First Alert ZCOMBO-G, ZCOMBO User Manual

USER’S MANUAL

SUGGESTED AREAS FOR INSTALLING 

COMBINATION CARBON
MONOXIDE & SMOKE ALARM

Separate sensor s to detect smoke and CO;
the two alarm systems work independently

Powered by two “AA” batteries

Side access drawer for easy
battery replacement

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE.

This user’s manual contains impor tant information about your Combination
Carbon Monoxide & S moke Alarm’s operation. If you are installing this Alarm for
use by othe rs, you must leave this manual— or a copy of it—with the end user.

Printed in Mexico
M08-0456-153450-WEB K1 6/19

© 2019 BRK Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by BRK Brands, Inc. BRK Brands, Inc. is a
subsidiary of Newell Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: NWL) 3901 Liberty Street, Aurora, IL 60504-8122 •
Customer Service Team: [phone] • www.firstalert.com • www.brkelectronics.com

All First Alert® and BRK® Smoke Alarms conform to regulatory requirements,
including UL217 and are designed to detect particles of combustion.
Smoke particles of varying number and size are produced in all fires.

Ionization technology is generally more sensitive than photoelectric technology at
detecting small particles, which tend to be p roduce d in greater amounts by flaming
fires, which consume combustible materials rapidly and spread quickly. Sources of
these fires may include paper burning in a waste basket, o r a grease fire in the kitchen.

Photoelectric technology is generally more sensitive than ionization technology
at detecting large particles, which tend to be produc ed in greater amounts
by smoldering fires, which may smolder for hours before bursting into flame.
Sources of these fires may include cigarettes burning in couches or bedding.

For maximum protection, use both types of Smoke Alarms
on each level and in ever y bedroom of your home.

CONFORMS TO
UL STD 217 AND UL STD 20 34

Model ZCOMBO
Sku ZCOMBO-G

INTRODUCTION

FIRE SAFETY TIPS

Follow safety rules and prevent hazardous situations: 1) Use smoking materials properly. Never
smoke in be d. 2) Keep matches or lighters away from children; 3) Store flammable materials
in prope r containers; 4) Keep electrical appliances in good condition and don’t overload
electrical circuits; 5) Keep stoves, barbecue grills, fireplaces an d chimneys grease- and debris­free; 6) Never leave any thing cooking on the stove unattended; 7) Keep portable heaters and
open flames, like candles, away from flammable materials; 8) Don’t let rubbish accumulate.

Keep alarms clean, and test them weekly. Replace alarms immediately if they are not working
properly. Smoke Alarms that do not work cannot alert you to a fire. Keep at least one working
fire extinguisher on ever y floor, and an additional one in the kitchen. Have fire escape
ladders or other reliable means of e scape from an upper floor in case stairs are blocked.

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 Smoke/CO Alarm is approved for use in single-family

residences. It is NOT designed for marine or RV use.

• This combination Smoke/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 Smoke Alarm will only indicate the presence of smoke that
reaches the sensor. The Smoke Alarm is not designed to sense gas, heat or flames.

• This Smoke/CO Alarm cannot operate without working batteries.

Removing the batteries for any reason, or failing to replace the
batteries at the end of their service life, removes your protection.

• NEVER ignore any alarm. See “If Your Smoke/CO Alarm Sounds” for more information

on how to respond to an alarm. Failure to respond can result in injury or death.

• The Silence Features are for your convenience only and will not correct a problem.

See “Using the Silence Features” for details. Always check your home for a
potential problem after any alarm. Failure to do so can result in injury or death.

• Test this Smoke/CO 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 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 Safet y
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.

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FCC COMPLIANCE

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits fo r a
Class B digital device, pur suant to Pa rt 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in
a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and ca n radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and use d in accordance with the
instru ctions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that the inter ference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determine d by turning the equipment of f and on, the user is
encouraged to tr y to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increa se the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that of the receiver.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or TV technician for help.

Change s or modifications to the product, not expressly approved by First Alert /
BRK Brands, Inc., could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two co nditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any inter ference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.

