Part Four - What to Do When the Unit Alarms
•How to respond: to the alarm . . . . . . . . .4-1,2,3
•Who you should call if you suspect you
have CO in your home . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1,2
•Sometimes it is difficult to find the source
of CO
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Part Five - Technical Information
•Product Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
•How the unit determines when
to alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
Part Six - Frequently Asked Questions . . . .6-1,2,3
Warranty
•Warranty Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4,5
•Warranty Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5
IMPORTANT
THIS CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM IS DESIGNED TO DETECT
CARBON MONOXIDE FROM ANY SOURCE OF COMBUSTION. IT IS
NOT DESIGNED TO DETECT SMOKE, FIRE, OR ANY OTHER GAS.
NOT SUITABLE FOR INSTALLATION IN HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS AS
DEFINED IN THE NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE.
UNIT WILL NOT OPERATE DURING A POWER FAILURE,
BUT AUTOMATICALLY RESETS WHEN POWER IS RESTORED.
KIDDE Safety
This manual and the pr
oducts described in it ar
e copyrighted,
with all rights r
eserved. Under these copyright laws, no part of
this manual or these pr
oducts may be copied for any use
without prior consent fr
om KIDDE Safety. The only exception
to this is to distribute infor
mation on carbon monoxide in a
ef
fort to help educate others on the dangers of this silent killer
.
If you wish to do this, please contact KIDDE Safety for
additional educational materials.
KIDDE Safety Europe Ltd, Mathisen Way, Colnbrook, Slough,
Berkshir
e SL3 0HB. Email: info@kiddesafety.co.uk
www
. kiddesafetyeurope.com
Table of Contents
About this User’s Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .i
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ii
Quick Set Up Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii,iv
Part One - Your Nighthawk CO Alarm
•About your CO alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1,2,3
•What CO alarms can and cannot do . . . . . .1-3,4
•Where you should install your alarm . . . . . .1-5
•Where you should not install your alarm . . .1-5,6
•How to install your alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7,8
•Normal operating characteristics . . . . . . . . .1-8
•How to test the electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-9
•How to know if your alarm is
malfunctioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-10
•How to care for your alarm . . . . . . . . . . . .1-11
Part Two - Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer
•What is CO? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
•What are the effects of CO exposure? . . . . .2-1
•Could your family be at risk for CO
poisoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
•Where does CO come from? . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
•What can you do to protect your family? . . .2-2
•Home safety tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3,4
Part Three - What You Should Know Before
the Alar
m Sounds
•Determine if anyone in the household is at
high risk for CO poisoning . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
•Understand the effects of carbon monoxide
exposur
e
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3-2
Table of Contents
Thank you for the purchase of your new Nighthawk
carbon monoxide alar
m. If you have any questions
about the operation or setup of your CO alarm,
feel fr
ee to call us on 01753 685148.
ENGLISH
900-0081 Benelux Manual 29/8/01 9:54 am Page 1
This Nighthawk carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is an important part of
your family’s home safety plan. So important, that all consumer safety
groups in the UK recommend that every household should have at least
one carbon monoxide alarm. In fact, many claim that CO alarms are “as
important to home safety as smoke alarms.” Yet because CO alarms for
the home haven’t been available until recently, most people haven’t had
much experience using them. As a new owner of a CO alarm, there
are some basic facts you should know for your protection and
convenience.
Many people think that CO alarms operate like smoke alarms. And in
some basic ways, this is true. Like smoke alarms, CO alarms
continuously monitor the air in your home and sound a loud alarm to
warn you of trouble.
But, the similarities end here. The way you respond to a CO alarm is
quite different than that of a smoke alarm. That’s because a house fire
and a carbon monoxide problem are two distinctly different situations.
If your smoke alarm were to alarm, you would quickly be able to judge
the level of danger you were in (if any) with your five senses: you could
see and smell the smoke, you could feel the heat, you could see and
even hear the fire burning. You could also readily see if your smoke
alarm were alarming in a non-emergency situation, say if someone
smoked up the kitchen with some seriously burnt toast. Because your
sense of sight, smell, hearing and touch give you so much information,
you could almost instantly judge what action to take if you heard your
smoke alarm.
But now, what about a CO alarm? Carbon monoxide (CO) is invisible,
odourless, tasteless and non-irritating–completely undetectable to your
five senses. That’s why it’s so important to your safety that you have a
carbon monoxide alarm. But, how do you know what to do if your unit
alarms?
You have to learn what to do, because your five senses won’t tell you.
That’s why this user’s guide is so important. Please take the time to
read this guide from cover to cover, to familiarise yourself with the facts
about carbon monoxide, how your new alarm works, and what to do
if it alarms. Then, find a handy place to keep the guide so it will be
r
eadily available in the future when you have a question. You might
want to write down KIDDE Safety’s customer service telephone number
and keep it with your other important phone numbers for the same
reason.
Thank you for making Nighthawk a part of your complete home safety
program. With proper installation and use, your new Nighthawk CO
alarm should provide you with years of dependable service.
ii
Introduction
Notice we call this booklet a “User’s Guide” and not an “Owner’s
Manual.” This is because our intention is you use this guide just as you
will be using your Nighthawk CO alarm. Keep the guide in a handy
location and refer to it when you have questions about your CO
alar
m, its functions and features, or if you have questions about
carbon monoxide. It will take about an hour of your time, but it’s well
worth it. Please read it in the sequence presented. Reading this guide
is the only way to learn how to use your CO alarm wisely and to
know how to react in the event of an alarm.
Part One
Your Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Alarm, covers the unique
features of your Nighthawk carbon monoxide alarm, how and where
to install it, as well as information on testing and maintaining your CO
alarm.
