IF YOUR SMOKE/CO ALARM SOUNDS, Continued
POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CO IN THE HOME
RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR SMOKE ALARMS, Continued
GENERAL LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE/CO ALARMS
THE “LATCHING ALARM” INDICATOR:
The Latching Alarm Indicator is activated after an Alarm is exposed to alarm levels of smoke or carbon monoxide. This feature will only work with AC power. After smoke or CO levels drop below alarm levels, the red smoke or CO LED will begin to flash once every 5 seconds. It will continue to flash or “latch” until you clear it by testing the alarm.
This feature helps emergency responders, investigators, or service technicians identify which unit(s) in your home were exposed to alarm levels of smoke or carbon monoxide. This can help investigators pinpoint the source of smoke or CO.
Interconnected Alarms. Latching Alarm Indicator shows which Alarm(s) in the series were exposed to alarm levels of smoke or carbon monoxide.
The Latching Alarm Indicator stays ON until you clear it, so it can alert you to an alarm that occurred while you were away from home, even though smoke or CO present in the air has dropped below alarm levels.
WEEKLY TESTING
•NEVER use an open flame of any kind to test this unit. You might accidentally damage or set fire to the unit or to your home. The
•DO NOT stand close to the Alarm when the horn is sounding. Exposure at close range may be harmful to your hearing. When testing, step away when horn starts sounding.
It is important to test this unit every week to make sure it is working properly. Using the test button is the recommended way to test this Smoke/CO Alarm.
1. | Push and hold the Test/Silence button on the cover until you hear a |
| “chirp.” The “chirp” marks the start of the |
2. | During testing, you will hear a loud, repeating horn pattern: 3 beeps, |
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
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 the above situations.
2.Extended operation of unvented fuel burning devices (range, oven, fireplace).
3.Temperature inversions, which can trap exhaust close to the ground.
4.Car idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near a home.
These conditions are dangerous because they can trap exhaust in your home. Since these conditions can come and go, they are also hard to recreate during a CO investigation.
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 interconnected for added protection.
INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS IN MOBILE HOMES & RVS
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 insula- tion. 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). WARNING: Test units used in
RVs after the vehicle has been in storage, before every trip, and once a week while in use. Failure to test units used in RVs as described may remove your protection.
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
This Smoke/CO Alarm is intended for residential use. It is not intended for use in industrial applications where Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for Carbon Monoxide Alarms must be met. The Smoke Alarm portion of this device is not intended to alert hearing impaired residents. Special purpose Smoke Alarms should be installed for hearing impaired residents (CO Alarms are not yet available for the hearing impaired).
Smoke/CO Alarms may not waken all individuals. Practice the escape plan at least twice a year, making sure that everyone is involved
–from kids to grandparents. Allow children to master fire escape planning and practice before holding a fire drill at night when they are sleeping. If children or others do not readily waken to the sound of the Smoke/CO Alarm, or if there are infants or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in fire drill and in the event of an emergency. It is recommended that you hold a fire drill while family members are sleeping in order to determine their response to the sound of the Smoke/CO Alarm while sleeping and
to determine whether they may need assistance in the event of an emergency.
Smoke/CO Alarms cannot work without power. Battery operated units cannot work if the batteries are missing, disconnected or dead, if the wrong type of batteries are used, or if the batteries are not installed cor- rectly. AC units cannot work if the AC power is cut off for any reason (open fuse or circuit breaker, failure along a power line or at a power station, electrical fire that burns the electrical wires, etc.). If you are concerned about the limitations of battery or AC power, install both types of units.
This Smoke/CO Alarm will not sense smoke or CO that does not reach the sensors. It will only sense smoke or CO at the sensor. Smoke or CO may be present in other areas. Doors or other obstructions may affect the rate at which CO or smoke reaches the sensors. If bedroom doors are usually closed at night, we recommend you install an alarm device (Combination CO and Smoke Alarm, or separate CO Alarms and Smoke Alarms) in each bedroom and in the hallway between them.
