WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CO
WHAT IS CO?
CO is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas produced when fossil fuels do not burn completely, or are exposed to heat (usually fire). Electrical appliances typically do not produce CO.
These fuels include: Wood, coal, charcoal, oil, natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, and propane.
Common appliances are often sources of CO. If they are not properly main- tained, are improperly ventilated, or malfunction, CO levels can rise quickly. CO is a real danger now that homes are more energy efficient. “Air-tight” homes with added insulation, sealed windows, and other weatherproofing can “trap” CO inside.
SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING
These symptoms are related to CO POISONING and should be discussed with ALL household members.
Mild Exposure: Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (“flu-like” symptoms).
Medium Exposure: Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
Extreme Exposure: Convulsions, unconsciousness, heart and lung failure. Exposure to Carbon Monoxide can cause brain damage, death.
This CO Alarm measures exposure to CO over time. It alarms if CO levels are extremely high in a short period of time, or if CO levels reach a certain minimum over a long period of time. The CO Alarm generally sounds an alarm before the onset of symptoms in average, healthy adults. Why is this important? Because you need to be warned of a potential CO problem while you can still react in time. In many reported cases of CO exposure, victims may be aware that they are not feeling well, but become disoriented and can no longer react well enough to exit the building or get help. Also, young children and pets may
For additional coverage, it is recommended that you install a Smoke Alarm in all rooms, halls, storage areas, finished attics, and basements, where tempera- tures normally remain between 40˚ F (4˚ C) and 100˚ F (38˚ C). Make sure no door or other obstruction could keep smoke from reaching the Smoke Alarms.
More specifically, install Smoke Alarms:
•On every level of your home, including finished attics and basements.
•Inside every bedroom, especially if people sleep with the door partly or completely closed.
•In the hall near every sleeping area. If your home has multiple sleeping areas, install a unit in each. If a hall is more than 40 feet long (12 meters), install a unit at each end.
•At the top of the first-to-second floor stairway, and at the bottom of the basement stairway.
Specific requirements for Smoke Alarm installation vary from state to state and from region to region. Check with your local Fire Department for current requirements in your area. It is recommended AC or AC/DC units be inter- connected for added protection.
ABOUT SMOKE ALARMS
Battery (DC) operated Smoke Alarms: Provide protection even when electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed. Units are easy to install, and do not require professional installation.
AC powered Smoke Alarms: Can be interconnected so if one unit senses smoke, all units alarm. They do not operate if electricity fails.
AC with battery (DC) back-up:will operate if electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed. AC and AC/DC units must be installed by a qualified electrician.
Smoke/CO Alarms for Solar or Wind Energy users and battery backup power systems: AC powered Smoke/CO Alarms should only be operated with true or pure sine wave inverters. Operating this Alarm with most battery- powered UPS (uninterruptible power supply) products or square wave or “quasi sine wave” inverters will damage the Alarm. If you are not sure about your inverter or UPS type, please consult with the manufacturer to verify.
Smoke Alarms for the hearing impaired: Special purpose Smoke Alarms should be installed for the hearing impaired. They include a visual alarm and an audible alarm horn, and meet the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Can be interconnected so if one unit senses smoke, all units alarm.
Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the combination has been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.
All these Smoke Alarms are designed to provide early warning of fires if located, installed and cared for as described in the user’s manual, and if smoke reaches the Alarm. If you are unsure which type of Smoke Alarm to install, refer the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 72 (National Fire Alarm Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code). National Fire Protection Association, One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101. Local building codes may also require specific units in new construction or in different areas of the home.
USER’S MANUAL
COMBINATION CARBON MONOXIDE & SMOKE ALARM
FOR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE USE
Features:
• Separate sensors to detect smoke and CO; the two alarm systems work independently
• Powered by two “AA” batteries
•Side access drawer for easy
battery replacement
• Complies with UL2034 and UL217
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE.
