USER’S Manual, Installation | First Alert Model GCO1 instruction

USER’S MANUAL

PLUG-IN EXPLOSIVE GAS AND CARBON MONOXIDE

ALARM WITH BATTERY BACK-UP AND SILENCE FEATURE

120VAC ~ 60Hz, 0.25 A

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE.

This unit was shipped with a user’s manual that contains important

information about its operation. If you are installing this unit for use by others,

you must leave this manual—or a copy of it—with the end user.

Printed in Mexico	LISTED TO
Printed in Mexico	UL 1484	Model GCO1
M08-0123-002 Q 01/08	AND	Model GCO1
	UL 2034

www.brkelectronics.com • www.firstalert.com

BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION

•Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions alert you to important operating instructions or to potentially hazardous situations. Pay special attention to these items.

•This combination Explosive Gas/Carbon Monoxide Alarm has two separate alarms. The CO Alarm is not designed to detect fire or any other gas. It will only indicate the presence of carbon monoxide gas at the sensor. Carbon monoxide gas may be present in other areas. The Explosive Gas Alarm will only indicate the presence of explosive gas that reaches the sensor. The Explosive Gas Alarm is not designed to sense smoke, heat or flames.

•Do not stand too close to the unit when the alarm is sounding. It is loud to wake you in an emergency. Exposure to the horn at close range may harm your hearing.

•Do not paint over the unit. Paint may clog the openings to the sensing chambers and prevent the unit from operating properly.

•This unit must be powered by a 24-hour circuit. Be sure the circuit cannot be turned off by a switch, dimmer, or ground fault circuit interrupter. Failure to connect this unit to a 24-hour circuit may prevent it from providing constant protection.

•This Alarm must have AC or battery power to operate. If AC power fails and the battery is dead or missing, the alarm cannot operate.

•The Alarm will check for the presence of explosive gas at the sensor less frequently when powered by the back-up battery. Explosive gas could be present during the period between checks without going into alarm, especially during a condition that results in a rapid buildup of explosive gas.

•Test the Alarm once a week. If the Alarm ever fails to test correctly, have it replaced immediately! If the Alarm is not working properly, it cannot alert you to a problem.

•This combination Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas Alarm is intended for residential use and is not suitable for use in hazardous locations as defined in the National Electrical Code.

•This product is intended for use in ordinary indoor locations of family living units. It is not designed to measure CO levels in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) commercial or industrial standards. Individuals with medical conditions that may make them more sensitive to carbon monoxide may consider using warning devices which provide audible and visual signals for carbon monoxide concentrations under 30 ppm. For additional information on carbon monoxide and your medical condition contact your physician.

Basic Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Installation	.1-3
Where To Install This Alarm	.1-2
Where This Alarm Should Not Be Installed	. . .2
Before You Begin Installation	. . .2
How To Install This Gas/CO Alarm	.2-3

How Your Alarm Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 If Your Gas/CO Alarm Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 What To Do if CO is Detected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 What To Do if Explosive Gas is Detected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Using the Silence Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Using the Remote Control Test/Silence Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Using the Peak CO Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Understanding the Light, Horn, and Display Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Weekly Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Regular Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

What You Need To Know About CO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6

What is CO? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Symptoms of CO Poisoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Finding the Source of CO After an Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Potential Sources of CO in the Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 How Can I Protect My Family From CO Poisoning? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Regulatory Information For Explosive Gas/CO Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Regulatory Information for CO Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Regulatory Information for Explosive Gas Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

General Limitations Of Explosive Gas/CO Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

INSTALLATION

WHERE TO INSTALL THIS ALARM

For Gas Alarms, mounting depends on the type of explosive gas you intend to detect.

Natural Gas (methane) is typically supplied through a main utility line connected to your home. If you do not live in a rural area you are likely to be a user of natural gas. Natural gas is a fossil fuel consisting mainly of Methane. Methane is much lighter than air and will rise rapidly in air. If you are a user of natural gas, the Alarm should be mounted between 6 and 12 inches (152mm and 305 mm) away from the ceiling (using cord feature) to ensure the earliest opportunity to detect a leak.