This Smoke/CO Alarm may not sense smoke or CO on another level of the home. Example: This alarm device, installed on the second floor, may not sense smoke or CO in the basement. For this reason, one alarm device may not give adequate early warning. Recommended
minimum protection is one alarm device in every sleeping area, every bedroom, and on every level of your home. Some experts recommend battery powered Smoke and CO Alarms be used in conjunction with interconnected AC powered Smoke Alarms. For details, see “About Smoke Alarms” for details.
Smoke/CO Alarms may not be heard. The alarm horn loudness meets or exceeds current UL standards of 85dB at 10 feet (3 meters). However, if the Smoke/CO Alarm is installed outside the bedroom, it may not wake up a sound sleeper or one who has recently used drugs or has been drinking alcoholic beverages. This is especially true if the door is closed or only partly open. Even persons who are awake may not hear the alarm horn if the sound is blocked by distance or closed doors. Noise from traffic, stereo, radio, television, air conditioner, or other appliances may also prevent alert persons from hearing the alarm horn. This Smoke/CO Alarm is not intended for people who are hearing impaired.
The Alarm may not have time to alarm before the fire itself causes damage, injury, or death, since smoke from some fires may not reach the unit immediately. Examples of this include persons smok- ing in bed, children playing with matches, or fires caused by violent explosions resulting from escaping gas.
This Smoke/CO Alarm is not a substitute for life insurance.
Though this Smoke/CO Alarm warns against increasing CO levels or the presence of smoke, BRK Brands, Inc. does not warrant or imply in any way that they will protect lives. Homeowners and renters must still insure their lives.
This Smoke/CO Alarm has a limited life. Although this Smoke/CO Alarm and all of its parts have passed many stringent tests and are designed to be as reliable as possible, any of these parts could fail at any time. Therefore, you must test this device weekly. The unit should be replaced immediately if it is not operating properly.
This Smoke/CO Alarm is not foolproof. Like all other electronic devices, this Smoke/CO Alarm has limitations. It can only detect smoke or CO that reaches the sensors. It may not give early warning of the source of smoke or CO is in a remote part of the home, away from the alarm device.
pause, 3 beeps, pause, while the red smoke LED flashes. Then you |
will hear a loud, repeating horn pattern: 4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps, |
pause, while the red CO LED flashes. |
3. When testing a series of interconnected units you must test each |
unit individually. Make sure all units alarm when each one is tested. |
If the Smoke/CO Alarm does not test properly:
1.Make sure the AC power is applied and battery is fresh and installed correctly.
2.Be sure the alarm is clean and
3.Test the unit again.
If the Smoke/CO Alarm is still not working properly, replace it immediately. Refer to the “Limited Warranty” at the end of this manual.
If there is still a problem, do not try to fix the Alarm yourself. This will void your warranty!
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
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.
This unit has been designed to be as
•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. 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.
•When the battery
DO NOT spray cleaning chemicals or insect sprays directly on or near the Alarm. DO NOT paint over the Alarm. Doing so may permanently damage the Alarm.
CHOOSING A REPLACEMENT BATTERY:
Your Smoke/CO Alarm requires one standard 9V battery. The following batteries are acceptable as replacements: Duracell #MN1604, (Ultra) #MX1604; Eveready (Energizer) #522. You may also use a Lithium battery like the Ultralife
Actual battery service life depends on the Smoke/CO Alarm and the environment 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 “chirping” (the “low battery warning”).
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 maintained, are improperly ventilated, or malfunction, CO levels can rise quickly. CO is a real danger now that homes are more energy efficient.
SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING
These symptoms are related to CO POISONING and should be dis- cussed with ALL household members.
Mild Exposure: Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue
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 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.
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HOW CAN I PROTECT MY FAMILY FROM CO POISONING?
