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MODEL FCD4—User’s Manual
120V Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Alarm
With Battery Back-Up and Remote Control Test/Silence
120V AC 60 Hz .085A Standby .087A Alarm
Reliable Protection,
Maximum Convenience!
• Just install the battery, plug the
alarm into a regular outlet, test,
and it’s ready to go!
• Battery back-up keeps alarm
working if electricity fails.
• Test or silence the alarm
with a single push of most
household remote controls.
• Memory stores highest levels
of CO detected. Easy to
display, easy to clear!
Model FCD4
M06-1052-000 06/00
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Basic Safety Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
How Your CO Alarm Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Understanding Your CO Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Using the Remote Control Test/Silence Feature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Using The CO Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Where to Install CO Alarms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Where NOT to Install Your CO Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
How to Install Your CO Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
CHAPTER 3: IF YOUR CO ALARM SOUNDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
If the Alarm Sounds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Using the Silence Feature
Finding the Source of CO After an Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
CHAPTER 4: TESTING AND MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Weekly Testing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Manually
Remote Control
Regular Maintenance
Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
CHAPTER 5: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
What is CO? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Symptoms of CO Poisoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Potential Sources Of CO In The Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
How Can I Protect My Family?
CHAPTER 6: UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. UL2034 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
CHAPTER 7: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
CHAPTER 8: GENERAL LIMITATIONS OF CO ALARMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
LIMITED WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
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 user.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
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CHAPTER 1: 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.
IMPORTANT!
IMPORTANT!
IMPORTANT!
CAUTION!
WARNING!
This unit should receive continuous electrical
power . (The battery is meant for emergency
back-up only). Do not use in an extension cord
or outlet controlled by a dimmer or switch. In
order for the emergency battery back-up to
work, a working (fresh) battery must be
properly installed.
WARNING!
WARNING!
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.
WARNING!
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.
WARNING!
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 may consider using
warning devices which provide audible and
visual signals for carbon monoxide
concentrations under 30 ppm.
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HOW YOUR CO ALARM WORKS
General Information
Leave your CO Alarm plugged in year-round.
CO problems can occur any time during the
year, and this alarm can only alert you if it is
plugged in and receiving power.
This CO Alarm is intended for use in a standard,
unswitched 120V AC wall outlet. It is not intended
for use in extension cords, power strips, or
outlets controlled by a switch or dimmer . These
may not provide continuous power to the unit.
When fully powered, it samples the air
continuously. A microchip inside the unit stor es
each reading, and remembers the levels of CO it
has been exposed to over time. The unit goes
into alarm mode when it has been exposed to a
“critical” level of CO (measured in parts per
million or “ppm”) within a specified time
(measured in minutes). When the unit is in alarm
mode, the Digital Display will show the levels of
CO, measured in parts per million, present. This
Carbon Monoxide Alarm features a permanently
installed sensor, a r ed POWER/ALARM light, and
an 85 dB alarm horn. It also has a silence feature
to temporarily quiet the alarm horn.
Malfunction Warning
This unit performs self-diagnostic tests
approximately every second. If the Alarm
malfunctions, it should be replaced
immediately.
2
CAUTION!
The Cover Of Your CO Alarm
6
5
1
Test/Silence/Scroll Button: Press and release
to select mode (Test, Memory, Clear
Memory); Press and hold to activate mode,
or to silence the alarm.
2
POWER/ALARM Light (Red)
3
Digital Display
4
Air Vents
5
Alarm Horn: 85db audible alarm for test,
alarm, and unit malfunction warning.
6
Remote Control Target: Aim an IR remote
control at the front of the alarm to Test or
Silence. (Works with most IR remote
controls.)
4
3
2
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR CO ALARM
BASIC POWER CONDITIONS
Alarm operating
on AC power
Alarm operating
on emergency
battery back-up
Low / missing
battery warning
What you see and hear during installation
When you first install the battery
Horn Chirps briefly
Display Flashes “888”
POWER/
ALARM Light
When you first plug-in the CO alarm
Horn Chirps briefly
Display Dash appears
POWER/
ALARM Light
briefly; switches
to “bat”
Flashes once
a minute
by “READY”
Shines
continuously
Under normal conditions (AC power)
Horn Silent
Display Dash remains lit
POWER/
ALARM Light
at “READY”
Shines
continuously
When you test the CO alarm
Horn Sounds loudly -
Display Flashes “888”
POWER/
ALARM Light
4 beeps, pause,
4 beeps, pause
briefly
Flashes rapidly
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What you see and hear under different conditions:
During a power failure (in battery back-up)
Horn Chirps briefly
Display Displays the
POWER/
ALARM Light
word “bat”
continuously
Flashes once
a minute.