Propane is typically supplied to homes by delivery truck in liquid form and stored near the home in propane tanks. Propane is used by homes in rural areas that do not have natural gas service. Since propane is the most commonly used Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), propane and LP-Gasare often used synonymously. Unlike natural gas, propane is heavier than air and will collect at lower levels. If you are a user of propane, the Alarm should be mounted near the floor (using the direct plug-in feature) to ensure the earliest opportunity to detect a leak.

Both propane and natural gas are colorless and odorless. For safety reasons, an ordorant (Mercaptan) is added so that any leak can be detected by smell. The common detection threshold for smelling the gases is around 20% of the Lower Explosion Limit (LEL). This can vary greatly depending on the individuals sense of smell and how long they have been exposed to it. The LEL of each of these gases defines the bottom range of flammability for the gas. Your Alarm is calibrated to sound before 25% of the LEL of either gas detected.

Therefore, it is possible that you may smell gas before the Alarm is activated. If you are not sure which gas your home uses, contact your utility company.

For CO Alarms, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that a CO Alarm should be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. For added protection, install additional CO Alarms in each separate bedroom, and on every level of your home.

In general, install combination Explosive Gas and Carbon Monoxide Alarms:

•WHERE YOU CAN HEAR THE ALARM FROM ALL SLEEPING AREAS

•In or near bedrooms and living areas or wherever you suspect a gas or CO exposure is likely.

•On each level of a multi-level home.

Improper location can affect the sensitive electronic components in this Alarm. Please see “Where this Alarm Should Not Be Installed”.

Recommended Placement

DINING ROOM	KITCHEN BEDROOM BEDROOM
LIVING ROOM	BEDROOM

Continued...

Model GCO1 specifications

The First Alert Model GCO1 is a high-performing carbon monoxide detector that provides essential safety features for homes and businesses. Designed to ensure your well-being, this model is equipped with advanced technologies and characteristics that make it an excellent choice for early detection of harmful CO gas.

One of the primary features of the GCO1 is its electrochemical sensor. This sensor technology is known for its quick response time and accuracy in detecting low levels of carbon monoxide. Traditional detectors may not pick up on minor CO levels until it’s too late, but the GCO1 can alert users earlier, potentially preventing dangerous health issues.

The device is designed with an easy-to-read digital display that continuously shows the level of carbon monoxide present in the air. This feature allows users to monitor CO levels in real-time, providing peace of mind and ensuring prompt action if necessary. The GCO1 also includes a loud 85-decibel alarm that goes off when dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are detected, ensuring that even those with hearing impairments or who are asleep will be alerted.

A significant advantage of the First Alert GCO1 is its battery backup system. In the event of a power outage, the unit continues to function, ensuring uninterrupted protection. The GCO1 typically operates on a 9-volt battery, which is easily replaceable, adding to its user-friendly design. Users can quickly change the battery when prompted by the low battery warning signal.

Moreover, the GCO1 highlights a user-friendly interface with a simple test/silence button. This allows for easy testing of the device to ensure it is working properly while also enabling users to silence false alarms, such as those caused by cooking or other household activities.

The compact design of the First Alert GCO1 allows it to fit seamlessly in any room, whether mounted on a wall or placed on a tabletop. With an attractive finish, it suits various interior decors without standing out as an eyesore.

In summary, the First Alert Model GCO1 combines sophisticated technology with user-centric features, making it a reliable carbon monoxide detector. Its advanced electrochemical sensor, digital display, battery backup, and compact design ensure that families and facilities stay protected from the silent threat of carbon monoxide, providing a significant layer of safety in everyday life.

First Alert Model GCO1 user manual USER’S Manual, Basic Safety Information, Table of Contents

USER’S MANUAL

BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INSTALLATION

Model GCO1 specifications