This user’s manual contains important information about your Combination Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Alarm’s operation. If you are installing this Alarm for use by others, you must leave this manual—or a copy
of it—with the end user.
Model SCO5RV
WHERE TO INSTALL THIS ALARM, Continued
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.
NOTE: For added protection, install an additional Smoke/CO Alarm at least
15 feet (4.6 meters) away from the furnace or fuel burning heat source where possible. In smaller homes or in manufactured homes where this distance cannot be maintained, install the Alarm as far away as possible from the furnace or other fuel burning source. Installing the Alarm closer than 15 feet (4.6 meters) will not harm the Alarm, but may increase the frequency of unwanted alarms.
RECOMMENDED RESIDENTIAL PLACEMENT
SUGGESTED AREAS FOR INSTALLING
SMOKE ALARMS, CO ALARMS, AND COMBO UNITS
KEY:
SMOKE ALARMS
SMOKE ALARM WITH
SILENCE FEATURE
CO ALARMS
BOTH, OR COMBINATION
SMOKE/CO ALARMS
Suggested locations are based on NFPA recommendations (NFPA 72 for Smoke Alarms and NFPA 720 for Carbon Monoxide Alarms). Always
HOW TO INSTALL THIS ALARM
This combination Smoke/CO Alarm was designed to be mounted on the ceiling or wall. It is not a tabletop device. You must install this device on the ceiling or wall as outlined below. Read “Where To Install This Alarm” before starting.
PARTS OF THIS SMOKE/CO ALARM
1 Test/Silence Button
2 Battery Compartment
3 Power/Smoke Alarm LED
4 CO Alarm LED
Tools you will need: pencil, drill with 3/16” or 5mm drill bit, flathead screwdriver, hammer.
•Do not connect this unit to any other alarm or auxiliary device. It is a single-station unit that cannot be linked to other devices. Connecting anything else to this unit may prevent it from working properly.
•Do not install this unit over an electrical junction box. Air currents around junction boxes can prevent smoke from reaching the sens- ing chamber and prevent the unit from alarming. Only AC powered units are intended for installation over junction boxes.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
This unit has been designed to be as maintenance-free as possible, but there are a few simple things you must do to keep it working properly.
Use only the replacement batteries listed below. The unit may not operate properly with other batteries. Never use rechargeable batteries since they may not provide a constant charge.
•Test it at least once a week.
•Clean the Smoke/CO Alarm at least once a month; gently vacuum the outside of the Smoke/CO Alarm using your household vacuum’s soft brush attachment. A can of clean compressed air (sold at computer or office supply stores) may also be used. Follow manufacturer instructions for use. Test the Smoke/CO Alarm. Never use water, cleaners or solvents since they may damage the unit.
•If the Smoke/CO Alarm becomes contaminated by excessive dirt, dust and/or grime, and cannot be cleaned to avoid unwanted alarms, replace the unit immediately.
•Relocate the unit if it sounds frequent unwanted alarms. See “Where This Alarm Should Not Be Installed” for details.
Choosing a replacement battery:
Your Smoke/CO Alarm requires two standard AA batteries. It was shipped with two AA batteries. The following batteries are acceptable as replacements: Eveready Energizer E91. These batteries are available at many local retail stores.
Actual battery service life depends on the Smoke/CO Alarm and the environ- ment in which it is installed. All the batteries specified above are acceptable replacement batteries for this unit. Regardless of the manufacturer’s suggested battery life, you MUST replace the battery immediately once the unit starts
be the first affected. The average healthy adult might not feel any symptoms when the CO Alarm sounds. However, people with cardiac or respiratory problems, infants, unborn babies, pregnant mothers, or elderly people can be more quickly and severely affected by CO. If you experience even mild symptoms of CO poisoning, consult your doctor immediately!