A CO Alarm is an excellent means of protection. It monitors the air and sounds a loud alarm before Carbon Monoxide levels become threatening for average, healthy adults.
A CO Alarm is not a substitute for proper maintenance of home appliances.
To help prevent CO problems and reduce the risk of CO poisoning:
•Clean chimneys and flues yearly. Keep them free of debris, leaves, and nests for proper air flow. Also, have a professional check for rust and corrosion, cracks, or separations. These conditions can prevent proper air movement and cause backdrafting. Never “cap” or cover a chimney in any way that would block air flow.
•Test and maintain all
•Make regular visual inspections of all
•Check for exhaust backflow from CO sources. Check the draft hood on an operating furnace for a backdraft. Look for cracks on furnace heat exchangers.
•Check the house or garage on the other side of shared wall.
•Keep windows and doors open slightly. If you suspect that CO is escaping into your home, open a window or a door. Opening windows and doors can significantly decrease CO levels.
In addition, familiarize yourself with all enclosed materials. Read this manual in its entirety, and make sure you understand what to do if your CO Alarm sounds.
REGULATORY INFORMATION FOR SMOKE/CO ALARMS
REGULATORY INFORMATION FOR CO ALARMS
WHAT LEVELS OF CO CAUSE AN ALARM?
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Standard UL2034 requires residential CO Alarms to sound when exposed to levels of CO and exposure times as described below. They are measured in parts per million (ppm) of CO over time (in minutes).
UL2034 Required Alarm Points*:
•If the alarm is exposed to 400 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM BETWEEN 4 and 15 MINUTES.
•If the alarm is exposed to 150 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM BETWEEN 10 and 50 MINUTES.
•If the alarm is exposed to 70 ppm if CO, IT MUST ALARM BETWEEN 60 and 240 MINUTES.
*Approximately 10% COHb exposure at levels of 15% to 95% Relative Humidity (RH).
The unit is designed not to alarm when exposed to a constant level of 30 ppm for 30 days.
CO Alarms are designed to alarm before there is an immediate life threat. Since you cannot see or smell CO, never assume it’s not present.
•An exposure to 100 ppm of CO for 20 minutes may not affect aver- age, healthy adults, but after 4 hours the same level may cause headaches.
•An exposure to 400 ppm of CO may cause headaches in average, healthy adults after 35 minutes, but can cause death after 2 hours.
Standards: Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Single and Multiple Station carbon monoxide alarms UL2034.
According to Underwriters Laboratories Inc. UL2034, Section
“Carbon monoxide alarms covered by these requirements are intended to respond to the presence of carbon monoxide from sources such as, but not limited to, exhaust from
Gas Detection at Typical Temperature and Humidity Ranges: The CO Alarm is not formulated to detect CO levels below 30 ppm typically.
Audible Alarm: 85dB minimum at 10 feet (3 meters).
REGULATORY INFORMATION FOR SMOKE ALARMS
RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR SMOKE ALARMS
Installing Smoke Alarms in
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), recommends one Smoke Alarm on every floor, in every sleeping area, and in every bed- room. In new construction, the Smoke Alarms must be AC powered and interconnected. See “Agency Placement Recommendations” for details. For additional coverage, it is recommended that you install a Smoke Alarm in all rooms, halls, storage areas, finished attics, and basements, where temperatures 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
Continued...
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pliance requirements before beginning any installation.
AGENCY PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
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 exclud- ing 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
California State Fire Marshal (CSFM)
Early warning detection is best achieved by the installation of fire detec- tion 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.
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)
Smoke Alarms for Solar or Wind Energy users and battery backup power systems: AC powered Smoke Alarms should only be operated with true or pure sine wave inverters. Operating this Smoke Alarm with most
Smoke Alarms for the hearing impaired: Special purpose Smoke Alarms should be installed for the hearing impaired. They include a visu- al alarm and an audible alarm horn, and meet the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act. These units can be interconnected so if one unit senses smoke, all units alarm.