Part Two
Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer, contains valuable
information about carbon monoxide (CO). From discovering the most
common sources of CO in your home to recognising the symptoms
of CO poisoning, this section provides tips and information that could
help protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Part Three
What You Should Know Before the Alarm Sounds,
describes
the effects of exposure to CO levels over time and when your
Nighthawk CO alarm will alarm. It also tells you how to determine
who is at high risk from CO poisoning.
Part Four
What to do When the Unit Alarms, gives you step-by step
information on how to respond to an alarm situation. Also covered is
whom to call for help if you think you have CO in your home.
Part Five
Technical Information, covers the technical specifications of your
Nighthawk CO alarm.
Part Six
Fr
equently Asked Questions,
contains the most commonly asked
questions about our alarms. Part six was written by KIDDE Safety
customer service representatives who handle thousands of calls per
month, year
-r
ound. This section pr
ovides you with answers and tips
that will most likely answer any questions you might have after
r
eading this user’s guide.
i
About This User’s Guide
900-0081 Benelux Manual 29/8/01 9:54 am Page 3
Step 6
While testing the CO alarm, have someone else check that the alarm
can be heard easily from the sleeping areas. The CO alarm should be
located where it can wake you if it alarms at night. See page 1-5 for
complete information on the best locations for your CO alarm.
Caution: Continuous exposure to the loud 85 decibel alarm at close
range over an extended period of time may cause hearing loss.
That’s it. Y
our Nighthawk CO alarm is now monitoring for the presence
of carbon monoxide.
iv
Quick Set Up Guide
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Warm up time from initial switch on and after a
power failure is one minute.
Listed below are six easy steps for setting up your Nighthawk CO
alar
m. Please read the entire guide for complete information.
Setting up your CO alarm for first time operation:
Step 1
Determine the best location for your CO alarm(s). Usually this is in or
near bedrooms. Refer to page 1-5 for complete information.
Step 2
Mount the CO alarm on the wall at eye level using the hardware
provided. Eye level is the best position to easily see the alarm. For
detailed mounting instructions refer to pages 1-7,8.
Step 3
Plug the CO alarm into a standard, unswitched 240 volt AC electric
outlet. You will hear the alarm sound briefly to indicate the alarm is
receiving power. Refer to page 1-8 for more details.
Step 4
The green Operate light will come on and stay on showing the CO
alarm is receiving power.
Step 5
Next, test the alarm’s operation by pressing and releasing the Test/Reset
button. After approximately 5 seconds, the unit will begin to alarm. The
alarm will last approximately 5 seconds. The alarm is pulsating and
quite loud. We recommend you place your finger over the sounder
alar
m hole when testing your CO alarm. This is also the alarm cycle in
the event of a CO pr
oblem. Familiarise yourself and household
members with this alar
m pattern. The red Alarm light will come on
when the alar
m sounds. For complete testing information, refer to page
1-9.
iii
Quick Set Up Guide
We urge you to read this entire manual
in the sequence it is presented. But, if
you only read one part of this manual
initially, read these two pages!
900-0081 Benelux Manual 29/8/01 9:54 am Page 5
Nighthawk CO Alarm – rear view
Power cor
d unit Direct plug unit
1-2
Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm
Keyholes
Hardwire unit
Standard Plug
Approx. 2.5m
(provided)
Mounting Plate
(provided)
Mounting
Screws
(provided)
Wire Nuts
(provided)
About Your CO Alarm
While many other CO alarms require costly sensor or battery pack
r
eplacement, there are no replacement parts on Nighthawk CO
alarms. Nighthawk is the only CO alarm that gives you the choice of
a direct-plug, a 2 metre power cord or a hardwire unit. Depending on
how or where you wish to mount your CO alarm, you can get exactly
what you need for a perfect application. These are just a few reasons
over 4.5 million families have chosen Nighthawk over every other
brand for this kind of life-saving protection.
Nighthawk CO Alarm – front view
1-1
Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm
C
ARBON MONOXIDE
A
LARM
Model No. 900-0081
Vents
Sounder
Alarm
Red
Alarm
Light
Vents
Test/Reset
Button
Green
Operate
Light
WARNING: Electrical shock or malfunction may occur
if tamper
ed with or not installed in
accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
900-0081 Benelux Manual 29/8/01 9:54 am Page 7
CO alarms have limitations. Like any other electronic device, CO
alarms are not fool-proof.
CO alarms have a limited operational life. You must test your CO
alarm weekly, because it could fail to operate at any time. If your CO
alarm fails to test properly, or if its self-diagnostic test reveals a
malfunction, immediately have the alarm replaced. See back page for
warranty information.
CO alarms will not work without power. This CO alarm requires a
continuous supply of electric power.
CO alarms can only sense CO that reaches the CO alarm’s sensor.
Carbon monoxide may be present in other areas without reaching the
alarm. The rate at which CO reaches the alarm may be affected by
doors or other obstructions. In addition, fresh air from a vent or open
window or any other source may prevent CO from reaching the
sensor. Please observe cautions on page 1-5, “Where to install your
CO alarm.”
CO could be present on one level of the home and not reach a CO
alarm installed on a different level. For example, CO in the basement
may not reach a alarm on the second level, near the bedrooms. For
this reason, we recommend you provide complete coverage by
placing a CO alarm on every level of the home.
CO alarms are not smoke alarms. CO alarms do not sense smoke or
fire. For early warning of fire you must install smoke alarms, even
though carbon monoxide can be generated by a fire.
CO alarms should not be used to detect the presence of natural gas
(methane), propane, butane, or other combustible fuels.
CO alarms are not a substitute for property, disability, life or other
insurance of any kind. Appropriate insurance coverage is your
responsibility. Consult your insurance agent.
