Kidde COQ8 Owner's Manual

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas. It cannot be seen, felt, tasted, or smelled. The effects of CO poisoning can cause household members to become extremely ill or even cause death. Due to damage, poor maintenance, or defects, many appliances like furnaces, ovens, fireplaces, kerosene heaters, and grills may silently emit CO. Advance warning of CO poisoning is only possible if you install and maintain a CO detection device.

The amount of CO in the air is measured in parts per million (ppm). Carbon monoxide occurs when fuel burns without sufficient oxygen (incomplete combustion). This type of malfunction can happen to any fuel-burning appliance at any time. Many fireplace chimneys, for example, can become filled with leaves during the fall season. If enough leaves, dirt, and soot are accumulated in the chimney, proper ventilation will be interrupted. This can cause a backdraft of CO into the home. The result can be fatal. With proper maintenance and cleaning, however, the potential for CO build up can be reduced.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious issue. Many families suffer daily, and over one thousand lives are lost each year because of this deadly household gas. With proper maintenance and care, this CO alarm can give family members advance warning to CO emissions. Please read this manual thoroughly to learn how to properly install, operate, clean, and repair your CO alarm, and for important safety tips to safeguard your family from deadly CO poisoning.

The following symbols identify the most important safety messages in this manual.

When you see this symbol, be aware that if the message is ignored, the hazard WILL result in SEVERE bodily injury or death.

When you see this symbol, be aware that if the message is ignored, the hazard CAN cause SEVERE bodily injury or death.

When you see this symbol, be aware that if the message is ignored, the hazard CAN or WILL cause MINOR bodily injury.

Thank you for purchasing a Firex carbon monoxide alarm.

It is an important component of your home security system.

Please read this booklet thoroughly. The more familiar

you are with the information it contains, the easier you will

find it to install, operate, and maintain your carbon monoxide

alarm properly. This ultimately means greater security

and peace of mind for you and your family.

Maple Chase

1 The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide (CO) 2 CO Alarm Features 2 Where to Install Your CO Alarm 3How to Install Your CO Alarm 4 How to Operate Your CO Alarm 4What to Do if the Alarm Sounds 5 Maintenance and Cleaning 5Troubleshooting 5 Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide

Poisoning

5Conditions That Can Cause CO Levels

to Change 6 Home Safety Tips 6Limited Warranty

Table Of Contents

Model COQ8

120V AC Direct Wire

with 9V Battery Backup

and Smart Interconnect

CAUTION

WARNING

DANGER

110-1022B

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide (cont.)

BE AWARE OF COMMON SOURCES OF CARBON MONOXIDE. Common sources of carbon monoxide are furnaces, heating devices, water heaters, gas stoves, kerosene heaters, fireplaces, barbecues used indoors, running motors or engines in attached garages, and gasoline powered devices, such as generators or pumps used in emergency situations. Be aware of the proper uses for each device. Have these devices serviced and cleaned regularly. Use common sense, and follow safety and hazard instructions carefully whenever using any of these devices.

Individuals with medical problems may consider using warning devices which provide audible and visual signals for carbon monoxide concentrations under 30ppm.

CO Alarm Features

• 9V battery backup.

• Quick connect wiring harness for fast, easy installation.

• Smart Interconnect—shared interconnect wire with smoke alarms distinguishing between smoke and CO alarm signals on the interconnect wire.

• Square shape, easily distinguishes from smoke alarm.

• Large TEST/RESET button—easy to use.

• Three level light and sound alarm system—you always know if:

1. AC power is applied to the unit.

2. Your alarm requires immediate replacement.

3. CO levels are dangerous.

• Electrical Rating: 120V AC, 60Hz, 0.05 amp

This CO alarm is designed to detect carbon monoxide gas from any source of combustion. It is NOT designed to detect smoke, fire, or any other type of gas. If this CO alarm sounds its alarm horn, DO NOT assume that it is a false alarm. The alarm horn requires your immediate action.

This product is intended for use in ordinary indoor locations of family living units. It is not designed to measure compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) commercial or industrial standards.

Where to Install Your CO Alarm

Carbon monoxide gas can be anywhere and everywhere. CO gas is equal to or slightly lighter than air, and disperses evenly with the air in a room. Therefore, install this CO alarm where air circulation is best. DO NOT mount the CO alarm within 1 foot of the ceiling/wall or wall/wall intersection, or other dead air spaces.

Since most CO fatalities occur while families are sleeping, we recommend that you install at least one CO alarm in the hallway outside each separate sleeping area and one inside each bedroom or sleeping area.

We also recommend that you install a CO alarm on every separate living level of the home where household members frequently spend time, as well as in the basement. See Figures 1, 2, and 3 for typical CO alarm locations within the home.

This alarm can share the interconnect wire of smoke and heat alarms, BUT this alarm will remain silent if smoke is detected by the interconnected smoke and heat alarms. Therefore, it is necessary to install both a CO alarm and smoke alarm in those areas to be protected.

This alarm will only indicate the presence of carbon monoxide gas at the sensor. Carbon monoxide gas may be present in other areas.

DO NOT install CO alarms:

• Near bathrooms or in shower areas. Steam and aerosol sprays can disable the alarm.

• In closets, crawlspaces, unused attics, or unheated areas where surrounding air temperatures may go below 40°F (4.4°C) or above 100°F (37.8°C).

• Within five feet of any fuel-burning appliance (stove, kerosene heater, furnace, fireplace, etc.).

• Within one foot of any wall, corner, or other dead air spaces.

• In rooms where chemicals or cleaning supplies are frequently used (paint, hair spray, thinner, etc.). Allow plenty of ventilation in rooms where chemicals are used.

• Directly above a sink, bathtub or basin.

• Directly above or below air exchange or heating vents.

• Behind drapes, furniture, or appliances that could block air flow to the CO alarm.

This unit cannot be used in recreational vehicle applications.

WARNING

CAUTION

BEDROOM

single story

BEDROOM

BATH

BASEMENT

FURNACE

ROOM

FIGURE 1

LIVING ROOM

FURNACE

ROOM

two story

BEDROOM

LIVED-IN ATTIC

BATH

BASEMENT

split level

BEDROOM

FAMILY / GREAT ROOM

BATH

LIVING ROOM

UTILITY ROOM

BASEMENT

FIGURE 2

KITCHEN

FIGURE 3

Key CO alarm locations

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