When the electricity comes back on
Horn Chirps briefly
Display Dash appears by
POWER/
ALARM Light
“READY”
Shines
continuously.
If battery becomes low or is missing
*Note: If the battery becomes very weak, you will
hear an extra loud series of “chirps.” Replace the
battery immediately
If the CO alarm is not operating properly
Horn Chirps once
Display The word “bat”
POWER/
ALARM Light
a minute*
flashes on and
off
Flashes once
a minute
!
Horn Three rapid
chirps every
minute
Display Displays “Err”
POWER/
ALARM Light
Flashes three
times in sync
with the horn.
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What you see and hear if CO is detected:
Pre-Alarm Levels (Between 30 and 70 ppm)
Horn Silent
Display Shows CO levels
POWER/
ALARM Light
Alarm levels of CO are detected (Over 70 ppm)
Horn Sounds loudly -
Display Shows CO levels
POWER/
ALARM Light
*Note: If unit goes into alarm under battery back-
up power, the regular 4 beeps-brief pause cycle
will repeat for four minutes. After four minutes, the
pause will increase to 1 minute.
detected in ppm
On continuously
4 beeps, pause,
4 beeps, pause.
This sequence
repeats for as
long as the unit is
in alarm*
detected in ppm
Flashes rapidly
If you silence the alarm
Horn Silent for about
Display Shows CO levels
POWER/
ALARM Light
*Note: After 4 minutes, if CO levels drop below
alarm levels, the unit will remain silent and return
to normal operation. If CO present still indicates
a potentially dangerous situation, the horn will
sound again.
4 minutes*
detected in ppm
Flashes rapidly
If the CO alarm returns to normal operation
Horn Silent
Display Dash lit by
POWER/
ALARM Light
“READY”
Shines
continuously
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USING THE REMOTE CONTROL
TEST/SILENCE FEATURE
Using the VOLUME or CHANNEL buttons on
most remote controls, you can test or silence this
CO alarm from up to 12 feet 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 2 seconds.
If the alarm does not respond to your
remote control:
• You may be standing too far away.
• Your remote may not be compatible.
• The feature may be accidentally disabled.
• You did not hold the button on your
remote for at least 2 seconds.
• The remote Silence feature only works once
in an alarm situation. Using the Test/Silence
button on the CO alarm will still silence the
unit. The remote Silence feature will return
when the unit clears itself.
OTE:
The remote control option will be disabled if you
hold down the Test/Silence/Scroll button while
installing the battery. If you accidentally disable
the remote option, remove the battery and reinstall it, making sure you are not touching the
Test/Silence/Scroll button.
6
USING THE CO MEMORY
The CO Memory Feature lets you check the
highest level of CO recorded during an alarm.
To check CO Memory:
1. Press and release the Test/
Silence/Scroll button until
dash scrolls to “MEMORY”.
2. Press and hold Test/Silence/
Scroll button to display
Memory CO level.
To clear CO Memory:
1. Press and release the Test/
Silence/Scroll button until
the dash scrolls to “CLEAR
MEMORY.”
2. Press and hold the Test/
Silence/Scroll button until
the display shows “CLr.”
OTE:
The highest CO level will be
saved, even after a power interruption, until you
clear it. DO NOT clear the CO Memory reading if
you plan to call someone to investigate a CO
problem! Clear the CO Memory reading only after
the investigator has checked your home.
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CHAPTER 2: Installation
WHERE TO INSTALL
CO ALARMS
The Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC) recommends the use of at least one CO
Alarm per household, located near the sleeping
area. 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 40 feet
(12 meters), install a CO Alarm at BOTH ends of
the hallway.
BEDROOM
LIVING ROOM
SUGGESTED AREAS FOR INSTALLING CO ALARMS
HALL
BASEMENT
BEDROOM
KITCHEN
BEDROOM
GARAGE
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 20 feet
(6 meters) 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. If
you have a basement, install that CO
Alarm at the top of the basement stairs.
• For added protection, install an
additional CO Alarm at least 20 feet
(6 meters) away from the furnace or fuel
burning heat source.
WARNING!
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 childr en
away from the unit. Teach them not to play
with it or unplug it. Explain what the alarms
mean.
