AC Powered
Carbon Monoxide
Alarm
User’s Guide
Kidde CO Alarm
with 85 Decibel Alarm
Direct Plug Model
(KN-COB-DP-H)
900-0107
ATTENTION: Please take a few minutes to thoroughly
read this manual, which should be saved for future
reference and passed on to any subsequent owner. If
you have any questions about the operation or
installation of your alarm, please call our toll free
Consumer Hotline at 1-800-880-6788.
810-1439 REV. B
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Part Four – What to Do When the Unit Alarms
•How to respond: to the alarm . . . . . . . . .24, 25
•Whom you should call if you suspect you
have CO in your home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
•Sometimes it is difficult to find the source
of CO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
About this User’s Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Quick Set Up Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,6
Part One – Your Kidde CO Alarm
•About your CO alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-17
•What CO alarms can and cannot do . . . . . .9, 10
•Where you should install your alarm . . . . . .11
•Where you should not install your alarm . . .11, 12
•How to install your alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
•Normal operating characteristics . . . . . . . . . .14
•How to test the electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Part Five – Technical Information
•Product Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
•How the unit determines when
to alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Part Six – Frequently Asked Questions . . . .30, 32
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Limited Warranty
•How to know if your alarm is
malfunctioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
•How to care for your alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
•Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Part Two – Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer
•What is CO? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
•What are the effects of CO exposure? . . . . .18
•Could your family be at risk for CO
poisoning? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
•Where does CO come from? . . . . . . . . . . . .19
•What can you do to protect your family? . . .19
•Home safety tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20, 21
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 OUTAGE,
BUT AUTOMATICALLY RESETS WHEN POWER IS RESTORED.
Part Three – What You Should Know Before
the Alarm Sounds
•Determine if anyone in the household is at
high risk for CO poisoning . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
•Understand the effects of carbon monoxide
exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Kidde / Pyrene Corp.
13o Esna Park Drive, Markham, ON, Canada L3R 1E3
Consumer Hotline: 1-800-880-6788
2
1
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 for you to use this guide just
as you will be using your Kidde 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 car-
bon 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.
This Kidde 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.
Part One
Many people think that CO alarms operate like smoke alarms. And
in some basic ways, this is true. Like smoke alarms, CO alarms con-
tinuously monitor the air in your home and sound a loud alarm to
warn you of trouble.
Your Kidde Carbon Monoxide Alarm, covers the unique fea-
tures of your Kidde carbon monoxide alarm, how and where to install
it, as well as information on testing and maintaining your CO alarm.
Part Two
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 situa-
tions. 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 sens-
es: 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.
Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer, contains valuable informa-
tion about carbon monoxide (CO). From discovering the most com-
mon 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 Before the Alarm Sounds, describes
the effects of exposure to CO levels over time and when your Kidde
CO alarm will alarm. It also tells you how to determine who is at high
risk for CO poisoning.
Part Four
But now, what about a CO alarm? Carbon monoxide (CO) is invisi-
ble, 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?
What to do When the Unit Alarms, gives you step-by step infor-
mation 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
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 alarm 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’s toll-free customer
service number and keep it with your other important phone num-
bers for the same reason.
Kidde CO alarm.
Part Six
Frequently Asked Questions, contains the most commonly asked
questions about our alarms. Part six was written by Kidde 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.
Thank you for making Kidde a part of your complete home safety
program. With proper installation and use, your new Kidde CO
alarm should provide you with years of dependable service.
4
3
Quick Set Up Guide
Quick Set Up Guide
Step 5
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!
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 11 for
complete information on the best locations for your CO alarm.
Listed below are five easy steps for setting up your Kidde CO alarm.
Please read the entire guide for complete information.
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 Kidde CO alarm is now monitoring for the presence of
carbon monoxide.
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 11 for complete information.
Step 2
Plug the CO alarm into a standard, unswitched 120 volt AC electric out-
let. You will hear the alarm sound briefly to indicate the alarm is receiv-
ing power. Refer to page 13 for more details.
Step 3
The green Operate light will come on and stay on showing the CO
alarm is receiving power.
Step 4
Next, test the alarm’s operation by pressing and releasing the Test/Reset
button. The unit will beep quickly 4 times – followed by 5 seconds of
silence – followed by 4 quick beeps. This is also the alarm cycle in the
event of a CO problem. Familiarize yourself and household members
with this alarm pattern. The red Alarm light will come on when the
alarm sounds. For complete testing information, refer to page 15.