INSTALLATION

WHERE TO INSTALL THIS ALARM

Minimum coverage for Smoke Alarms, as recommended by the National
Fire Prote ction Association (NFPA), is one Smoke Alarm on every floo r, in
every sleeping area, and in every bedroom (See “Re gulator y Information
For Smoke Alarms” for details on the NFPA recommendations).

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 prote ction, install additional
CO Alarms in each separate bedroom, and on every level of your home.

NOTE: For added protection, install an additional Smoke/CO Alarm at least
15 feet (4.6 meters) away from the furnace or fuel burning heat source where
possible. In smaller homes or in manufactured homes where this distance cannot
be maint ained, install the Alarm a s far away as possible from the furnace or
other fuel burning source. Installing the Alarm closer than 15 feet (4.6 meters) will
not harm the Alarm, but may increase the frequency of unwanted alarms.

IN GENERAL, INSTALL COMBINATION SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS:

• On every level of your home, including finished attics and basements.

• Inside every bedroom, especially if people slee p with

the door partly o r comple tely closed.

• In the hall near ever y sleeping area. If your home has multiple sleeping areas, install a

unit in each. If a hall is more than 40 feet (12 meters) long, install a unit at each end.

• At the top of first-to-second f loor stairs.

• At the bottom of the basement stairs.

• For additional coverage, install Alarms in all rooms, halls, and storage areas, where

temperatures normally remain between 40˚ F and 100 ˚ F (4.4˚ C and 37.8˚ C).

RECOMMENDED PLACEMENT

SMOKE ALARMS, CO ALARMS, AND COMBO UNITS

KEY:

SMOKE ALARMS

SMOKE ALARM WITH 
SILENCE FEATURE

CO ALARMS

BOTH, OR COMBINATION 
SMOKE/CO ALARMS

Suggested locations are based on
NFPA recommendations (NFPA 72 
for Smoke Alarms and NFPA 720 for
Carbon Monoxide Alarms). Always 
refer to national and local codes 

In new construction AC and AC/DC smoke alarms MUST
be interconnected to meet NFPA recommendations.

• When installing on the wall, the top edge of Smoke Ala rms should be plac ed

between 4 inches (102 mm) and 12 inches (305 mm) from the wall/ceiling line.

• When installing on the ceiling, plac e the alar m as close to the center as possible.

• In either case, install at least 4 inches (102 mm) from where the wa ll and

ceiling meet. Se e “Avoiding Dead Air Spaces” for more information.

NOTE: For any location, make sure no door or other obstr uction c ould
keep car bon monoxide or smoke from reaching the Alarm.

Installing Smoke/CO Alarms in Mobile Homes

For minimum secur ity install one Smoke/CO Alarm as close to each sleeping
area as possible. For more securit y, put one unit in each room. Many older
mobile homes (esp ecially those built before 1978) have little or no insulation.
If your mobile home is not well insulated, or if you are unsure of the amount
of insulation, it is important to install units on inside walls only.

before beginning any installation.

WHERE THIS ALARM SHOULD NOT BE INSTALLED

DO NOT LOCATE THIS SMOKE/CO ALARM:

• In garages, fur nace rooms, crawl spaces and unfinished at tics.

Avoid extremely dusty, dirt y or greasy areas.

• Where combustion particles are produced. Combustion particles form when something

burns. Areas to avoid include poorly ventilate d kitchens, garages, and furnace rooms. Keep
units at least 20 feet (6 meters) from the sources of combustion par ticles (stove, furnace, water
heater, space heater) if possible. In areas where a 20-foot (6 meter) distance is not possible – in
modular, mobile, or smaller homes, for example – it is recommended the Smoke 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 f uel-burning source,
and thus reduce “unwanted” alarms. Unwanted alarms can occur if a Smoke Alarm is
placed directly next to a fuel-burning source. Ventilate these areas as much as possible.

• Within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of any cooking appliance. In air streams near kitchens. Air

currents can draw cooking smoke into the smoke sensor and cause unwanted alar ms.