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 unit to install, refer to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 72 (National Fire Alarm Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code). National Fire Protection Association, One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA
SPECIAL COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS
This unit alone is not a suitable substitute for complete fire detec- tion systems in places housing many
The following information applies to all four 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 home, townhouse. It is recommended this unit be installed on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and in each bedroom hallway.
2.
Apartment building, condominium. This unit is suitable for use in individ- ual 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,
4. Hotels and Motels:
Also boarding houses and dormitories. This unit is suitable for use inside individual sleeping/resident rooms, provided a primary fire detec- tion system already exists to meet fire detection requirements in com- mon 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.
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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Turn off the power to the area where the Alarm is installed BEFORE removing it from the mounting bracket or checking any electrical connections! Failure to turn off the power first may result in serious electrical shock, injury or death.
| If your Alarm does this... | It means... | You should... |
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| Green light is OFF. Unit will not alarm when you | Unit may not be receiving any power. | Check the AC power supply. Make sure the |
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Green light flashes ON, once a minute (horn is | Alarm is not receiving AC power. | Unit is operating on battery | |
silent). |
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Once a minute, the Green light flashes and the | Low battery warning. Battery is low or missing. | Replace the battery, avoid interrupting AC | |
horn “chirps”. |
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Once a minute, the alarm sounds 3 quick | Unit malfunction. Unit needs to be replaced. | Units under warranty should be returned to | |
“chirps”, and the green light flashes quickly | Based on | manufacturer for replacement. See “Limited | |
three times. | detected a fault. | Warranty” for details. | |
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Alarm goes back into alarm after you pressed | Smoke and/or CO levels are still potentially | Refer to “If Your Smoke/CO Alarm Sounds” for | |
the Test/Silence button to silence an alarm. | dangerous. | details on how to respond to an alarm. If anyone | |
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Alarm sounds frequently even though no high | The Alarm may be improperly located. Refer to | Relocate your alarm. If frequent alarms continue, | |
levels of smoke or CO are revealed in an | “Where to Install This Alarm.” | have home rechecked for potential problems. | |
investigation. |
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*For a list of acceptable replacement batteries, see “Regular Maintenance.”
If you have any questions that cannot be answered by reading this manual, call Consumer Affairs:
LIMITED WARRANTY
BRK Brands, Inc., ("BRK") the maker of BRK® brand and First Alert® brand products, warrants that for a period of five years from the date of purchase, this product will be free from defects in material and workmanship. BRK, at its option, will repair or replace this product or any component of the product found to be defective during the warranty period. Replacement will be made with a new or remanufactured product or component. If the product is no longer available, replacement may be made with a similar product of equal or greater value. This is your exclusive warranty.
This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser from the date of initial retail purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales receipt.
Proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty performance. BRK dealers, service centers, or retail stores selling BRK products do not have the right to alter, modify or any way change the terms and conditions of this warranty.
This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or damage resulting from any of the following: negligent use or misuse of the product, use on improper voltage or current, use contrary to the operating instructions, disassembly, repair or alteration by anyone other than BRK or an authorized service center. Further, the warranty does not cover Acts of God, such as fire, flood, hurricanes and tornadoes or any batteries that are included with this unit.
BRK shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages caused by the breach of any express or implied warranty. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration to the duration of the above warranty. Some states, provinces or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state or province to province.
How to Obtain Warranty Service
Service: If service is required, do not return the product to your retailer. In order to obtain warranty service, contact the Consumer Affairs Division at
303 Nelson Avenue, Neosho, MO
Battery: BRK Brands, Inc. make no warranty, express or implied, written or oral, including that of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with respect to battery.
For your records, please record:
Date Purchased: ____________________________
Where Purchased: _____________________________________
BRK Electronics® is a registered trademark of BRK Brands, Inc.
First Alert® is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust.
Printed in Mexico
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