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WHERE NOT TO INSTALL
YOUR CO ALARM
DO NOT locate this CO Alarm:
• In a location where it could
be easily triggered when
using your remote to
operate your TV, VCR, etc.
• In garages, kitchens, furnace rooms,
or in any extremely dusty, dirty or
greasy areas.
• Closer than 20 feet (6 meters) away from
a furnace or other fuel burning heat
source, or fuel burning appliances like a
water heater.
• Within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of any cooking
appliance.
• In extremely humid areas. This alarm
should be at least 10 feet (3 meters)
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
40˚F (4˚C) or hotter than 100˚F (38˚C).
These areas include unconditioned crawl
spaces, unfinished attics, uninsulated or
poorly insulated ceilings, porches, and
garages.
• In direct sunlight.
8
• In outlets covered by curtains
or other obstruction.
• 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.
WARNING!
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.
WARNING!
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.
WARNING!
DO NOT use this CO Alarm in warehouses,
industrial or commercial buildings, specialpurpose non-residential buildings, RVs,
boats, or airplanes. This CO Alarm is
specifically designed for residential use,
and may not provide adequate protection in
non-residential applications.
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HOW TO INSTALL YOUR
CO ALARM
IMPORTANT! Read all instructions before
using this product.
Quick
Reference:
1. Install
the 9V
battery
to
activate
the
battery
back-up.
2. Plug the
alarm into a
standard 120V
unswitched outlet.
3. Test the CO alarm.
Activate the Battery Back-Up
1. Open the battery compartment on the back
of the alarm.
2. Connect the battery to the battery contacts,
making sure it cannot shake loose.
3. Close the battery compartment completely.
IMPORTANT!
The battery back-up is designed to provide
emergency power to the CO alarm for up to
20 hours. Actual back-up time depends on the
strength (freshness) of the battery. The battery
back-up will not work unless a good battery is
properly installed.
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Plug The Alarm Into an Outlet
WARNING!
This CO Alarm should receive continuous
electrical power. The battery is meant for
emergency back-up only. Do not plug this
alarm into an outlet controlled by a dimmer
or switch.
1. Plug the unit into a standard UNSWITCHED
120V AC outlet. The unit should be located
where it can wake you if it alarms at night.
2. Make sure the POWER/ALARM light shines
continuously when you plug it in. The horn
will “chirp” during power up, or when power
is restored after an outage.
3. Test by pressing the Test/Silence/Scroll
button firmly until the unit sounds: 4 beeps,
pause, 4 beeps. During testing, the POWER/
ALARM light will flash and “888” will appear
briefly on the Display. This is normal.
10
Prepare Your Alarm Labels
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.
OTE:
A qualified appliance technician is defined as
“a person, firm, corporation, or company that
either in person or through a representative, is
engaged in and responsible for the installation,
testing, servicing, or replacement of heating,
ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) equipment,
combustion appliances and equipment, and/or
gas fireplaces or other decorative combustion
equipment.”
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CHAPTER 3: 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 Sounds:
1. Operate the Test/Silence/Scroll button
to silence the alarm.
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 r e-enter the pr emises,
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
WARNING!
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:
Display
Shows...
30
(or higher)
(or higher)
(or higher)
(or higher)
A number
than 450
Developing CO problem. The display
will only show levels of carbon monoxide
30 ppm or higher.
70
The unit is calibrated to sound an alarm
before 240 minutes have passed when
exposed to this level.
150
The unit is calibrated to sound an alarm
before 50 minutes have passed when
exposed to this level. At this level, an
average healthy adult may feel
headache within 90 minutes.
400
The unit is calibrated to sound an alarm
before 15 minutes have passed when
exposed to this level. This level may be
life threatening to a normal healthy adult
within three hours.
Over 450 ppm of CO has been detected.
higher
Evacuate immediately!
It Means...
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Using the Silence Feature
The silence feature is intended to temporarily
silence your CO alarm’ s horn while you corr ect
the problem—it will not correct a CO problem.
While the alarm is silenced, it will continue to
monitor the air for CO.
To Activate the Silence Feature Manually:
Press and hold the Test/Silence/Scroll button
until the horn is silent.
To Activate the Silence Feature
Using Your Remote Control:
Standing no farther than 12 feet away, point your
remote control at the cover of the CO Alarm and
push the VOLUME or CHANNEL button. Hold
the button down for at least 2 seconds.
Once you activate the Silence feature:
the Silence cycle will last approximately
4 minutes.