• In extremely humid areas. This Alarm should be at lea st 10 feet (3 meters) from a shower, sauna ,

humidifier, vaporizer, dishwasher, laundr y 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 smoke from reaching the sensors.

• In area s where temperature is colder than 40 ˚ F (4.4˚ C) or hot ter than 100˚F

(37.8˚ C). These areas include non-airconditioned crawl spaces, unfinished
attics, uninsulated or poorly insulated ceilings, porches, and garages.

• In insect infested areas. Insects can clog the openings to the sensing chamber.

• 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 smoke from reaching the Smoke/CO Alarm.
To avoid dead air spaces, follow installation recommendations below.

On ceilings, install Smoke/CO Alarms as close to the center of the ceiling as possible. If this
is not pos sible, install the Smoke/CO A larm at least 4 inches (102 mm) from the wall or corner.

For wall mounting (if allowed by building codes), the top e dge of Smoke/
CO Alarms should be placed between 4 inches (102 mm) and 12 inches
(305 mm) from the wall /ceiling line, below t ypical “dead air” spaces.

On a peaked, gabled, or cathedral ceiling, install first Smoke/CO Alarm within 3
feet (0.9 meters) of the peak of the ceiling, measured horizontally. Additional Smoke/
CO Alarms may be required depending on the length, angle, etc. of the ceiling’s
slope. Refer to NFPA 72 for details on requirements for sloped or peaked ceilings.

• Do not connect this unit to any other alarm or auxiliary device. It is a

single-station unit that cannot be linked to other devices. Connecting
anything else to this unit may prevent it from working properly.

• Do not install this unit over an electrical junction box. Air currents

around junction boxes can prevent smoke from reaching the sensing
chamber and prevent the unit from alarming. Only AC powered
units are intended for installation over junction boxes.

If you want to lock the batter y compartment, or lock the Smoke/
CO Alarm to the mounting bracket, please read the “Optional
Locking Features” section located at www.firstalert.com.

1. Hold base firmly and twist the mounting bracket

counterclockwise (left) to separate it from the unit.

2. Hold the mounting bracket against the ceiling (or wa ll) so the ve rtical

mounting slot is aligned in the 12 o’clock position and trace around the
inside of the mounting slots (vertical and horizontal mounting).

3. Put the unit where it won’t get covered with dust when you drill the mounting holes.

4. Using a 3/16” (5 mm) drill bit, drill a hole through the

center of the oval outlines you traced.

5. Insert the plastic screw a nchors (in the plastic bag with screws)

into the holes. Tap the screw anchors gently with a hammer, if
neces sary, until they are flush with the ceiling or wall.

6. Line the mounting bracket up over the plastic screw anchors.

7. Screw the mounting bracket to the ceiling or wall through

the mounting slots using the t wo screws p rovided.

8. Before attaching the Alarm to the bracket,

inser t the two (2) A A batteries (include d)
into the battery compartment. Match the
terminals on the end of the bat tery with the
terminals on the unit. Match “+” to “+” and “-”
to “-.” If the batteries are not fully inserte d,
the unit cannot receive bat tery power.

NOTE: The unit may beep briefly when
you install the bat teries. This is normal. The
GREEN Light flashes abou t every 60 seconds
when the unit is receiving battery power.

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WEEKLY TESTING

• NEVER use an open flame of any kind to test this unit. You might accidentally damage

or set fire to the unit or to your home. The built-in test switch accurately tests the
unit’s operation as required by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL). NEVER use
vehicle exhaust! Exhaust may cause permanent damage and voids your warranty.

• 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.

It is important to test this unit every week to make sure it is working properly.
Using the test button is the recommended way to test this Smoke/CO Alarm.

You can test this Smoke/CO Alarm: Press and hold the Test /

Silenc e button 3-5 seconds until unit sta rts to alarm.

During testing, you will see and hear the following sequence:

• The Horn will sound 3 be eps, pau se, 3 beeps. The Power/

Smoke LED flashes Red and the CO LED will be Off.