1-4
Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm
Nighthawk’s Unique Features
Test/Reset Button
This button has two functions. First, this is the button you press when you
test the unit weekly (see page 1-9 for further details). Secondly, you press
this button if the unit alar
ms and you want to turn it off. This will reset the
unit and it will again start monitoring for CO. If the CO concentration is
150ppm or above, the unit will re-alarm within 2 minutes. If the CO
concentration is above 350ppm CO, the test button will NOT
silence the
alarm.
Vents
Air (and CO) enters into the alarm at the bottom vent and circulates
through the sensing chamber, exiting through the top vent. For proper air
circulation, keep vents free of dust, dirt or grease, (see “How to care for
your CO alarm” page 1-11). Do not obstruct or block vents, (see “Where
to install your CO alarm” on page 1-5).
Sensor
The sensor is a highly sensitive, electrochemical sensor that is CO-specific
to help avoid false alarms. Turn to page 1-11 for more information on how
to care for and protect the CO alarm.
Sounder Alarm
This is the loud 85 decibel pulsing alarm that will sound to alert you to a
potential problem. Alarm condition is rapid pulsating beeps.
Caution: Continuous exposure to this sound level at close range over an
extended period of time may cause hearing loss. We recommend you
cover the sounder with your finger while testing. More on testing on page
1-9.
Keyholes
When the CO alarm is mounted to the wall, these keyholes slide
onto the fixing plate studs. (See “How to install your CO alarm on pages
1-7,8).
What Carbon Monoxide Alarms Can and Cannot Do
CO alar
ms ar
e designed to sense unacceptable levels of CO fr
om
malfunctioning boilers, appliances, gas engines or other sour
ces.
CO alarms provide early warning of the presence of carbon monoxide,
usually befor
e a healthy adult would experience symptoms.
This early warning is possible, however, only if your Nighthawk CO alarm
is located, installed and maintained as described in this user’s guide.
This CO alarm is designed to act as a continuous
monitor, it is not
designed for use as a short-term testing device to perform a quick check
for the presence of CO
.
1-3
Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm
900-0081 Benelux Manual 29/8/01 9:54 am Page 9
Where it would be obstructed by curtains or furniture.
In an area where the temperature could drop below 4.4°C or rise above
37.8°C
Where dirt or dust could block the sensor and stop it working.
Where it could be easily knocked or damaged, or where it could be
accidentally turned off or removed.
If you must install a Nighthawk CO alarm near a cooking or heating
appliance, install AT LEAST 2 metres away from the appliance.
Do not install in excessively dusty, dirty or greasy areas such as
kitchens, garages and boiler rooms. Dust, grease or household
chemicals can contaminate or coat the alarm’s sensor, causing the unit
not to operate properly.
Do not obstruct the vents located at the top and bottom of the CO
alarm. Place the CO alarm where drapes, furniture or other objects do
not block the flow of air to the vents.
Do not install in dead air space, such as peaks of vaulted ceilings or
gabled roofs, where carbon monoxide may not reach the sensor in time
to provide early warning.
Do not install in turbulent air from ceiling fans. Do not install near doors
and windows that open to the outside, near fresh air vents, or anywhere
that is drafty. Rapid air circulation from fans or fresh air from outside
may affect the unit’s alarm response time.
Do not install this CO alarm in a switch- or dimmer-controlled outlet.
Do not install in areas where the temperature is colder than 4.4˚C or
hotter than 37.8˚C. These ar
eas include unconditioned crawl spaces,
attics, porches and garages. Extreme temperatures will affect the
sensitivity of the CO alarm.
Do not install CO alarm near deep cell large batteries. Large batteries
have emissions that can cause the CO alarm to perform at less than
optimal performance.
IMPOR
T
ANT
Ensur
e that your CO alar
m is fitted
at least 1.5m from the floor
and no less than 2 metres from an appliance
1-6
Par
t One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm
In which room to put your alarm
Ideally, you should have an alarm in or near every room that contains
a fuel burning appliance.
However, if you have more than one appliance, but only one alarm,
you should take the following into consideration when deciding
where best to put the alarm.
If there is an appliance in the room where you sleep, you should put
the alarm in that room.
If ther
e is an appliance in a room that you use a lot, e.g. a sitting room,
you should put it in that room.
If you live in a bedsit, but the alarm as far away from the cooking
appliances as possible, but near to the place where you sleep.
If the appliance is in a room not normally used (e.g. a boiler room),
put the alarm just outside the room so that you will be able to hear
the alarm more easily.
WHEN CHOOSING YOUR INSTALLATION LOCATIONS, MAKE
SURE YOU CAN HEAR THE ALARM FROM ALL SLEEPING AREAS.
IF YOU INSTALL ONLY ONE CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM IN
YOUR HOME, INSTALL THE ALARM NEAR BEDROOMS, NOT IN
THE BASEMENT OR BOILER ROOM.
CAUTION: This CO alarm will only indicate the presence of carbon
monoxide at the sensor. Carbon monoxide may be present in other
areas.
IMPORTANT: Improper location can affect the sensitive electronic
components in this CO alarm. Please see the next section describing
where NOT to install this CO alarm.
Where Not
to Install Your CO Alarm
To avoid causing damage to the CO alarm, to provide optimum
pr
otection, and to pr
event unnecessary alarms, follow the
dir
ections below where NOT to install this CO alarm:
Do Not Put The Alarm
Outside the building.
In or below a cupboard.
In a damp or humid ar
ea.
Directly above a sink or cooker.
Next to a door or window or anywhere that it would be affected by
draughts.