FINDING THE SOURCE OF CO AFTER AN ALARM
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas, which often makes it difficult to locate the source of CO after an alarm. These are a few of the factors that can make it difficult to locate sources of CO:
•House well ventilated before the investigator arrives.
•Problem caused by “backdrafting.”
•Transient CO problem caused by special circumstances.
Because CO may dissipate by the time an investigator arrives, it may be difficult to locate the source of CO. BRK Brands, Inc. shall not be obligated to pay for any carbon monoxide investigation or service call.
POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CO IN THE HOME OR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Fuel-burning appliances like: portable heater, gas or wood burning fireplace, gas kitchen
range or cooktop, gas clothes dryer.
Damaged or insufficient venting: corroded or disconnected water
heater vent pipe, leaking chimney pipe
or flue, or cracked heat exchanger, blocked or clogged chimney opening.
Improper use of appliance/device:
operating a barbecue grill or vehicle in an enclosed area (like a garage or
screened porch).
Transient CO Problems: “transient” or on-again-off-again CO problems can be caused by outdoor conditions and other special circumstances.
The following conditions can result in transient CO situations:
1. Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel appliances caused by outdoor |
conditions such as: |
• Wind direction and/or velocity, including high, gusty winds. Heavy air in |
the vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods between cycles). |
• Negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust fans. |
• Several appliances running at the same time competing for limited |
fresh air. |
• Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes dryers, furnaces, or |
water heaters. |
• Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs which can amplify |
INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS IN MOBILE HOMES
For minimum security install one Smoke Alarm as close to each sleeping area as possible. For more security, put one unit in each room. Many older mobile homes (especially those built before 1978) have little or no insulation. If your mobile home is not well insulated, or if you are unsure of the amount of insulation, it is important to install units on inside walls only. Smoke Alarms should be installed where temperatures normally remain between 40˚ F (4˚ C) and 100˚ F (38˚ C).
AGENCY PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
This equipment should be installed in accordance with NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 72 and 101. National Fire Protection Association,
One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101. Additional local building and regulatory codes may apply in your area. Always check compliance requirements before beginning any installation.
Standards: Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Single and Multiple Station Smoke Alarms 217.
NFPA 72 (National Fire Code)
Smoke Alarms shall be installed in each separate sleeping room, outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each additional story of the family living unit, including basements and excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics.
In new construction, Alarms shall be so arranged that operation of any one Alarm shall cause the operation of all Alarms within the dwelling.
Smoke Detection-Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable? The required number of Smoke Alarms might not provide reliable early warning protection for those areas separated by a door from the areas protected by the required Smoke Alarms.
For this reason, it is recommended that the householder consider the use of additional Smoke Alarms for those areas for increased protection. The additional areas include the basement, bedrooms, dining room, furnace room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the required Smoke Alarms. The installation of Smoke Alarms in kitchens, attics (finished or unfinished), or garages is not normally recommended, as these locations occasionally experience conditions that can result in improper operation.
California State Fire Marshal (CSFM)
Early warning detection is best achieved by the installation of fire detection equipment in all rooms and areas of the household as follows: A Smoke Alarm installed in each separate sleeping area (in the vicinity, but outside bedrooms), and Heat or Smoke Alarms in the living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, finished attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility and storage rooms, basements, and attached garages.
SPECIAL COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS
This unit alone is not a suitable substitute for complete fire detection systems in places housing many people—like apartment buildings, condominiums, hotels, motels, dormitories, hospitals, long-term health care facilities, nursing homes, day care facilities, or group homes of any kind—even if they were once single-family homes. It is not a suitable substitute for complete fire detection systems in warehouses, industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and special-purpose non-residential buildings which require special fire detection and alarm systems. Depending on the building codes in your area, this unit may be used to provide additional protection in these facilities.
The following information applies to all five types of buildings listed below:
In new construction, most building codes require the use of AC or AC/DC powered Smoke Alarms only. AC, AC/DC, or DC powered Smoke Alarms can be used in existing construction as specified by local building codes. Refer to NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), local building codes, or consult your Fire Department for detailed fire protection requirements in buildings not defined as “households.”