• Next the Horn will sound 4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps. The Power/

Smoke LED will be Off and the CO LED flashes Red.

If the unit does not alarm, make sure the batteries are correctly installed,
and test again. If the unit still does not alarm, replace it immediately.

HOW TO INSTALL THIS ALARM

This combination Smoke/CO Alarm was designed to be mounted on the ceiling
or wall. It is not a tabletop device. You must install this device on the ceiling or

wall as outlined be low. Read “Where To Install This Alarm” before star ting.

Tools you will need: pencil, drill with 3/16” or 5mm
drill bit, flathead screwdriver, hammer.

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PARTS OF THIS SMOKE/CO ALARM

1. Test/Silence Button

2. Battery Compartment

3. Power/Smoke Alarm LED

4. CO Alarm LED

The batter y door will resist closing unless bat teries are installed.
This warns you the unit will not operate without batteries.

9. Attach the Smoke/CO Alarm to the mounting bracket.

Line up the guides on the alarm’s base with the guides
on the mounting bracket. When guides a re lined up, turn
the base clockwise (right) until it snaps into place.

NOTE: Once the Smoke/CO Alarm is snapped
onto the mounting br acket, you can rotate the
Smoke/CO A larm to adjust the alignment.

10. Test the Smoke/CO Alarm. See “Wee kly Testing” for details.

OTHER Z-WAVE SYSTEMS

The alarm will ope rate with 3 rd party, certified Z-Wave devices. Basic command class
required by all Z-Wave device s. By the requirements of the Device Cla ss spec, this
command class does not have to be mapped to any particular functionality for this device.

INCLUSION

1. Slide battery door open.

2. Insert batteries checking the correct orientation.

3. Press and hold the test button. Keep it held down as you slide the

battery drawer closed. You may then release the button.

EXCLUSION

1. Slide battery door open.

2. Remove and re-insert batteries checking the correct orientation.

3. Press and hold the test button. Keep it held down as you slide the

battery drawer closed. You may then release the button.

• The alarm will remain awake for 30 seconds on inclusion.

• The alarm supports one association group with up to 1

node, and sends its alarms to that group.

• The alarm supports configuration parameter #1, which has a size of 1, a default

value of 0, and when set to 1 causes the device to send double alarm messages.

RESET DEVICE

If the device is powered up with the test but ton held down for 10+ seconds,
the devic e will reset all Z-Wave settings and leave the network.

NOTE: The device will not remain awake after resetting and will go into standby mode.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE

This unit has been designed to be as maintenance-free as possible, but
there are a few simple things you must do to keep it working properly.

• Test it at least once a week.

• Clean the Smoke/CO Alarm at least once a month; ge ntly vacuum the outside

of the Smoke/CO Alarm using your household vacuum’s soft brush attachment.
A can of cle an compressed air (sold at compute r or offi ce supply stores) may
also be used. Follow manufacturer in structions for use. Test the Smoke/CO
Alarm. Never use water, cleaners or solvents since they may damage the unit.

• If the Smoke/CO Alarm becomes contaminated by excessive dirt, dust and/or grime,

and cannot be cleaned to avoid unwanted alarms, replace the unit immediately.

• Relocate the unit if it sound s frequent unwante d alarms. See

“Where This Alarm Should Not Be Installed” for deta ils.

Choosing a replacement battery:

Your Smoke/CO Alarm requires two standard AA batteries. The following
batteries are acceptable as replacements: Energizer E91, Duracell MN1500.

These batteries are available at many local retail stores.

4. After following steps 1-3, if your CO Alarm reactivates within a 24-hour period,

repeat steps 1-3 and c all a qualified ap pliance technician to inves tigate 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 ser viced immediately. Note any co mbustion
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, bee n operating in an at tached garage or adjace nt to the
residence. Write down the number of a qualified a ppliance technician here:

__________________________________________________________________

NOTE: A qualified appliance technician is def ined as “a person, firm, corporation,
or company that either in person or through a representative, is e ngaged in and
responsible for the installation, testing, servicing, or replacement of heating,
ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, combustion appliances and
equipment, and /or gas fireplace s or other decorative combustion equipment.”