1-5
Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm
900-0081 Benelux Manual 29/8/01 9:54 am Page 11
How to Install Your Alarm
Hardwire Units
Normal Operating Characteristics
When you first power up the alarm, the alarm light will come
on and the alarm will sound briefly, then the green operate light will
come on. All this is to let you know the CO alarm is receiving power
and that the alarm circuit is functioning.
Within a few minutes, your carbon monoxide alarm will start
monitoring for CO and will continue to do so as long as it receives
power.
Your Nighthawk CO alarm will now sample the air every fifteen
seconds and alert you if it senses dangerous CO levels.
For more information about the effects of CO exposure at
dif
ferent levels over time, refer to the chart on 3-2 as well as the
information on pages 4-1, 2 and 3.
When the CO alar
m is unplugged or loses power,
a fading
alar
m will sound briefly to alert you that it has been disconnected
from its power source. For example, this fading alarm will sound in
the event of a power outage. A brief alarm will also sound to alert you
when the power is restored.
For information about how the unit alarms, turn to page 5-2.
For information about alarm’s malfunction alert, turn to page 1-10.
1-8
Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm
Standard
Outlet Box
(not provided)
Wire Nuts
(provided)
Black
Wires
(hot)
White
Wires
(neutral)
Mounting
Screws
(provided)
Mounting
Plate
(provided)
Nighthawk
CO Alarm
How to Install Your Alarm
Power Cord Units
To install:
The alarm is designed for wall mounting, using the
fixing plate supplied. The bracket must be fixed to
a wall using the screws and raw plugs provided.
Please r
efer to the section in this
manual dealing with positioning of CO alarm.
Do not plug in the alar
m until it has been fixed securely to the
mounting plate. Please ensure that you position the alarm within
2 metres of a power supply.
Before removing your Carbon Monoxide Alarm from the wall
mounting plate, ALWAYS switch off the power supply from the
main outlet first.
1. Install the fixing plate to the surface using the screws provided. If
mounting in plaster board or drywall, pre-drill 5mm hole and use
the plastic anchors provided. Ensure unit is no less than 2 metres
from an appliance 1.5 metres from the floor.
2. Hook the Nighthawk CO alarm over the pegs in the fixing plate
onto the keyholes in the back of the unit. Be certain the top tab or
the fixed plate latches securely to the CO alarm.
3. Plug cord into electrical outlet.
1-7
Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm
Reminder:
If you are mounting
alarm high on a wall,
make sur
e it is at
least 160mm from
ceiling. Any higher
and it will be in
“dead air” space.
Minimum 160mm
from ceiling
Note: KIDDE Safety does not recommend mounting alarm on
ceiling as we have not tested our alarms for this type application.
900-0081 Benelux Manual 29/8/01 9:54 am Page 13
How to Know If Your Alarm is Malfunctioning
Y
our CO alarm performs an internal self-diagnosis every fifteen seconds
to make sure that it is functioning properly. The CO alarm is designed
to alert you in the unusual event of a malfunction.
If the alarm malfunctions.
In the rare event that your alarm malfunctions, it will alert you with one
of these signal groups (depending upon the type of malfunction that
occurs):
Malfunction Signal Group 1 - Component Failure
– An intermittent “chirping” alarm will sound every 60 seconds.
OR
Malfunction Signal Group 2 - Microprocessor Failure
– The alarm will sound continuously, and
– The alarm cannot be shut off by pushing the “Test/Reset” button
Unplug the CO alarm immediately and return for warranty exchange (see
“Warranty” on back page).
What to do if you’re not sure...
PLEASE familiarise yourself with the malfunction alert, and do not confuse
these signals with an alarm. After reading the information above, if you are
still unsure whether your CO alarm is operating properly, call the KIDDE
Safety Europe Ltd consumer hotline on 01753 685148 to do a quick
diagnostic check of the alarm over the phone. The customer service
representative will be able to assist you and answer your questions.
If your CO alarm sounder is beeping, and you are not sure if it is a CO
alarm or a malfunction alert, reset the alarm, open windows for ventilation,
turn off fuel-burning appliances (like kerosene or oil heaters, furnaces, gas
ranges, wood-burning stoves, water heaters, or other fossil-fuel burning
appliances). For furnaces, you can simply turn down the thermostat to its
lowest setting. Open windows and doors for ventilation. Then call the
KIDDE Safety consumer hotline on 01753 685148 for assistance.
Before you call a qualified technician (such as a licensed heating
contractor, utility service technician, chimney sweep or fuel provider) to
check your residence for CO, remember that you will probably be charged
for a service call. KIDDE Safety customer service operators are available to
answer your questions and assist you in non-emergency situations at no
char
ge.
Never ignore a CO unit’s alarm. A true alarm is an indication of potentially
dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. CO alarms are designed to alert
you to the presence of carbon monoxide before an emergency, before
most people would experience symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning,
giving you time to r
esolve the pr
oblem calmly.
1-10
Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm
Testing the Electronics
You should test the alarm once a week, following the directions
listed below. If at any time you test the alarm and it does not perform
as described below, have it replaced immediately. Turn to page 1-10
“How to know if your alar
m is malfunctioning” for a description of the
characteristics of a malfunctioning alarm and what you should do if a
malfunction occurs.
Observe the CO alarm regularly to make sure the green operate light
is on, indicating normal operation.
If the green operate light is not on, unplug the CO alarm for three
minutes, then plug in again. This will clear the alarm for restart.
If the green operate light does not come back on, your CO alarm may
be malfunctioning.
To test the CO alarm, press the Test/Reset button. If the CO alarm
is operating properly, within seconds you will hear the pulsing alarm.
This will continue for approximately seconds. Notice the Red Alarm
Light flashes when the unit alarms.
When you test the CO alarm, we advise you to place your finger over
the sounder opening in the upper centre of the CO alarm.