5
6
Part One – Your Kidde CO Alarm
Part One – Your Kidde CO Alarm
Kidde CO Alarm – rear view
About Your CO Alarm
While many other CO alarms require costly sensor or battery pack
replacement, there are no replacement parts on Kidde CO alarms.
This is just one reason why over 4.5 million families have chosen
Kidde over every other brand for this kind of life-saving protection.
Direct plug unit
(KN-COB-DP-H)
Kidde CO Alarm – front view
Test/Reset
Button
Green
Operate
Light
Sounder
Alarm
Red
Alarm
Light
7
8
Part One – Your Kidde CO Alarm
Part One – Your Kidde CO Alarm
CO alarms have limitations. Like any other electronic device, CO
alarms are not fool-proof.
Kidde’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 15 for further details).
Secondly, you press this button if the unit alarms and you want to
turn it off. This will reset the unit and it will then again start monitor-
ing for CO. (If CO concentration is above 70 ppm, the alarm
will again sound within 6 minutes.)
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 page 34 for
warranty information.
CO alarms will not work without power. This CO alarm requires a
continuous supply of electric power.
Vents
Air (and CO) enters into the alarm at the bottom vent and circulates
through the sensing chamber. For proper air circulation, keep vents
free of dust, dirt or grease, (see “How to care for your CO alarm”
page 17). Do not obstruct or block vents, (see “Where to install
your CO alarm” on page 11).
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
Sensor
The sensor is a highly sensitive, electrochemical sensor that is CO-
specific to help avoid false alarms. Turn to page 17 for more infor-
mation on how to care for and protect the CO alarm.
11, “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.
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 15.
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.
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 are not a substitute for property, disability, life or other
insurance of any kind. Appropriate insurance coverage is your
responsibility. Consult your insurance agent.
CO alarms provide early warning of the presence of carbon monox-
ide, usually before a healthy adult would experience symptoms.
This early warning is possible, however, only if your Kidde 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.
9
10
Part One – Your Kidde CO Alarm
Part One – Your Kidde CO Alarm
If you must install a Kidde CO alarm near a cooking or heating appli-
Where to Install Your CO Alarm
ance, install at least 5 feet away from the appliance.
Your Kidde CO alarm should be mounted in or near bedrooms and liv-
ing areas. It is recommended that you install a Kidde 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 Kidde CO alarm(s).
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 unit
not to operate properly.
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 BED-
ROOMS, NOT IN THE BASEMENT OR FURNACE ROOM.
Do not obstruct the vents 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.
Seven (7) years after initial power up, this unit will "chirp" every 30
seconds to indicate that it is time to replace the alarm. After seven
years the device may no longer detect carbon monoxide accurately
and should be replaced immediately. To help identify the date to
replace the unit, a label has been affixed to the side of the alarm.
Write the "Replace by" date (7 years from power up) in permanent
marker on the label.
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 40˚F
(4.4˚C) or hotter than 100˚F (37.8˚C). These areas include uncondi-
tioned crawl spaces, attics, porches and garages. Extreme temperatures
will affect the sensitivity of the CO alarm.
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.
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.
Where Not to Install Your CO Alarm
The following conditions can result in transient CO situations:
To avoid causing damage to the CO alarm, to provide optimum
protection, and to prevent unnecessary alarms, follow the direc-
tions below where NOT to install this CO alarm:
Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel-burning appliances caused by:
•
outdoor ambient conditions, such as wind direction and/or velocity,
including high gusts of wind, and insufficient draft in the vent pipes;
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.
•
•
negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust fans;
simultaneous operation of several fuel-burning appliances competing
for limited internal air;
•
•
loose vent pipe connections from fuel-fired appliances;
In the garage, vehicle exhaust can contain some carbon monoxide.
These levels are higher when the engine is first started. CO levels in a
garage may not be sufficient to activate the alarm immediately. 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.
obstructions, or unconventional vent pipe designs that can amplify
the above situations;
•
poorly designed or maintained chimneys and/or vents;
Extended operation of unvented fuel-burning devices (range, oven,
fireplace, etc.);
In the kitchen and furnace room, some gas appliances can emit a
short burst of carbon monoxide upon startup. This is normal. If your
CO alarm is mounted too close to these appliances, it may alarm
often and become a nuisance.
Temperature inversions that can trap exhaust gasses near the ground;
and a
Car idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near a home.