IF THE SMOKE ALARM SOUNDS

RESPONDING TO AN ALARM

• Always use the exact batteries specified by this User’s Manual.

DO NOT use rechargeable batteries. Clean the bat tery 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 batter y is swallowed,

immediately contact your poison control center, your physician, or the National
Battery Ingestion hotline at 202-625-3333 as serious injury may occur.

Actual batter y service life depends on the Smoke/CO Alarm and the environment in which
it is installed. All the batteries specified above are acceptable replacement batteries for
this unit. Regardless of the manufacturer’s suggested battery life, you MUST replace
the battery immediately once the unit starts “chirping” (the “low battery warning”).

To replace the batteries (without removing
Alarm from the ceiling or wall):

1. Open the battery compartment.

2. Press tabs A and B as shown in the diagram and remove each batter y.

3. Insert the new batteries, making sure they snap completely

into the battery compartment. Match the terminals on the
ends of the batteries with the terminals on the unit.

4. Close the battery compartment, and then test the

unit by pre ssing the Test/Silence but ton.

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B

A

IF YOUR SMOKE/CO ALARM SOUNDS

WHAT TO DO FIRST–IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF ALARM

Type of Alarm What You See and Hear

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Smoke

CO LED: Flashes Red
Horn: 4 beeps, pause, 4 be eps, pau se
Power/Smoke LED: Off

Power/Smoke LED: Flashes Red
Horn: 3 beeps, pause, 3 be eps, pau se
CO LED: Off

• 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 remove the batteries from a battery operated Smoke/CO

Alarm to stop an unwanted alarm (caused by cooking smoke, etc.).
Removing batteries disables the alarm so it cannot sense smoke,
and removes your protection. Instead open a window or fan the
smoke away from the unit. The alarm will reset automatically.

• If the unit alarms get ever yone out of the house immediately.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FIRE

Don’t panic; stay calm. Follow you r family escape plan.

Get out of the house as quickly as possible. Don’t stop to get dressed or collect anything.

Feel doors with the back of your hand befo re opening them. If a
door is cool, open i t slowly. Don’t open a hot door. Keep doors and
windows closed, unless you must escape through them.

Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth (preferabl y damp). Take shor t, shallow breaths.

Meet at your planned meeting place outside your home, and do
a head count to make sure everybody got out safely.

Call the Fire Depar tment as soon as possible from
outside. Give your address, then your name.

Never go back inside a burning building for any reason.

Contac t your Fire Department for ideas on making your home safer.

Alarms have various limitations. See “General
Limitations of Smoke/CO Alarms” for details.

USING THE SILENCE FEATURES

Never remove the batteries to quiet an unwanted alarm. Removing
the batteries disables the alarm and removes your protection.

The Sile nce Feature is intended to temporarily silence the horn while you
identify and correct the problem. Do not use the Silence Feature in emergency
situations. It will not correct a CO problem or ex tinguish a fire.

The Sile nce Feature can temporarily quiet an unwanted a larm for several minutes.
Press the Test/Silence but ton on the alarm cover for at least 3-5 seconds.

After the Test/Silence but ton is released, the Red LED blinks during the silence mode.

When the Smoke Alarm is Silenced When the CO Alarm is Silenced

IF THE CO ALARM SOUNDS

“ALARM-MOVE TO FRESH AIR”

If you hear the CO alarm horn and the CO red light is flashing, move

everyone to a source of fresh air. DO NOT remove the batteries!

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 SIGNAL SOUNDS:

1. Operate the Test/Silence button.

2. Call your emergency services, fire depar tment 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 p erson s 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.

The Smoke Alarm will remain silent for up to
15 minutes, then return to normal operation.

If the smoke has not cle ared–or continues to
increa se–the device will go back into alarm.