Within a minute, the alarm will then return to monitoring for carbon
monoxide.
NOTE: Pressing the Test/Reset button tests the functions of the
CO alarm’s internal components, circuitry and micro-computer.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO PRESS THE TEST BUTTON TO TAKE
A CO READING.
1-9
Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm
900-0081 Benelux Manual 29/8/01 9:54 am Page 15
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless, poisonous gas
created when any fuel is burned – petrol, propane, natural gas, oil,
wood, coal, and even tobacco. When combustion air is limited, more
CO is produced. Serious problems can develop when combustion byproducts are not properly vented outside the house.
You’ve probably heard about carbon monoxide poisoning in the news
recently. It’s a problem receiving more attention because groups like
Carbon Monoxide Support and the Gas Consumers Association have
made it a priority to warn the public about the dangers of this deadly
household poison.
What are the Effects of CO Exposure?
When you breathe carbon monoxide, it enters your bloodstream
through your lungs and attaches to red blood cells. These red blood
cells, called haemoglobin, carry oxygen throughout your body.
Carbon monoxide molecules attach to the red blood cells 200 times
faster than oxygen, preventing the flow of oxygen to your heart, brain
and vital organs. As carbon monoxide accumulates in your
bloodstream, your body becomes starved for oxygen. The amount of
carbon monoxide in a person’s body can be measured by a simple
blood test, called a “carboxyhaemoglobin level” test .
The early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often
mistaken for the flu – headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea,
vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion.
Breathing very high concentrations of carbon monoxide can be lethal
in minutes. Breathing low concentrations over time is dangerous, too.
Long term exposure to low levels can cause permanent heart and
brain damage.
Could Y
our Family be at Risk for CO Poisoning?
Accor
ding to Dr Henry of The National Poisons Unit, carbon
monoxide is the number one cause of deaths in the UK. At least 50
people die each year and over 200 are affected by exposure to this
deadly gas.
While anyone is susceptible, experts agr
ee that unbor
n babies, small
childr
en, senior citizens and people with heart or r
espiratory pr
oblems
are especially vulnerable to CO and are at the greatest risk for death
or serious injury.
2-1
Part Two – Carbon Monoxide The Silent Killer
How to Care for Your CO Alarm
To keep your CO alarm in good working order, you must follow
these simple steps:
•Test the CO alarm once a week by pressing the Test/Reset button
•Vacuum the alarm cover once a month to remove accumulated
dust. Use the soft brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner, and
unplug the CO alar
m from the electrical outlet before vacuuming.
•Instruct children never to touch, unplug or otherwise interfere
with the unit. Warn children of the dangers of CO poisoning.
•Never use detergents or solvents to clean the CO alarm. Chemicals
can permanently damage or temporarily contaminate the sensor.
•Avoid spraying air fresheners, hairspray, paint or other aerosols
near the CO alarm.
•Do not paint the CO alarm. Paint will seal the vents and interfere
with proper sensor operation.
•Do not mount the CO alarm directly above or near a nappy
bucket, as high amounts of methane gas can cause temporary
readings on the digital display.
Note: If you will be staining or stripping wood floors or furniture,
painting, wall-papering, or using aerosols or adhesives for a do-ityourself project or hobby, before you begin: Remove the CO alarm
to a remote location to prevent possible damage to or
contamination of the sensor. You may wish to unplug the CO alarm
and store in a plastic bag during the project.
The following is a list of substances that at high levels can affect the
sensor and cause temporary r
eadings on the digital display that ar
e not
carbon monoxide readings:
Methane, propane, iso-butane, ethylene, ethanol, alcohol,
iso-propanol, benzene, toluene, ethyl acetate, hydrogen,
hydrogen sulphide, sulphur dioxides.
Also most aerosol sprays, alcohol based products, paints,
thinners, solvents, adhesives, hairsprays, aftershaves, perfumes,
car exhaust (cold start) and some cleaning agents.
1-11
Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO:
900-0081 Benelux Manual 29/8/01 9:54 am Page 17
Home Safety Tips
What You Can Do...
•Buy only appliances appr
oved by a nationally recognised
testing laboratory.
•Choose fuel-burning appliances that can be vented to the
outdoors, whenever possible.
•Make sure appliances are installed according to manufacturer’s
instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should
be installed by professionals and should be inspected by the
proper authority after installation.
•Have the heating system, vents, chimney and flue inspected
and cleaned by a Corgi registered installer, or Hetas approved
technician every year.
•Follow manufacturer’s directions for safe operation of all
fuel-burning appliances.
•Examine vents and chimneys regularly for improper connections,
visible rust or stains.
•Open a window when a fireplace or wood-burning stove is in
use, and provide adequate outdoor air for boiler and water
heater.
•Notice problems that could indicate improper appliance
operation:
– Decreasing hot water supply
– Boiler unable to heat house or runs constantly
– Sooting, especially on appliances
– Unfamiliar or burning odour
– Yellow or orange flame
•Be awar
e of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:
– headaches, dizziness, weakness, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting,
confusion and disorientation.
•Recognise that CO poisoning may be the cause when family
members suf
fer fr
om flu-like symptoms that don’t disappear but
impr
ove when they leave home or extended periods of time.
•Install a BSI Kitemarked CO alar
m for added safety.
2-3
Part Two – Carbon Monoxide The Silent Killer
Where Does CO Come From?
Inside your home, appliances used for heating and cooking are the
most likely sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles running in attached
garages can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
A by-pr
oduct of combustion, carbon monoxide can be a potential
problem from a number of common sources – cars, boilers, water
heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, charcoal grills, gas ranges, space
heaters and portable generators.