11
12
Part One – Your Kidde CO Alarm
Part One – Your Kidde CO Alarm
Normal Operating Characteristics
Direct Plug Unit (KN-COB-DP-H)
When you first power up the alarm, the red 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 receiv-
ing power and that the alarm circuit is functioning.
First, refer to “Where to Install Your CO Alarm” on
page 11 for general guidelines as to where to
locate your CO alarm.
To install:
Within a few minutes, your carbon monoxide alarm will start moni-
toring for CO and will continue to do so as long as it receives power.
1. Choose a standard 120V outlet to plug alarm
into.
Your Kidde CO alarm will now sample the air every fifteen seconds
and alert you if it senses dangerous CO levels.
CAUTION: Do not rotate unit while plugged in, as damage to plug
For more information about the effects of CO exposure at
different levels over time, refer to the chart on 23 as well as the infor-
mation on pages 24-26.
may result.
When the CO alarm is unplugged or loses power, a fading
alarm 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 29.
For information about alarm’s malfunction alert, turn to page 16.
13
14
Part One – Your Kidde CO Alarm
Part One – Your Kidde CO Alarm
Testing the Electronics
How to Know If Your Alarm is Malfunctioning
Your CO alarm performs an internal self-diagnosis every fifteen sec-
onds to make sure that it is functioning properly. The CO alarm is
designed to alert you in the unusual event of a malfunction.
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 per-
form as described below, have it replaced immediately. Turn to page
16 “How to know if your alarm is malfunctioning” for a description
of the characteristics of a malfunctioning alarm and what you should
do if a malfunction occurs.
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):
Observe the CO alarm regularly to make sure the green operate light
is on, indicating normal operation.
Malfunction Signal Group 1 - Component Failure
–
An intermittent “chirping” alarm will sound every 30 seconds.
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.
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
To test the CO alarm, press and release the Test/Reset button,
within 15 seconds if the CO alarm is operating properly, you will
hear 4 quick beeps – followed by 5 seconds of silence – followed by
4 quick beeps. Notice the Red Alarm Light flashes when the unit
alarms.
Unplug the CO alarm immediately and return for warranty exchange
(see “Warranty” on page 34).
What to do if you’re not sure...
PLEASE familiarize yourself with the malfunction alert, and do not con-
fuse 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 toll-free consumer hotline at 1 800-581-6742 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.
When you test the CO alarm, we advise you to place your finger
over the sounder opening in the front of the CO alarm.
Within a minute, the alarm will then return to monitoring for carbon
monoxide.
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 ventila-
tion, turn off fuel-burning appliances (like kerosene or oil heaters, fur-
naces, 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 ventila-
tion. Then call the Kidde toll-free consumer hotline at 1 800-581-6742
for assistance.
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.
Before you call a qualified technician (such as a licensed heating con-
tractor, 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 customer service operators are avail-
able to answer your questions and assist you in non-emergency situa-
tions at no charge.
Never ignore a CO unit’s alarm. A true alarm is an indication of poten-
tially 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 resolve the problem calmly.
16
15
Part One – Your Kidde CO Alarm
How to Care for Your CO Alarm
To keep your CO alarm in good working order, you must follow
these simple steps:
Part Two – Carbon Monoxide -
The Silent Killer
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas creat-
ed when any fuel is burned – gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil,
wood, coal, and even tobacco. When combustion air is limited, more
CO is produced. Serious problems can develop when combustion by-
products are not properly vented outside the house.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
•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 alarm 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.
You’ve probably heard about carbon monoxide poisoning in the
news recently. It’s a problem receiving more attention because groups
like the American Lung Association and the Consumer Product Safety
Commission have made it a priority to warn the public about the
dangers of this deadly household poison.
WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO:
•Never use detergents or solvents to clean the CO alarm. Chemicals
can permanently damage or temporarily contaminate the sensor.
•Avoid spraying air fresheners, hair spray, 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 diaper pail,
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-it-your-
self 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 it in a
plastic bag during the project.
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 hemoglobin, 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 “carboxyhemoglobin level” test .
The early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistak-
en 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 could cause permanent heart and
brain damage.
The following is a list of substances which, at high levels, can affect the
sensor and may cause a nuisance alarm that is not a carbon monoxide
alarm.
Methane, propane, iso-butane, ethylene, ethanol, alcohol,
iso-propanol, benzene, toluene, ethyl acetate, hydrogen, hydro-
gen sulfide, sulfur dioxides.