1.Single-Family Residence: Single family home, townhouse. It is recommend- ed this unit be installed on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and in each bedroom hallway.
2.Multi-Family or Mixed Occupant Residence: Apartment building, condominium. This unit is suitable for use in individual apartments or condos, provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this unit in common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.
3.Institutions: Hospitals, day care facilities, long-term health care facilities. This unit is suitable for use in individual patient sleeping/resident rooms, provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this unit in common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.
4.Hotels and Motels: Also boarding houses and dormitories. This unit is suitable for use inside individual sleeping/resident rooms, provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this unit in common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.
5.Warehouses/Commercial Buildings: DO NOT use this Smoke/CO Alarm in warehouses, industrial or commercial buildings, special-purposenon-resi- dential buildings, or airplanes. This Smoke/CO Alarm is specifically designed for residential use, and may not provide adequate protection in other applications.
M08-0122-003 Q 03/07 Printed in Mexico
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Fire Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Basic Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3 Where to Install This Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2 Where This Alarm Should NOT Be Installed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 How to Install This Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Optional Locking Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3 Weekly Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3 Regular Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 If Your Smoke/CO Alarm Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 What To Do First–Identify The Type Of Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 If the CO Alarm Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 If the Smoke Alarm Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Using the Silence Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
What You Need To Know About CO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
What is CO? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Symptoms of CO Poisoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Potential Sources of CO in the Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
How Can I Protect My Family From CO Poisoning? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Regulatory Information For Smoke/CO Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7 Regulatory Information for CO Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Regulatory Information for Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6 Recommended Locations for Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6 About Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Special Compliance Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
General Limitations Of Smoke/CO Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
© 2007 BRK Brands, Inc., a Subsidiary of Jarden Corporation All rights reserved.
BRK Brands, Inc., 3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122 Consumer Affairs: (800) 323-9005 • www.firstalert.com
All First Alert® Smoke Alarms conform to regulatory requirements, including UL217 and are designed to detect particles of combustion. Smoke particles of varying number and size are produced in all fires.
Ionization technology is generally more sensitive than photoelectric technology at detecting small particles, which tend to be produced in greater amounts by flaming fires, which consume combustible
refer to national and local codes before beginning any installation.
In new construction AC and AC/DC smoke alarms MUST be interconnected to meet NFPA recommendations.
•When installing on the wall, the top edge of Smoke Alarms should be placed between 4 inches (102 mm) and 12 inches (305 mm) from the wall/ceiling line.
•When installing on the ceiling, place the alarm as close to the center as possible.
•In either case, install at least 4 inches (102 mm) from where the wall and ceiling meet. See “Avoiding Dead Air Spaces” for more information.
NOTE: For any location, make sure no door or other obstruction could keep carbon monoxide or smoke from reaching the Alarm.
WHERE THIS ALARM SHOULD NOT BE INSTALLED
Do NOT locate this Smoke/CO Alarm:
•Avoid extremely dusty, dirty or greasy areas.
•Where combustion particles are produced. Combustion particles form when something burns. Areas to avoid include poorly ventilated kitchens, garages, and furnace rooms. Keep units at least 20 feet (6 meters) from the sources of combustion particles (stove, furnace, water heater, space heater) if possible. In areas where a 20-foot (6 meter) distance is not possible – in modular, mobile, RVs, or smaller homes, for example – it is recommended the Smoke Alarm be placed as far from these fuel-burning sources as possible. The placement recommendations are intended to keep these Alarms at a reasonable distance from a fuel-burning source, and thus reduce “unwanted” alarms. Unwanted alarms can occur if a Smoke Alarm is placed directly next to a fuel-burning source. Ventilate these areas as much as possible.
•Within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of any cooking appliance. In air streams near kitchens. Air currents can draw cooking smoke into the smoke sensor and cause unwanted alarms.