When these appliances are in good working condition with proper
ventilation, lethal carbon monoxide gas is vented outdoors where it
quickly disperses. But even the slightest malfunction or misuse of any
of these sources can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide in your
home that can become deadly before you’d even know it’s there.
And you don’t have to have ancient appliances to have a problem.
Today’s more energy-efficient, airtight home designs can trap COpolluted air inside where it can quickly build to lethal levels.
What Can You do to Protect Your Family?
To be safe, know the possible sources of CO in your home. Keep fuelburning appliances and their chimneys and vents in good working
condition. Learn the early symptoms of exposure, and if you
suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, move outside to fresh air and get
emergency help. A blood test can confirm that CO caused the
problem.
Your first line of defence is an annual inspection and regular
maintenance of your appliances. Contact a licensed contractor or call
British Gas on 0800 111 999 for assistance.
But remember, problems can begin after an inspection is over, like a
crack in a boiler heat exchanger, or a leak in a water heater vent or a
bird’s nest blocking a flue. That’s why you need the 24-hour
protection provided by a CO alarm.
2-2
Part Two – Carbon Monoxide The Silent Killer
900-0081 Benelux Manual 29/8/01 9:54 am Page 19
Deter
mine if anyone in the household is at high risk
for CO poisoning:
Many cases of reported carbon monoxide poisoning indicate that while
victims are aware they are not well, they become so disoriented they are
unable to save themselves by either exiting the building or calling for
assistance.
You should take extra precautions to protect high risk persons from
CO exposure because they may experience ill effects from carbon
monoxide at levels that would not ordinarily affect a healthy adult.
Are there any infants or small children in the home? Be sure to check
them for signs of possible CO poisoning because they might have trouble
explaining their symptoms. Infants and children are more susceptible to
CO poisoning than a healthy adult.
Anyone who spends long periods of time at home is considered at
higher risk.
Pregnant women should be aware that their unborn fetus could be
harmed by exposure to carbon monoxide, even when the mother suffers
no ill effect herself. Any pregnant woman who suspects she may have
been exposed to carbon monoxide should immediately contact her
doctor.
Is there anyone in the household who is elderly, or who has anaemia,
heart disease or respiratory problems, emphysema or chronic bronchitis?
These individuals are at higher risk for CO poisoning and for health
problems from exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide.
If anyone in the household is at high risk for CO poisoning, we urge you
to take extra precaution to prevent possible poisoning. If the unit alarms,
remove the at-risk person from the premises, if possible. Ventilate the area.
The high-risk person(s) should not re-enter the residence until the source
of the CO pr
oblem has been identified and corr
ected.
3-1
Part Three – What You Should Know
Before the Alarms Sounds
What You Should Not Do...
•Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, cabin, mobile or static
caravan.
•Never install, service, or convert fuel-burning appliances from
one type to another without proper knowledge, skills, and tools.
•Never use a gas cooker, oven, or clothes dryer for heating.
•Never operate unvented gas-burning appliances, such as paraffin
or natural gas portable heaters, in a closed room.
•Never operate petrol-powered engines (like vehicles,
motorcycles, lawn mowers, yard equipment or power tools) in
confined areas such as garages or cellars, even if an outside
door or window is open.
•Never ignore a safety device when it shuts off an appliance.
•Never ignore a CO alarm.
Be Aware of the Warning Signs of Carbon Monoxide:
Clues You Can See...
•Streaks of carbon or soot around the service door of your
fuel-burning appliances.
•A yellow or orange flame may indicate a problem with natural gas
appliances.
•Excessive rusting on flue pipes or appliance jackets.
•Loose or missing boiler panel.
•Moisture collecting on the windows and walls of boiler rooms.
•Loose or disconnected vent/chimney, fireplace or appliance.
•Small amounts of water leaking from the base of the chimney,
vent or flue pipe.
•Rust on the portion of the vent pipe visible from outside
your home.
•The absence of a draft in your chimney (indicating blockage).
•Fallen soot from the fireplace chimney.
•Loose, damaged or discoloured bricks on your chimney.
Clues Y
ou Cannot See...
•
Inter
nal appliance damage or malfunctioning components.
•Improper burner adjustment.
•Hidden blockage or damage in chimneys.
2-4
Part Two – Carbon Monoxide The Silent Killer
900-0081 Benelux Manual 29/8/01 9:54 am Page 21
Determine if anyone in the household is experiencing symptoms of
CO poisoning. Many cases of reported CO poisoning indicates that
while victims are aware they are not well, they become so disoriented
that they are unable to save themselves by either exiting the building
or calling for assistance. Also young children and household pets may
be the first affected. The following symptoms are related to CARBON
MONOXIDE POISONING and should be discussed with ALL
members of the household:
Common Mild Exposure Symptoms:
Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (“flu-like” symptoms).
Common Medium Exposure Symptoms:
Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
Common Extreme Exposure Symptoms:
Convulsions, unconsciousness, heart and lung failure.
It can cause brain damage and death.
Become familiar with these common symptoms
from CO poisoning.
If you experience even mild symptoms of CO poisoning,
consult your doctor immediately!
4-1
Part Four – What to do When the
Alarm Sounds
Understand the Effects of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
3-2
Part Three – What You Should Know
Before the Alarms Sounds
The maximum allowable concentration for
continuous exposure for healthy adults in any
8-hour period, according to HSE*.
Slight headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea
after 2-3 hours.
Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life
threatening after 3 hours.
Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45
minutes. Unconsciousness within 2 hours. Death
within 2-3 hours.
Headache, dizziness and nausea within 20
minutes. Death within 1 hour.
Headache, dizziness and nausea within 5-10
minutes. Death within 25-30 minutes.
Headache, dizziness and nausea within 1-2
minutes. Death within 10-15 minutes.