The remote Silence feature only works
NOTE:
once in an alarm situation. Using the Test/
Silence button on the CO alarm will still silence
the unit. The remote Silence feature will return
when the unit clears itself.
• If CO levels drop below alarm levels after
4 minutes, the unit will return to normal
operation and remain silent.
• If CO levels do not drop below alarm
levels, the unit will alarm again.
12
NEVER disconnect your CO alarm to silence
the horn. Use the silence feature. Unplugging
the CO alarm and removing the batteries
removes your protection!
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.
BRK Brands, Inc. shall not be obligated to
pay for any carbon monoxide investigation
or service call.
WARNING!
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CHAPTER 4: Testing and Maintenance
WEEKLY TESTING
You can test this CO alarm two ways:
1.
Manually:
Press the Test/Silence/Scroll button on the
alarm cover until alarm sounds.
Remote Control:
2.
Aim your IR remote at the
CO alarm and press the
CHANNEL or VOLUME
button.
During testing, you will hear a
loud alarm sequence – 4 beeps, pause, 4
beeps, pause.
WARNING!
If the Alarm ever fails to test properly,
replace it immediately. Products under
warranty may be returned to the
manufacturer for replacement. See “Limited
Warranty” at the end of this manual.
WARNING!
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.
The two methods described on this page
are the only proper ways to test the CO
Alarm. NEVER use vehicle exhaust! Exhaust
may cause permanent damage and voids
your warranty.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
To keep the CO Alarm working properly:
• Test it every week as described in
“Weekly Testing.”
• Vacuum the CO Alarm cover at least once
a month, using the soft brush attachment.
Never use water, cleaners, or solvents,
since they may damage the unit. Test the
Alarm again after vacuuming.
• Replace the battery immediately when
you see/hear the “Low Battery Warning”.
The Low (or Missing) Battery Warning:
The horn will “chirp” once a
minute and the word “bat” will
flash on and off on the display.
WARNING!
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REPLACING THE BATTERY
Choosing a Replacement Battery:
This unit requires one standard 9V alkaline
battery. The following alkaline batteries are
acceptable as replacements: Duracell
#MN1604 or MX1604; Eveready “Energizer”
522. You can also use an Ultralife 9 volt lithium
battery #U9VL for longer service life between
battery changes. These replacement batteries
are commonly available at local retail stores.
IMPORTANT!
Use only the alkaline or lithium replacement
batteries listed. The unit may not operate
properly with other batteries. Never use
rechargeable batteries since they may not
provide a constant charge.
To Replace The Battery:
1. Open the
battery
compartment.
2. Use the thumb
guide to
remove the
old battery.
14
3. Insert the new battery, making sure it snaps
completely into the battery terminals and
cannot be shaken loose.
4. Close the battery compartment, then test
the battery back-up by pressing the Test/
Silence/Scroll button.
5. Plug the CO alarm back into the outlet.
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
permanently damage the CO Alarm.
CAUTION!
IMPORTANT!
Household cleaners, aerosol chemicals, and
other contaminants can affect the sensor. When
using any of these materials near the alarm,
make sure the room is well ventilated.
IMPORTANT!
If your home is being fumigated, unplug the unit
temporarily and put it where it will not be
exposed to chemicals or fumes. When
fumigation is complete and all traces of fumes
clear, plug the unit back in and retest it.
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CHAPTER 5: 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 fi re).
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, ar e 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 Slight headache, nausea,
vomiting, fatigue (“flu-like” symptoms).
Medium Exposure Throbbing headache,
drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
Extreme Exposure Convulsions,
unconsciousness, heart and lung failure.
Exposure to Carbon Monoxide can cause brain
damage, death.
Some individuals are more sensitive to CO
than others, including people with cardiac or
respiratory problems, infants, unborn
babies, pregnant mothers, and elderly
people can be more quickly and severely
affected by CO. Members of sensitive
populations should consult their doctors for
advice on taking additional precautions.
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.
BRK Brands, Inc. shall not be obligated to
pay for any carbon monoxide investigation
or service call.
CAUTION!
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Potential Sources Of CO
In The Home
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 onagain-off-again CO problems can be caused by
outdoor conditions and other special
circumstances.
16
The following conditions can result in
transient CO situations:
1. Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel
appliances caused by outdoor 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 har d
to recreate during a CO investigation.
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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 appliances 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.
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CHAPTER 6: Underwriters Laboratories Inc. UL2034
What Levels of CO Cause an Alarm?