Also most aerosol sprays, alcohol based products, paints, thin-
ners, solvents, adhesives, hair sprays, after shaves, perfumes,
auto exhaust (cold start) and some cleaning agents.
Could Your Family be at Risk for CO Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in
the United States. According to the Mayo Clinic, at least 10,000
Americans are affected by CO poisoning each year.
While anyone is susceptible, experts agree that unborn babies, small
children, senior citizens and people with heart or respiratory prob-
lems are especially vulnerable to CO and are at the greatest risk for
death or serious injury.
17
18
Part Two – Carbon Monoxide -
The Silent Killer
Part Two – Carbon Monoxide -
The Silent Killer
Where Does CO Come From?
Home Safety Tips
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.
What You Can Do...
•Buy only appliances approved by a nationally recognized
testing laboratory.
•Choose fuel-burning appliances that can be vented to the
outdoors, whenever possible.
A by-product of combustion, carbon monoxide can be a potential
problem from a number of common sources – automobiles,
furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, charcoal grills, gas
ranges, space heaters and portable generators.
•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.
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.
•Have the heating system, vents, chimney and flue inspected
and cleaned by a qualified technician every year.
•Follow manufacturer’s directions for safe operation of all
fuel-burning appliances.
And you don’t have to have ancient appliances to have a problem.
Today’s more energy-efficient, airtight home designs can trap CO-pol-
luted air inside where it can quickly build to lethal levels.
•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 furnace and water
heater.
What Can You do to Protect Your Family?
To be safe, know the possible sources of CO in your home. Keep
fuel-burning appliances and their chimneys and vents in good work-
ing 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.
•Notice problems that could indicate improper appliance operation:
– Decreasing hot water supply
– Furnace unable to heat house or runs constantly
– Sooting, especially on appliances
– Unfamiliar or burning odor
– Yellow or orange flame
Your first line of defense is an annual inspection and regular mainte-
nance of your appliances. Contact a licensed contractor or call your
local utility company for assistance.
•Be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:
– headaches, dizziness, weakness, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting,
confusion and disorientation.
But remember, problems can begin after an inspection is over, like a
crack in a furnace 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 pro-
tection provided by a CO alarm.
•Recognize that CO poisoning may be the cause when family
members suffer from flu-like symptoms that don’t disappear but
improve when they leave home for extended periods of time.
20
19
Part Two – Carbon Monoxide -
The Silent Killer
Part Three – What You Should Know
Before the Alarms Sounds
What You Should Not Do...
•Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, cabin, RV or camper.
Determine 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.
•Never install, service, or convert fuel-burning appliances from
one type to another without proper knowledge, skills, and tools.
•Never use a gas range, oven, or clothes dryer for heating.
You should take extra precautions to protect high risk persons from
CO exposure because they may experience ill effects from carbon monox-
ide at levels that would not ordinarily affect a healthy adult.
•Never operate unvented gas-burning appliances, such as kerosene
or natural gas space heaters, in a closed room.
•Never operate gasoline-powered engines (like vehicles,
motorcycles, lawn mowers, yard equipment or power tools) in
confined areas such as garages or basements, even if an outside
door or window is open.
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 trou-
ble explaining their symptoms. Infants and children are more susceptible
to CO poisoning than a healthy adult.
•Never ignore a safety device when it shuts off an appliance.
•Never ignore a CO alarm.
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
physician.
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.
Is there anyone in the household who is elderly, or who has anemia,
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.
•A yellow or orange flame may indicate a problem with natural gas
appliances.
•Excessive rusting on flue pipes or appliance jackets.
•Loose or missing furnace panel.
If anyone in the household is at high risk for CO poisoning, we urge you
to take extra precautions 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 problem has been identified and corrected.
•Moisture collecting on the windows and walls of furnace 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 discolored bricks on your chimney.
Clues You Cannot See...
•Internal appliance damage or malfunctioning components.
•Improper burner adjustment.
•Hidden blockage or damage in chimneys.
21
22
Part Three – What You Should Know
Before the Alarms Sounds
Part Four – What to do When the
Alarm Sounds
Determine if anyone in the household is experiencing symptoms of
CO poisoning. Many cases of reported CO poisoning indicate that
while victims are aware they are not well, they become so disorient-
ed 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:
Understand the Effects of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Concentration
of CO in Air
(ppm = parts
per million)
Approximate Inhalation Time
and Symptoms Developed
50 ppm
The maximum allowable concentration for con-
tinuous exposure for healthy adults in any
8-hour period, according to OSHA*.