Death within 1-3 minutes.
50 ppm
200 ppm
400 ppm
800 ppm
1,600 ppm
3,200 ppm
6,400 ppm
12,800 ppm
Concentration
of CO in Air
(ppm = parts
per million)
Approximate Inhalation Time
and Symptoms Developed
* Health and Safety Executive
Reminder: The chart above relates to the exposure of healthy adults.
Read the info on the previous page for descriptions of those who are at
higher risk.
900-0081 Benelux Manual 29/8/01 9:54 am Page 23
Treatment for CO Poisoning
Any person who is suspected to have carbon monoxide poisoning
should leave the potentially dangerous environment, get fresh air
immediately and seek care from a doctor. CO poisoning can be
determined by a simple blood test, called a “carboxyhaemoglobin”
test. This test measures the amount of carbon monoxide in the
bloodstream. For this test to be accurate, it must be done immediately
after CO exposur
e. Acute CO poisoning is usually treated by
breathing in oxygen. When CO poisoning is severe, (for example,
when there is an altered state of consciousness), high pressure oxygen
therapy in a special “hyperbaric chamber” may be used. A doctor will
make this determination and administer treatment if necessary.
Calling a Qualified Technician to Find and Repair the
Problem
If you call a qualified service technician (such as a licensed heating
contractor, Corgi registered service technician, chimney sweep or fuel
provider) to inspect your home for possible sources of CO, you will
want to tell them which appliances (if any) were operating before the
alarm sounded. Do not restart these appliances until the problem is
corrected. Request service for as soon as possible, like TODAY.
Please be aware that some service technicians may charge a fee to
inspect your home, even if the source of CO is not found. You may
wish to find out if you will be charged for the service and the amount
of the fee before you request service. Some public utilities do not
charge for inspection. Some service technicians do not charge if you
purchased your appliance from them. To know for sure, you need to
ask before the technician comes to your home. Repair work or
replacement of appliances may be necessary to fix the problem that
is cr
eating the CO in your home. Remember
, a CO alarm can only
war
n you of the pr
esence of CO, it does not prevent CO from
occurring, nor can it solve an existing CO pr
oblem.
Because you’ve provided ventilation by leaving your windows and
doors open, the CO buildup may have dissipated by the time help
r
esponds. Although your pr
oblem may appear to be temporarily
solved, it’s crucial that the sour
ce of the CO is deter
mined and
appropriate repairs are made.
4-3
Part Four – What to do When the
Alarm Sounds
When the CO alarm senses a dangerous level of CO, the unit
will emit a loud pulsing alarm. Know how to respond to a CO
emergency. Periodically review this user’s guide and discuss
with all members of your family.
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE ALARM SOUNDS
1) Open the doors and windows to ventilate.
2) Turn off the appliance where possible and stop
using the appliance.
3) Evacuate the property leaving the doors and
windows open. A latching alarm will need to be reset
in accordance with the user instructions.
4) Ring British Gas on their emergency number; keep
the number in a prominent place - 0800 111 999.
5) Do no re-enter the property until the alarm has
stopped.
6) Get medical help immediately for anyone suffering
the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning
(headache, nausea), and advise that carbon
monoxide poisoning is suspected.
7) Do not use the appliance again until it has been
checked by an expert. In the case of gas appliances
this must be a CORGI registered installer.
4-2
Part Four – What to do When the
Alarm Sounds
▲
!
WARNING:Actuation of your CO
Alarm indicates the presence of Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which can KILL YOU.
900-0081 Benelux Manual 29/8/01 9:54 am Page 25
Power:
240V AC units: 50 Hz, Current 60 mA max.
Fuse Rating:
3 Amper
es
Sensor:
Sensor calibrated at 150 ppm (±25 ppm).
Life expectancy approximately 8 years.
Humidity Range:
10% to 90% r
h (non-condensing)
Temperature:
Operating range: 40˚F (4.4˚C) to 100˚F (37.8˚C).
Supply Voltage Range:
220/240V
Mounting:
Power Cord: 2, #8 Philips panhead screw with
plastic anchor and fixing plate.
Hardwire: 2, #8 Philips panhead screws with
fixing plate.
Direct Plug-In: No mounting screws needed.
Alarm:
85+ dB at 10’ @ 3.4 ± 0.5 KHz pulsing alarm.
Unit Malfunction:
Red “Alarm” light will flash. Alarm will sound every
30 seconds.
Test/Reset Button:
Test button verifies proper unit operation and resets
the unit in the event of a CO alarm.
Size:
143mm L x 82mm W x 51mm H. Weight 0.5Kg
Housing:
Rigid plastic case.
Warranty:
Five-year warranty from date of purchase against
defects in material and workmanship.
5-1
Part Five – Technical Information
Sometimes it’s Difficult to Find the Source of
CO in a Home
It can be difficult for investigators to locate the source(s) of CO if:
•The house was ventilated before they arrived and the fresh air
caused the CO to dissipate.
•The CO problem was caused by a source that fluctuates on
and off, sometimes creating CO and sometimes not. Such a
situation makes it nearly impossible to pinpoint the source of
CO in a short period of time.
•The cause of CO problem was backdrafting – when air in
a chimney or flue is sucked into the home instead of venting
outside. The exact situation that created a negative air pressure
inside the home (the cause of backdrafting) is difficult to recreate
during an investigation for CO. Sometimes the CO problem
disappears when a door or window is opened. Backdrafting may
or may not happen again.
4-4
Part Four – What to do When the
Alarm Sounds
900-0081 Benelux Manual 29/8/01 9:54 am Page 27
Q. How many alarms do I need in my house? How much
square footage will one CO alarm cover?
