By KIDDE Safety
AC Powered
Carbon Mono xide Alarm
810-1368 REV. A
12/99
User’s Guide
Nighthawk CO Alarm with
Digital Display, Peak Level Memory
and 9V Battery Backup
Model: KN-COPP-3
For questions concerning your Carbon Monoxide Alarm,
please call our Consumer Hotline at 1-800-880-6788.
Please have the following information
CO Alarm Model number (located on back of alarm):
CO Alarm Assembly number (located on back of alarm):
Date of Manufacture (located on the back of the alarm):
Date of Purchase:
Where Purchased:
Includes 9V Battery
ready when calling:
See pages
4-1 and 4-2 for
“What to do When the
Alarm Sounds”
Table of Contents
About this User’s Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .i
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .i
Quick Set Up Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ii
Part One - Your Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm:
• About your CO alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1,2
• What CO alarms can and cannot do . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
• Where you should install your CO alarm . . . . . . . . . .1-3
• Where you should not install your CO alarm . . . . . . . .1-3
• How to install your CO alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
• Normal operating characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
• How to test your CO alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5,6
• How to know if your CO alarm is malfunctioning . . .1-6,7
• How to care for your CO alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7
• The peak level memory button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7
Part Two - Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer
• What is CO? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
• What are the effects of CO exposure? . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
• Where does CO come from? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
• Could your family be at risk from CO poisoning? . . . .2-1
• What can you do to protect your family? . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
• Home safety tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
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
IMPORTANT
NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE.
Part Three - What You Should Know Before the
Alarm Sounds
• Learn the difference between dangerous levels,
high levels, mid levels and low levels . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
• Determine if anyone in the household is at high risk
for CO poisoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
• Understand the effects of carbon monoxide exposure .3-1
Part Four - What to Do When the Unit Alarms
• How to respond to a CO emergency . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1,2
• Who you should call if you suspect you have CO
in your home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
• Sometimes it is difficult to find the source of CO . . . .4-2
Part Five - Technical Information
• Product Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
• How the unit determines when to alarm . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
Part Six - Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . .6-1,2
• Plus, “Display readings and what they mean” . . . . . .6-3,4
Limited Warranty
• Warranty Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Page
• Warranty Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Page
KIDDE Safety
This manual and the products described in it are copyrighted, with all rights reserved. Under these copyright laws,
no part of this manual or these products may be copied for any use without prior consent from KIDDE Safety.
The only exception to this is to distribute information on carbon monoxide in a effort 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, 1998
1394 South Third Street, Mebane, NC 27302
Consumer Hotline: 1-800-880-6788
www.kiddesafety.com
About this User’s Guide
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 alarm, 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 unit 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 unit.
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 recognizing 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 Befor e the Alarm Sounds, provides a common sense approach to understanding the difference
between low level CO readings, high levels and emergency situations. This section also describes the effects of exposure to CO
levels over time and when your Nighthawk CO unit will alarm.
Part Four
What to do When the Unit Alarms, gives you step-by step
information on how to respond to the different alarm situations.
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
Frequently 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-round. This section provides you
with answers and tips that will most likely answer any questions
you might have after reading this user’s guide.
This Nighthawk carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is an important
part of your family’s home safety plan. So important, the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that
every household should have at least one carbon monoxide
alarm. In fact, the CPSC chairman has said 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, odorless, 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 familiarize
yourself with the facts about carbon monoxide, how your new
unit works, and what to do if it alarms. Then, find a handy place
to keep the guide so it will be readily available in the future when
you have a question. You might want to write down KIDDE
Safety’s toll-free customer service 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.
i
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 guide initially, read this page!
Listed below are seven easy steps for setting up your Nighthawk CO alarm. 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 1-3 for complete
information.
Step 2
Your CO alarm is equipped to be mounted as a corded unit,
a direct plug unit or a table top unit. In the “as shipped” configuration, the unit can be plugged directly into a wall socket. (If your outlets are mounted horizontally, please refer to
page 1-4). If the transformer/adapter is taken out of the unit,
the unit can be mounted on the wall at eye level, while the
transformer is plugged into a wall socket. The unit can also
be set on a table if the support at the bottom of the unit is
pulled out (see illustrations on page 1-1). Refer to page 1-4
for further information on installing your alarm.
