Testing the sensor response

Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm

How to Test Your Alarm (continued)

NOTE: Pressing the Test/Reset button tests the functions of the alarm’s internal components, circuitry and micro-computer. YOU

DO NOT NEED TO PRESS THE TEST BUTTON TO TAKE A CO READING. CO readings are automatically shown on the alarm’s digital display. If the alarm shows zero (0), then no measurable amount of CO has been sensed by the alarm within the past 15 seconds.

While it is not required, on occasion you may wish to observe and become familiar with your alarm’s response in the actual presence of carbon monoxide. The best and safest way to do this is with either a cigarette or an incense stick. To perform this test you will need: your alarm, matches or a butane lighter, an ash- tray, and either a cigarette or an incense stick.

CAUTION: Please refer to the “Frequently Asked Questions” section for warnings on how NOT to test the sensor response.

WARNING: This test should be done by adults only. Children should be warned never to light matches or butane lighters. Please use caution when performing the test described below. Avoid burns from flame or hot materials. Avoid inhaling exces- sive smoke from the cigarette or incense stick. Extinguish all flames and properly discard all hot materials.

Step 1. With a match or a lighter, light a single cigarette or incense stick. Extinguish the match or lighter. Make sure an ashtray is available to discard ashes, matches and the burned cigarette or incense stick.

Step 2. Hold the smoldering cigarette or incense stick 12 - 15 inches directly below the bottom air vents of the CO alarm, mak- ing sure the stream of smoke rises into the vents.

Step 3. Continue holding the cigarette or incense stick directly below the alarm for 3 - 5 minutes. Note: Do not hold the ciga- rette or incense stick closer than 12 inches to the alarm as smoke will cause a yellow stain to develop on the alarm’s outer case.

Step 4. If your unit alarms, you can silence it by pressing Test/Reset button and removing the source of CO.

Step 5. Extinguish the cigarette or incense stick by pressing the smoldering tip into the ashtray.

How to Know If Your Alarm is Malfunctioning Your alarm performs an internal self-diagnosis every 15 seconds to make sure that it is functioning properly. The 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 20 secs., and

–An “Err” message will appear on the digital display

OR,

Malfunction Signal Group 2 - Microprocessor Failure

–The alarm will sound continuously, and

–The digital display will be blank, and

–The alarm cannot be shut off by pushing “Test/Reset” button

Unplug the alarm immediately and return for warranty exchange (see “Warranty” on back page).

Low Battery Warning

If the 9V battery is missing, or if the battery’s power is low, an “Lb” message will display which blink’s alternately with the current CO reading every second. If this happens, you need to replace the bat- tery. Refer to page 1-5 for more on low battery warnings.

What to do if you’re not sure...

PLEASE familiarize 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 alarm is operating prop- erly, call the KIDDE Safety toll-free consumer hotline at 800-880- 6788 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 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 sim- ply turn down the thermostat to its lowest setting. Open windows and doors for ventilation. Then call the KIDDE Safety toll-free con- sumer hotline at 800-880-6788 for assistance.

Remember, if 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, you will most likely be charged for a service call. KIDDE Safety customer service opera- tors are available to answer your questions and assist you in non- emergency situations at no charge.

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