SILENCING THE LOW BATTERY WARNING

This silence feature can temporarily quiet the low bat tery warning “chirp” for
up to 8 hours. Press the Test/Silence but ton on the alarm cover.

Once the low battery warning “chirp” silence feature is activated, the unit continue s to flash the
Green light once a minute for 8 hours. Af ter 8 hours, the low batter y “chirp” will resume. Replace

the batteries as soon as possible; this unit will not operate wit hout battery power!

To deactivate this feature: Press the Test/Silence button again. The unit will go into Test Mode

and the low batter y warning will resume (LED flashes and unit sounds “chir p” once a minute).

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 feature has been activated.

The CO alarm will re main
silent for up to 4 minutes.

After 4 minutes, if CO levels
remain potentially dangerous the
horn will start sounding again.

After approximately 2 days, the End of Life “chirp” will resume.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CO

WHAT IS CO?

CO is an invisible, odorles s, tasteless gas produced when fo ssil
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 sou rces of CO. If they are not p roperly maintained,
are impr operly ventilated, or malfunctio n, CO levels can rise quickly. CO is a real
danger now that homes are more energy effic ient. “Air-tig ht” homes with add ed
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.

Expos ure to Carbon Monoxide can cause brain damage, death.

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 t his important? Because you need
to be warned of a potent ial 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 respirator y problems, infants, unborn babies, pregnant
mothers, or elderly people can be more quickly and severely af fected by CO. If you
experience even mild symptoms of CO poisoning, consult your doctor immediately!

FINDING THE SOURCE OF CO AFTER AN ALARM

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas, which often ma kes it
difficult to locate the source of CO af ter an alarm. The se are a few of
the factors that can make it difficult to locate s ources of CO:

• House well ve ntilated before the investig ator arr ives.

• Problem caused by “backdrafting.”

• Transient CO problem caused by special circumstances.

Because CO may dis sipate by th e time an inve stigato r arrive s, 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.

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POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CO IN THE HOME

Fuel-burning appliances like: portable
heater, gas o r wood burning fireplace, g as
kitchen range or cooktop, gas cloth es drye r.

Damaged or insufficient venting: corroded
or disconnecte d 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 barbe cue grill or vehicle in an enclosed
area (like a garage or scree ned porch).

Transient CO Problems: “transient” or on-again­off-again CO problems ca n be caused by outdoor
conditions and other special circumstances.

The following conditions can result in transient CO situations:

1. Excessive s pillage or reverse venting of fuel appliances

caused by outdoor conditi ons such as:

• Wind direc tion and /or veloci ty, including high, gusty win ds. Heav y air in the

vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended pe riods between cycles).

• Negative pressure differential resulting from the u se of exhau st 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 bu rning devices (range, oven, fireplace).

3. Temperature inversions, which ca n trap exhaust close to the ground.

4. Car idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near a home.

These c onditions are dangerous because they can trap exhau st in your home. Since these
conditions can c ome and go, they are also hard to re create during a CO investigation.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MY FAMILY
FROM CO POISONING?

A CO Alarm is an excellent means of protection. It monitors the air and sounds a loud
alarm before Car bon Monoxide levels become threatening for average, healthy adul ts.

A CO Alarm is not a substitute for proper maintenance of home appliances.

To help prevent C O proble ms and reduce the risk of CO poi soning:

• Clean chimneys and flues yearly. Keep them free of debris, leaves, and nests for

proper air flow. Als o, have a profe ssional check for rust an d corrosion, cracks,
or separations. These conditions can prevent proper air move ment and cause
backdrafting. N ever “cap” or cover a chim ney in any way that would bl ock air flow.

• Test and maintain all fue l-burning equipment annually. Many local ga s or oil

companies and HVAC companies offer appliance inspections for a nomin al fee.

• Make regular visual inspections of all fuel-burning appliances. Check appliances for

excessive rust an d scaling. Also check the flame on the burner and pilot lights. The
flame should be blue. A yellow f lame means fuel is not being burned c omplete ly and CO
may be pre sent. Keep the blower door on the furnac e closed. Use vents o r fans whe n
they are available on all fuel-burning appliances. Make sure appliances are vented to
the outside. Do not grill or ba rbecue indoor s, 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 ho use or garage on the other side of shared wall.