Step 3
A 9V battery is needed for backup in the event of a power
outage. When installing the battery, use an Energizer 522,
Duracell MN 1604 or, for extended life, use an Ultralife lithium power cell model U9VL. Any of these batteries can be
purchased where you bought the alarm or at your local hardware store. To install the battery, open the back door and
snap battery connector onto battery. You will hear the alarm
sound briefly to indicate the unit is receiving power. Place
battery into battery compartment and replace back door
(refer to page 1-1).
Step 4
Plug the alarm into a standard, unswitched 120 volt AC electric outlet in one of the configurations listed in step 2.
ii
Step 5
You will either see a flashing red dot or you will see three
eights in the digital display indicating the alarm is warming up. After approximately 20 seconds, the first reading will
appear on the digital display. The number on the digital display should be zero (0). If not, see page 1-5 for complete
information on normal operating characteristics.
Step 6
Make sure the red dot in the digital display is blinking. Then
test the unit’s operation by pressing and releasing the
Test/Reset button. Within 15 seconds you will hear 4 quick
beeps – followed by 5 seconds of silence – followed by 4
quick beeps. For complete testing information, refer to page
1-5.
Step 7
While testing the alarm, have someone else check that the
alarm can be heard easily from the sleeping areas. The unit
should be located where it can wake you if it alarms at night.
See page 1-3 for complete information on the best locations
for your 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. Your Nighthawk CO alarm is now monitoring for the
presence of carbon monoxide.
Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm
Carbon Monoxide
ALARM
TEST-RESET
PEAK LEVEL
PPM OF CO – Move to Fresh Air
(Lb = Low or No Battery
About Your CO Alarm
The number one feature that sets Nighthawk apart from other
alarms is its unique digital display that gives you a continuos readout of CO levels from 30-999 parts per million. The digital
display serves as an early warning of CO presence. Additionally,
the digital display gives you added time to find the source of the
CO and correct the problem, limiting the risk of unrecognized long
term exposure. Of course, the loud 85 decibel alarm warns of
higher levels.
Nighthawk is the only CO alarm that gives you the choice of a
direct-plug, a 6' power cord or table top unit all in one. Depending
on how or where you wish to mount your unit, 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.
Door “Latches”
Nighthawk CO Alarm (KN-COPP-3) – front view
Digital
Display
Blinking
Test/Reset
Button
Red Dot
Peak Level
Button
Sounder
Alarm
Nighthawk CO Alarm – rear view
Adapter
Thumb
Release
at all four
corners of
back door
Cord
Recess
Table Top and Direct Plug Use
Removable
Adapter
Slide Support for
Rear view with back door removed
Power
Cord
Adapter
Cord Strain
Relief
Thumb Grip for
Back Door
Removal
(Slide Down)
Back Door
Key Holes
9V Backup
Battery
(shown
installed)
Battery
Connector
Install 9V
battery provided
as shown
1-1
Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm
Nighthawk’s Unique Features
Digital Display
The continuous digital display shows you the level of carbon
monoxide (if any) the unit is sensing. The unit updates this reading
every 15 seconds so you can watch levels rise or fall.
Note: If the unit does not sense any CO, the reading is zero (0).
In most homes, the unit reads “0” all the time. A reading of “0” is
expected under normal conditions, and is good. The blinking dot
after the number shows you the unit is operating.
Test/Reset Button
This button has three functions. First, this is the button you press
when you test the unit monthly (see page 1-5 for further details).
Secondly, you press this button if the unit alarms and you want to
silence the alarm. This will reset the unit and it will then again start
monitoring for CO, if CO concentration is above 70 ppm the alarm
will again sound within 6 minutes. It’s also used when resetting the
peak level memory. (See page 1-7).
Peak Level Button
By pressing this button, you can see the peak CO level recorded
by the alarm since it was last cleared or unplugged. This
Nighthawk feature allows you (or heating contractor or fireman) to
see exactly how big a CO problem you have so you can react
accordingly. (More on the peak level memory feature on page 1-7).
