OF YOUR ALARM

1. Test/Silence Button: Press and hold to activate test, or to silence the alarm.

	2.	POWER Light (GREEN)
	2	Display
3	3.	Display
3

4.	(Behind the Cover) Alarm
	Horn: 85dB audible alarm
	for test, alarm, and unit
	malfunction warning.
5.	Display Button: Press to
1	recall highest CO level
1	recorded
6.	Battery Compartment

IF YOUR GAS/CO ALARM SOUNDS

WHAT TO DO IF CARBON MONOXIDE IS DETECTED

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 CO ALARM SOUNDS:

1.Operate the Test/Silence button.

2.Call your emergency services, fire department or 911. Write down the number of your local emergency service here:

_______________________________________________________________

3.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 reenter 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.

4.After following steps 1-3, if your CO Alarm reactivates within a 24-hour period, repeat steps 1-3 and call a qualified appliance technician to investigate for sources of CO from fuel-burning equipment and appliances, 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:

_______________________________________________________________

WHAT TO DO IF EXPLOSIVE GAS IS DETECTED

If you hear the alarm horn sound one beep per second, gas has been detected. The word GAS will be displayed.

Evacuate everyone from the building.

1.Leave the house immediately, opening doors and windows as you leave.

2.Do not use your telephone or appliances. Do not turn any light switches off or on. Any spark or flame could ignite the gas.

3.Call 911 and your gas company from a phone that is away from your home.

4.Do not re-enter the area until the source of the leak is found and corrected.

•If the unit alarms and you are not testing the unit, it is warning you of a potentially dangerous situation that requires your immediate attention. NEVER ignore any alarm. Ignoring the alarm may result in injury or death.

•Never disconnect the power to quiet an unwanted alarm. Disconnecting the power disables the Alarm. This will remove your protection.

Alarms have various limitations. See "General Limitations of Gas/CO Alarms" for details.

USING THE SILENCE FEATURE

NEVER disconnect the power to your Alarm to silence the horn—use the Silence Feature. Disconnecting the Alarm removes your protection!

•The Silence Feature is intended to temporarily silence the horn while you identify and correct the problem.

•To use the Silence Feature, press the Test/Silence button until the horn is silent.

•If the Test/Silence button is pressed while the Alarm is in the silence mode, the alarm will start sounding again.

WHEN THE GAS ALARM IS SILENCED...

The Alarm will remain silent for approximately 2 minutes and then return to normal operation. If the gas has not cleared within the silence period, the unit will go back into alarm.

WHEN THE CO ALARM IS SILENCED...

The CO Alarm will remain silent for up to 4 minutes. While the Alarm is silenced, it will continue to monitor the air for CO. After 4 minutes, if CO levels remain potentially dangerous the horn will start sounding again.

The Silence Feature is intended to temporarily silence the Alarm horn. It will not correct a CO or gas problem.

USING THE REMOTE CONTROL TEST/SILENCE FEATURE

Using the VOLUME or CHANNEL buttons on most remote controls, you can test or silence this gas/CO Alarm from up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) away.

To Test or Silence the Alarm:

1. Make sure you have a clear path between you and the Alarm, free of any obstructions.

2. Point the remote at the front of the Alarm.

3. Press the VOLUME or CHANNEL button for at least 5 seconds.

If the Alarm does not respond to your remote control:

• You may be standing too far away.

•Your remote may not be compatible.

•You did not hold the button on your remote for at least 5 seconds.

•AC power must be present to Silence the low battery chirp.

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