• Keep windows and door s open slightly. If you su spect 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 u nderstand what to do if your CO Alarm sounds.

REGULATORY INFORMATION FOR SMOKE/CO ALARMS

REGULATORY INFORMATION FOR CO ALARMS

WHAT LEVELS OF CO CAUSE AN AL ARM?

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Standard UL2034 requires residential CO Alarms
to sound when expos ed to levels of CO and exposure tim es as described below.
They are measured in parts per million (ppm) of CO over time (in minutes).

UL2034 Required Alarm Points*:

• If the alarm is expose d to 400 ppm of CO, IT MUST AL ARM BE TWEEN 4 a nd 15 MINUTES.

• If the alarm is expose d to 150 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM BETWEEN 10 and 50 MIN UTES.

• If the alarm is expose d to 70 ppm if CO, IT MUST ALA RM BET WEEN 60 and 240 MINUTES.

* Approximately 10% COHb exposure at levels of 10% to 95% Relative Humidity (R H).

The unit is designed not to alarm when exposed to a constant level of 30 p pm 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 aver age,

healthy adults, but after 4 hours the same level may cause headaches.

• An exposure to 400 ppm of CO may cause headaches in average, hea lthy

adults after 35 minutes, but can cause death after 2 hou rs.

Standards: Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Single and Multiple
Station carbon monoxide alarms UL2034.

According to Unde rwriters Laborator ies Inc. UL2034, S ection 1-1.2: “Carbon monoxide alarms
covered by these requirements are intended to respond to the presence of carbon monoxide fro m
sources such as, but not lim ited to, exhaust from internal-combustion engines, abnormal oper ation
of fuel-fired appliances, and fi replaces. CO Alarms are intended to alarm at c arbon monoxide
levels be low those that could cause a loss of abili ty to reac t to the dangers of Carbon Mon oxide
exposure.” This CO Alarm moni tors 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 co rrect the problem.
This is only possible if Alarms are l ocated, installed, and maintain ed 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 ty picall y. UL tested for false
alarm resista nce to Methane (500 ppm), Butane (300 ppm), Heptane (500 ppm),
Ethyl Acetate (200 ppm), Isopropyl Alco hol (200 ppm) and Carbon Dioxi de (500 0
ppm). Values measure gas and vapor conc entrations in parts per million.

Audible Alarm: 85 dB minimum at 10 feet (3 meter s).

REGULATORY INFORMATION FOR SMOKE ALARMS
RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR SMOKE ALARMS

Installing Smoke Alarms in Single-Family Residences

The Nati onal Fire Protection Asso ciation (NFPA), recommends one Smoke Alarm on every floor,
in every sleeping area, a nd in ever y bedroom. In new construction, the Smoke Alarms must
be AC powere d and interconne cted. Se e “Agency Plac ement Recomme ndations” for details.

For additional coverage, it is recommended that you install a Smoke Alarm in all
rooms, halls, sto rage areas, finished at tics, and basements, where temperature s
normally remain between 40˚ F (4.4˚ C) and 100˚ F (37.8˚ C). Make s ure no doo r
or other obstruc tion could keep smoke from reaching the Smoke Ala rms.

More specifically, install Smoke Alarms:

• On every level of your home, including fini shed at tics and basements.

• Inside ever y bedroom, esp eciall y if people sleep with the doo r partly or completely closed.

• In the hall near every sleeping area. If your home has multiple sleeping areas, install a

unit in each. If a hall is more than 40 feet long (12 meters), install a unit at each end.

• At the top of the fi rst-to-second f loor stairway, and at the bottom of the basement st airway.

Specific requirements for Smoke Alarm in stalla tion var y from state to state and from region
to region. Check wi th your loc al Fire Department for current re quirem ents in you r area.

It is recommended AC or AC/DC units be interconnected for added protection.

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