Sensor
The sensor is a highly sensitive, electrochemical sensor that is COspecific to help avoid false alarms. Turn to page 1-7 for more
information on how to care for and protect the alarm.
Sounder Alarm
This is the loud 85 decibel pulsing alarm that will sound to alert you
to a potential problem. Alarm condition is 4 quick beeps – followed
by 5 seconds of silence – followed by 4 quick beeps. Repeat.
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 1-5,6.
Keyholes
When the alarm is mounted to the wall, these keyholes slide onto
the screws in the wall. (See “How to install your alarm on page 1-4).
Pull-Out Transformer/Adapter
This unique Nighthawk feature enables the alarm to be used as a
direct plug unit, a wall mounted unit or a table top unit. More on
how this unique feature is used for different application, page 1-4.
9V Backup Battery
This CO alarm is not battery operated. The 9V battery is to supply
a short-term backup during a power outage. In the event of a
power outage, the 9V battery will continue operating the alarm for
at least 20 hours.
1-2
What Carbon Monoxide Alarms Can and Cannot Do
CO alarms are designed to sense unacceptable levels of CO from
malfunctioning furnaces, appliances, gas engines or other
sources.
CO alarms provide early warning of the presence of carbon
monoxide, usually before 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
not designed for use as a short-term testing device to perform a
quick check for the presence of CO.
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 monthly, 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 unit 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 unit’s sensor.
Carbon monoxide may be present in other areas without reaching the alarm. The rate at which CO reaches the unit 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
1-3 “Where to install your 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 an 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.
monitor, it is
Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm
Where to Install Your CO Alarm
Your Nighthawk CO alarm should be mounted in or near bedrooms and living areas. It is recommended that you install a
Nighthawk CO alarm on each level of a multi-level home. You
may use the number and location of smoke alarms installed in
your home according to current building code requirements as a
guide to the location of your Nighthawk CO alarm(s).
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 FURNACE ROOM.
Two self-adhesive labels are included with the CO alarm. Add
the phone number of your emergency service provider in the
space provided. Place one label next to the alarm and one label
near a fresh air source such as a door or window
CAUTION: This 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 alarm. Please see the next section
describing where NOT to install this alarm.
Where Not
To avoid causing damage to the unit, to provide optimum protection, and to prevent unnecessary alarms, follow the directions below where NOT to install this alarm:
It is not recommended that you install this CO alarm in garages,
kitchens or furnace rooms. Installation in these areas could lead to
nuisance alarms, may expose the sensor to substances that could
damage or contaminate it, or the alarm may not be heard by
persons in other areas of the home, especially if they are sleeping.
In the garage, vehicle exhaust can contain some carbon monoxide. These levels are higher when the engine is first started. Within
hours of starting a vehicle and backing it out of the garage, the levels present over time can activate the alarm and become a nuisance.
In the kitchen and furnace room, some gas appliances can emit a
short burst of carbon monoxide upon start-up. This is normal. If
your CO alarm is mounted too close to these appliances, it may
alarm often and become a nuisance.
If you must install a Nighthawk CO alarm near a cooking or heating appliance, install
to Install Your CO Alarm
AT LEAST
15 feet away from appliance.
Do not install in excessively dusty, dirty or greasy areas such as
kitchens, garages and furnace rooms. Dust grease or household
chemicals can contaminate or coat the alarm’s sensor, causing the
alarm not to operate properly.
Do not obstruct the vents located at the top and bottom of the
alarm. Place the 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 cause the sensor to display an inaccurate
reading in the presence of CO.
Do not install this alarm in a switch- or dimmer-controlled outlet.
Do not install in areas where the temperature is colder than 40˚F
(4.4˚C) or hotter than 100˚F (37.8˚C). These areas include unconditioned crawl spaces, attics, porches and garages. Extreme temperatures will affect the sensitivity of the alarm.
Do not install CO alarm near deep cell large batteries. Large batteries have emissions that can cause the alarm to perform at less
than optimum performance.
Avoid the following:
• Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel burning
appliances caused by outdoor ambient conditions, such as:
1) Wind direction and/or velocity, including high gusts
of wind. Heavy air in the vent pipes (cold/humid air with
extended periods between cycles). 2) Negative pressure
differential resulting from the use of exhaust fans.