Mild Exposure: Headaches, running nose, sore eyes, often
described as "flu-like" symptoms.
Slight headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea
after 2-3 hours.
200 ppm
Medium Exposure: Dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting.
Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life threat-
ening after 3 hours.
400 ppm
800 ppm
Extreme Exposure: Unconsciousness, brain damage, death.
Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45
minutes. Unconsciousness within 2 hours. Death
within 2-3 hours.
Become familiar with these common symptoms from CO poisoning.
Headache, dizziness and nausea within 20 min-
utes. Death within 1 hour.
1 600 ppm
3 200 ppm
6 400 ppm
12 800 ppm
If you experience even mild symptoms of CO poisoning, con-
sult your doctor immediately!
Headache, dizziness and nausea within 5-10
minutes. Death within 25-30 minutes.
Headache, dizziness and nausea within 1-2 min-
utes. Death within 10-15 minutes.
Death within 1-3 minutes.
* Occupational Safety and Health Administration
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.
23
24
Part Four – What to do When the
Alarm Sounds
Part Four – What to do When the
Alarm Sounds
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 physician. CO poisoning can be
determined by a simple blood test, called a “carboxyhemoglobin”
test. This test measures the amount of carbon monoxide in the
bloodstream. For this test to be accurate, it must be done immedi-
ately after CO exposure. 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 physician
will make this determination and administer treatment if necessary.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm Procedure
WARNING: Actuation of the CO Alarm
indicates the presence of Carbon Monoxide
(CO) which can kill you.
If alarm signal sounds 4 quick beeps, 5 seconds off:
1) Immediately move to fresh air - outdoors or by an
open door or window. Check that all persons are
accounted for. Do not re-enter the premises or
move away from the open door/window until
emergency services responders have arrived, the
premises have been aired out, and your alarm
remains in its normal operating condition.
Calling a Qualified Technician to Find and Repair
the Problem
If you call a qualified service technician (such as a licensed heating
contractor, utility 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 cor-
rected. Request service for as soon as possible, like TODAY.
2) Call your emergency local service
(fire deptartment or 911).
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 creating the CO in your home. Remember, a CO
alarm can only warn you of the presence of CO, it does not prevent
CO from occurring, nor can it solve an existing CO problem.
PHONE NUMBER
Never restart the source of a CO problem until it has
been corrected. Never ignore the sound of the alarm!
Because you’ve provided ventilation by leaving your windows and
doors open, the CO buildup may have dissipated by the time help
responds. Although your problem may appear to be temporarily
solved, it’s crucial that the source of the CO is determined and
appropriate repairs are made.
25
26
Part Four – What to do When the
Alarm Sounds
Part Five – Technical Information
Power:
120V AC units: 60 Hz, Current 60 mA max.
Sensor calibrated at 150 ppm ( 25 ppm).
Sometimes it’s Difficult to Find the Source of
CO in a Home
Sensor:
It can be difficult for responders to locate the source(s) of CO if:
Temperature:
•The house was ventilated before they arrived and the fresh air
caused the CO to dissipate.
Operating range: 40˚F (4.4˚C) to 100˚F (37.8˚C).
Mounting: Direct Plug-In: No mounting screws needed.
•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.
Alarm:
85+ dB at 10’ @ 3.4 0.5 KHz pulsing alarm.
In alarm condition you will hear 4 quick beeps, 5
seconds off, 4 quick beeps, repeat.
•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.
Unit Malfunction:
Red “Alarm” light will flash and alarm will sound every
30 seconds. Refer to pages 15 and 16.
Test/Reset Button:
Test button verifies proper unit operation and resets the
unit in the event of a CO alarm.
Size:
5”W x 4”H x 1.75”D.
Housing:
Rigid plastic case meets UL94-5V rating.
Warranty: Five-year warranty from date of purchase against
defects in material and workmanship.
27
28
Part Five – Technical Information
Part Six – Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many alarms do I need in my house? How much
square footage will one CO alarm cover?
How the CO alarm determines when to alarm
Your Kidde 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 lev-
els of carbon monoxide in the air and to calculate the rate that CO
would be absorbed into the human body.
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 place-
ment 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.
The microcomputer is calibrated to trigger the alarm before most
people would experience any symptoms of carbon monoxide poi-
soning. Because carbon monoxide is a cumulative poison, long-
term exposures to low levels can cause symptoms, as well as
short-term exposures to high levels. Your Kidde CO alarm has a
time weighted alarm, so the higher the level of carbon monoxide
present, the sooner the alarm will be triggered.