A. We recommend you place alarms near the sleeping area(s). If you
have a multi-level home, you should place a CO alarm on each level
of the home. A good rule of thumb for the number and placement
of CO alarms for your particular home is to place CO alarms near
smoke alarms that have been installed to meet current building code
requirements.
Generally, one CO alarm can be adequate for 300square metres of
living space. The most important determination for the number of
alarms needed is whether an alarm can be heard in all sleeping areas.
Q. What is the lowest level at which the CO alarm will sound?
A. The lowest level of carbon monoxide at which the alarm will sound
is 45 ppm. The CO alarm must be exposed continuously to this level
for at least three hours.
Q. Can you explain what “time-weighted alarm” means?
A. Because carbon monoxide is a cumulative poison, two factors
determine how the body is affected by CO: the level of exposure and
the length of exposure. For example, being continuously exposed to
low levels of carbon monoxide for many hours can be as dangerous
as being exposed to higher levels of CO for a short period of time.
The microchip inside your Nighthawk CO alarm monitors the air for
the presence of carbon monoxide and computes the levels and length
of exposure, alarming when you should be concerned about CO
exposure.
For more information about the alarm, see pages 5-1,2.
Q. Do I have to press the test button to get a CO alarm?
A. No. If it detects a dangerous level of CO it will alarm automatically.
To test the internal components and circuitry of your CO alarm, press
the Test/Reset button.
6-1
Part Six – Frequently Asked Questions
How the CO alarm determines when to alarm
Your Nighthawk CO alarm uses advanced technology to monitor the
environment in your home and warn you of unacceptable levels of
carbon monoxide. An internal microcomputer works together with
the carbon monoxide sensor inside the alarm to determine the levels
of carbon monoxide in the air and to calculate the rate that CO would
be absorbed into the human body.
The microcomputer is calibrated to trigger the alarm before most
people would experience any symptoms of carbon monoxide
poisoning. Because carbon monoxide is a cumulative poison, longter
m exposures to low levels can cause symptoms, as well as shortterm exposures to high levels. Your Nighthawk CO alarm has a time
weighted alarm, so the higher the level of carbon monoxide present,
the sooner the alarm will be triggered.
This Nighthawk CO alarm meets the alarm response time
requirements of BSI Standard 7860 which are as follows:
At 45 ppm, the unit must not alarm before 60 minutes.
At 150 ppm, the unit must alarm within 10-30 minutes.
At 350 ppm, the unit must alarm before 6 minutes.
WARNING: This device may not alarm at low carbon monoxide levels
(see chart above for alarm points). The Health and Safety Executive
(HSE) has established that continuous exposure to levels of 50 ppm
should not be exceeded in an 8-hour period. Individuals with medical
problems may consider using warning devices which provide audible
and visual signals for carbon monoxide concentrations under 30 ppm.
5-2
Part Five – Technical Information
900-0081 Benelux Manual 29/8/01 9:54 am Page 29
Q. I use the CO alarm in a holiday home that isn’t always
occupied and can have temperature extremes when no one is
there (no heat or no air conditioning). Will that affect the CO
alarm? Should I leave it plugged in all the time?
A. We recommend that your CO alarm not be installed in areas where
temperatures fall below 40˚F (4.4˚C) or rise above 100˚F (37.8˚C). Your
CO alarm was designed to be constantly plugged in for maximum
performance.
Q. I plugged in the CO alarm at my house (my parents’, my
neighbours’, etc.) and the alarm hasn’t sounded. Does that
mean everything is OK? (I’m thinking I can return the CO alarm
since everything checks out OK.)
A. This CO alarm is designed to act as a continuous monitor, it is not
designed for use as a short-term testing device to perform a quick
check for the presence of CO.
Remember, a carbon monoxide problem can occur at any time, even
after a professional inspection has determined that everything is in
proper working order. Examples of problems that can develop are a
crack in a furnace heat exchanger, a leak in a water heater vent, or a
bird’s nest blocking a flue.
That’s why you need the 24-hour protection provided by a CO alarm.
6-3
Part Six – Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What happens if the power goes out?
A. If the power goes out, your alarm will sound a fading alarm to alert
you that power has been disconnected. When the power is restored,
the CO alarm will automatically reset and will sound a brief alarm to
indicate it is receiving power.
In the event of a power cut, it is important to remember never to use
alternative sources of heat indoors such as charcoal, a gas oven or
unvented space heaters. These heat sources can cause extremely
dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide.
Q. My unit has never alarmed. Is it really working?
A. If the green operate light is always on and the alarm operates as
described on page 1-9 when you test it, your CO alarm is constantly
monitoring for the presence of CO.
Q. You say the alarm should last eight years. How will I know
when it doesn’t work anymore and I need to buy a new one?
A. In any event of malfunction, your alarm should alert you with
malfunction signals. These signals are described in detail on page
1-10.
Q. I called in someone to inspect my home for CO after my unit
alarmed, and he couldn’t find anything wrong. Why? Does that
mean this alarm “false alarmed”?
A. No. Please read the information explaining why a CO problem can
be difficult to diagnose on page 4-4. Also, please read the information
on page 1-10 to make sure you experienced an alarm and not a
malfunction alert.
Q. How much electricity does it take to run the CO alarm?
A. The CO alarm uses less than one watt of electricity. A typical night
light uses four watts.
Q. W
ill the CO alarm last longer if I unplug it during the
summer months and only use it during the winter?
A. No. Some components of the CO alarm can deteriorate over time
if not used regularly. We recommend the CO alarm be plugged in
continuously for maximum alar
m life.
6-2
Part Six – Frequently Asked Questions
900-0081 Benelux Manual 29/8/01 9:54 am Page 31
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