3) Simultaneous operation of several fuel burning appliances
competing for limited internal air. 4) Vent pipe connections
vibrating loose from clothes dryers, furnaces or water heaters.
5) Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs which
can amplify the above situations.
• Extended operation of unvented fuel burning devices (range,
oven, fireplace, etc.).
• Temperature inversions which can trap exhaust gasses near
the ground.
• Car idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near
a home.
1-3
Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm
How to Install Your Alarm
Your Nighthawk CO alarm with its removable adapter allows you
to install the alarm as a wall mounted unit, a direct plug unit, or
as a table top unit.
To install the battery, open the back door and snap battery
connector onto battery. You will hear the alarm sound briefly to
indicate the unit is receiving power. Place battery into battery
compartment and replace back door
Direct Plug Alarm
First, refer to “Where to Install Your CO
Alarm” on page 1-3 for general guidelines as
to where to locate your CO alarm.
In its “as shipped” configuration, your
Nighthawk CO alarm is ready to be plugged
directly into a wall socket.
To install:
1. Choose a standard 120V outlet to plug
alarm into.
Back of unit when
used as direct plug
2. Pull slide support out approximately .25” until slide snaps in
place (this will help support unit in wall outlet).
3. Simply plug in.
If outlet is mounted horizontally (sideways):
If you are going to use your alarm as a direct plug and you are
going to plug in to an outlet that is mounted horizontally (sideways), you will need to rotate the adapter 90˚. This simple process
is outlined below.
To rotate adapter:
1. With back of unit facing you (with adapter
at top), place your thumbs on thumb grips.
2. With your thumbs, push down in the
direction of the arrows on the thumb grips
and slide back door off.
3. Next, place your thumbs on the adapter
thumb releases.
4. Spread adapter thumb releases out and
carefully turn alarm over. This will allow
adapter to slide out.
5. Rotate the adapter 90˚ to the right
(clockwise), and snap firmly back into place.
6. Carefully replace back door by making sure “latches” on all
four corners of door are lined up, then firmly press into place.
Back of unit when
used as direct plug
for sideways outlet
7. Now simply plug in to outlet.
1-4
Wall Mounted Alarm
First, refer to “Where to Install Your CO
Alarm” on page 1-3 for general guidelines
as to where to locate your CO alarm.
Installation tips for power cord models:
The power cord option provides more
flexibility in mounting locations and
allows the alarm to be easily installed at
eye level.
Note: If you mount the alarm high on a
wall, make sure it is at least 6" from the
ceiling. Any higher than this, it will be in
“dead air space” and carbon monoxide
may not reach the sensor.
Below is a list of suggested mounting
locations if you wish to conceal the
power cord:
• Above a tall bureau, chest of drawers or bookcase
• Above a doorway or closet, securing the cord to the
side of the molding
Note: Do not cover the alarm with a curtain.
For a wall-mount, you will need to pull out the removable
adapter and power cord. This simple process as outlined below.
To install:
1. Follow steps 1 - 4 in the previous column under “To Rotate
Adapter.”
Back of unit when used
as a wall mount
2. With adapter out, pull out power cord and unwrap it.
3. With cord extended, press last few inches into cord recess.
Gently pull cord at bottom of cord recess until cord becomes
taught and lays flat in cord recess.
4. Carefully replace back door by making sure
“latches” on all four corners of door are lined up,
then firmly press into place.
5. Insert the screws provided until head is approx.
1/8” from wall (If mounting in plaster board or drywall, drill 3/16 hole and use plastic anchor provided). Use mounting guide template in back of user’s
guide to locate holes.
6. Hook the Nighthawk CO alarm unit over the screw onto keyhole in back of unit.
WALL
1/8"
7. Plug cord into electrical outlet.
Table Top Alarm
You can also use your Nighthawk CO alarm as a table top unit.
Simply follow the above steps for removing adapter, then instead of
mounting to a wall, simply pull out slide support and stand on table,
bedside stand, chest of drawers, etc. (refer to diagram on page 1-1).
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