Generally, one CO alarm can be adequate for 1,200 to 1,500 square
feet of living space. The most important determination for the num-
ber of alarms needed is whether an alarm can be heard in all sleep-
ing 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.
This CO alarm meets response time requirements as follows:
At 70 ppm, the unit must alarm within 60-240 minutes.
At 150 ppm, the unit must alarm within 10-50 minutes.
At 400 ppm, the unit must alarm within 4-15 minutes.
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.
WARNING: This product is intended for use in ordinary indoor
residentual areas. It is not designed to measure compliance with
commercial and industrial standards. This device is designed to
protect individuals from acute effects of carbon monoxide expo-
sure. It will not fully safeguard individuals with specific medical
conditions. If in doubt, consult a medical practitioner.
Individuals with medical problems may consider using warning
devices, which provide audible and visual signals for carbon
monoxide concentrations under 30 ppm.
The microchip inside your Kidde 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 page 29.
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 automatical-
ly. To test the internal components and circuitry of your CO alarm,
press the Test/Reset button.
29
30
Part Six – Frequently Asked Questions
Part Six – Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What happens if the power goes out?
Q. I use the CO alarm in a vacation home that isn’t always
occupied and can have temperature extremes when no one is
there (no heat or no air conditioning). Will that hurt 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.
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 outage, 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 dan-
gerous amounts of carbon monoxide.
Q. I plugged in the CO alarm at my house (my parents’, my
neighbors’, 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.
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 15 when you test it, your CO alarm is constantly
monitoring for the presence of CO.
Q. You warranty the alarm for five 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 mal-
function signals. These signals are described in detail on page 16.
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.
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 27. Also, please read the information
on page 16 to make sure you experienced an alarm and not a mal-
function alert.
That’s why you need the 24-hour protection provided by a CO
alarm.
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. Will the CO alarm last longer if I unplug it during the sum-
mer 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 con-
tinuously for maximum alarm life.
31
32
Notes
Limited Warranty
WARRANTY COVERAGE: THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTS TO THE ORIGINAL
CONSUMER PURCHASER, THAT THIS PRODUCT WILL BE FREE OF DEFECTS IN
MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE (5) YEARS FROM DATE
OF PURCHASE. THE MANUFACTURER’S LIABILITY HEREUNDER IS LIMITED TO
REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT. REPAIR OF THE PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT
OF THE PRODUCT WITH REPAIRED PRODUCT AT THE DISCRETION OF THE MAN-
UFACTURER. THIS WARRANTY IS VOID IF THE PRODUCT HAS BEEN DAMAGED BY
ACCIDENT, UNREASONABLE USE, NEGLECT, TAMPERING OR OTHER CAUSES NOT
ARISING FROM DEFECTS IN MATERIAL OR WORKMANSHIP. THIS WARRANTY
EXTENDS TO THE ORIGINAL CONSUMER PURCHASER OF THE PRODUCT ONLY.
Warranty Disclaimers: Any implied warranties arising out of this sale, includ-
ing but not limited to the implied warranties of description, merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited in duration to the above war-
ranty period. In no event shall the Manufacturer be liable for loss of use of
this product or for any indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages,
or costs, or expenses incurred by the consumer or any other user of this
product, whether due to a breach of contract, negligence, strict liability in tort
or otherwise. The Manufacturer shall have no liability for any personal injury,
property damage or any special, incidental, contingent or consequential
damage of any kind resulting from gas leakage, fire or explosion.
Some provinces do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty
lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.
Some provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential or
incidental damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to
you.
Legal Remedies: This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may
also have other rights that vary from province to province.
Warranty Performance: During the above warranty period, your product will
be replaced with a comparable product if the defective product is returned,
postage prepaid, to Kidde / Pyrene, Customer Service Department, 130 Esna
Park Drive, Markham ON L3R 1E3 1-800-880-6788, together with proof of
purchase date. Please include a note describing the problem when you
return the unit. The replacement product will be in warranty for the remain-
der of the original warranty period or for six months, whichever is longer.
Other than the cost of postage, no charge will be made for replacement of
the defective product.
Important: Do not remove back cover. Back cover removal will void war-
ranty.
Your Kidde Carbon Monoxide Alarm is not a substitute for property, disabil-
ity, life or other insurance of any kind. Appropriate insurance coverage is
your responsibility. Consult your insurance agent.
33
34
|