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. UL2034 defines
three specific alarm points by which all
residential CO Alarms must alarm. They are
measured in parts per million (ppm) of CO over
time (in minutes).
UL2034 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.
The unit is designed not to alarm when exposed
to a constant level of 30 ppm for 30 days.
*Approximately 10% COHb exposure at levels
of 15% to 95% Relative Humidity (RH).
CO Alarms are designed to alarm before there
is an immediate life threat.
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!
• 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.
Why is this
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This CO Alarm measures exposure to CO over
IMPORTANT!
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.
Just because you cannot see or smell CO, do
not assume it is not present!
Standards: Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide
Alarms UL2034.
According to Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
UL2034, Section 1.2: “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 exposure.” This
CO Alarm monitors the air, 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. UL 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: 85dB minimum at 10 feet.
Display Accuracy: Accuracy is +100% -40%
of actual concentration of CO at 50% RH +/5% RH and 73˚F +/- 4˚F (23˚+/- 2˚C).
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CHAPTER 7: Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t the alarm respond when I test it
and the POWER/ALARM light is OFF?
The CO alarm is not receiving power. It may
not be plugged in all the way and the battery
may be missing, low, or dead. Gently push
the unit all the way into the outlet, and make
sure the outlet is not controlled by a dimmer
or switch. Check the battery.
Why does the word “bat” keep flashing on
the display?
(You will also hear a “chirp” once a minute.)
The battery is weak or missing. Install a new
battery immediately.
Why is the word “bat” is continuously
displayed?
The unit is operating on battery back-up.
Why isn’t the remote Test/Silence
responding?
• You may be standing too far away.
• Your remote may not be compatible.
• You may have accidentally disabled the
feature.
• Y ou must hold the button on your remote
for at least 2 seconds to activate the
Silence feature.
• The remote silence feature only works
once in an alarm situation. Using the Test/
20
Silence button on the CO alarm will still
silence the unit. The remote Silence feature will return when the unit clears itself.
Why does the alarm sound three rapid
“chirps” every minute?
If the display reads “Err,” replace the CO
alarm immediately. Units under warranty
can be returned to the manufacturer for
replacement. See Warranty for details.
Why does the alarm sound again about 4
minutes after I used the Silence feature?
CO levels still indicate a potentially
dangerous situation. Refer to Chapter 3 “If
Your CO Alarm Sounds” for details on how
to respond to an alarm. If anyone is feeling
ill, EVACUATE your home immediately.
Why does the CO alarm sound frequently,
but no high levels of CO are found in an
investigation?
The CO Alarm may be improperly located.
Try relocating your alarm. (Refer to “Where
to Install CO Alarms.”) If frequent alarms
continue, have home rechecked for potential
CO problems. You may be experiencing an
intermittent CO problem
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CHAPTER 8: General Limitations Of CO Alarms
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 will not work without power.
Alarm requires a continuous supply of AC power.
Plug into an unswitched 120V AC outlet only.
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 current UL standards
of 85 dB at 10 feet (3 meters). 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
This CO
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.
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Limited Warranty
Coverage: BRK Brands, Inc. warrants its
enclosed carbon monoxide alarm to be free from
defects in materials and workmanship under
normal use for a period of five years from the date
of purchase. During the first year after the date of
purchase, BRK Brands, Inc. will replace any
defective carbon monoxide alarm without charge.
During the next four years, BRK Brands, Inc. will
replace any defective carbon monoxide alarm at a
charge to you not to exceed BRK Brands, Inc.’s
cost. 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. If this carbon monoxide
alarm is installed by a contractor , this warranty will
be valid for the homeowner (or the first
homeowner after installation) from the date of
initial purchase by the contractor and is not
transferable. Dealers, service centers, or retail
stores selling this product do not have the right to
alter , modify or any way change the terms and
conditions 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 or use contrary to the
operating instructions, disassembly, repair or
alteration by anyone other than BRK Brands, Inc.
Further , the warranty does not cover acts of God,
such as fire, flood, hurricanes and tornadoes.
22
BRK Brands, Inc. 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 for
five years. 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 exclusions 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.
Service: Units under warranty and in need of
repair should be returned, shipping prepaid, to
BRK Brands, Inc., Attn.: Consumer Affairs, 3920
Enterprise Court, Aurora, IL 60504-8132.
Warranty: 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 the battery.
For your records, please record
Date Purchased:
Where Purchased:
First Alert® is a registered trademark
of the First Alert Trust.
M06-1052-000 06/00
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