•In extremely humid areas. This Alarm should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from a shower, sauna, humidifier, vaporizer, dishwasher, laundry room, utility room, or other source of high humidity.
•In direct sunlight.
•In turbulent air, like near ceiling fans or open windows. Blowing air may prevent CO or smoke from reaching the sensors.
•In insect infested areas. Insects can clog the openings to the sensing chamber.
•Less than 12 inches (305 mm) away from fluorescent lights. Electrical “noise” can interfere with the sensor.
•In “dead air” spaces. See “Avoiding Dead Air Spaces”.
AVOIDING DEAD AIR SPACES
If you want to lock the battery compartment, or lock the Smoke/CO Alarm to the mounting bracket, please read the “Optional Locking Features” section.
1.Hold base firmly and twist the mounting bracket counterclockwise (left) to separate it from the unit.
2.Hold the mounting bracket against the ceiling (or wall) so the vertical mounting slot is aligned in the 12 o’clock position and trace around the inside of the mounting slots (vertical and horizontal mounting).
3.Put the unit where it won’t get covered with dust when you drill the mounting holes.
4.Using a 3/16” (5 mm) drill bit, drill a hole through the center of the oval outlines you traced.
5.Insert the plastic screw anchors (in the plastic bag with screws) into the holes. Tap the screw anchors gently with a hammer, if necessary, until they are flush with the ceiling or wall.
6.Line the mounting bracket up over the plastic screw anchors.
7.Screw the mounting bracket to the ceiling or wall through the mounting slots using the two screws provided.
8.Before attaching the Alarm to
the bracket, insert the two (2) AA batteries (included) into the battery compartment. Match the terminals on the end of the battery with the terminals on the unit. Match “+” to “+” and “-” to “-.” If the batteries are not fully inserted, the unit cannot receive battery power.
NOTE: The unit may beep briefly when you install the batteries. This is normal. The GREEN Light flashes about every 60 seconds when the unit is receiving battery power.
The battery door will resist closing unless batteries are installed. This warns you the unit will not operate without batteries.
9. Attach the Smoke/CO Alarm to the mounting bracket. Line up the guides on the alarm’s base with the guides on the mounting bracket. When guides are lined up, turn the base clockwise (right) until it snaps into place.
NOTE: Once the Smoke/CO Alarm is
“chirping” (the “low battery warning”).
To replace the batteries (without removing
Alarm from the ceiling or wall):
1. Open the battery compartment.
2. Press tabs A and B as shown in the diagram and remove each battery.
3. Insert the new batteries, making sure they | AB |
snap completely into the battery compartment. |
Match the terminals on the ends of the | |
batteries with the terminals on the unit. | |
4. Close the battery compartment, and then test the unit by pressing the Test/Silence button.
IF YOUR SMOKE/CO ALARM SOUNDS
WHAT TO DO FIRST–IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF ALARM
Type of Alarm | What You See and Hear |
Carbon Monoxide (CO) | CO LED: Flashes Red |
| Horn: 4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps, pause |
| Power/Smoke LED: Off |
| |
Smoke | Power/Smoke LED: Flashes Red |
| Horn: 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause |
| CO LED: Off |
| |
IF THE CO ALARM SOUNDS
“ALARM-MOVE TO FRESH AIR”
If you hear the CO alarm horn and the CO red light is flashing, move everyone to a source of fresh air. DO NOT remove the batteries!
Actuation of your CO Alarm indicates the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) which can kill you. In other words, when your CO Alarm sounds, you must not ignore it!
IF THE CO ALARM SIGNAL SOUNDS:
1. | Operate the Test/Silence button. |
2. | Call your emergency services, fire department or 911. Write down the |
| number of your local emergency service here: |
| __________________________________________________________________ |
3. | Immediately move to fresh air—outdoors or by an open door or window. |