POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CO IN THE HOME

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 exchang- er, 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 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.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MY FAMILY?

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 fuel-burning equipment annually. Many local gas or oil companies and HVAC companies offer appliance inspections for a nominal fee.

Make regular visual inspections of all fuel-burning appliances. Check appliances for excessive rust and scaling. Also check the flame on the burner and pilot lights. The flame should be blue.

A yellow flame means fuel is not being burned completely and CO may be present. Keep the blower door on the furnace closed. Use vents or fans when they are available on all fuel-burning appliances. Make sure appliances are vented to the outside. Do not grill or barbecue indoors, or in garages or on screen porches.

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.

UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. UL2034

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. CO levels 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 of 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 average, 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 1-1.2: “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 internal-combustion engines, abnormal operation of fuel-fired appliances, and fireplaces. CO Alarms are intended to alarm at carbon monoxide levels below those that could cause a loss of ability to react to the dangers of Carbon Monoxide exposure.” This CO Alarm monitors the air at the Alarm, and is designed to alarm before CO levels become life threatening. This allows you precious time to leave the house and correct the problem. This is only possible if Alarms are located, installed, and maintained as described in this manual.

Gas Detection at Typical Temperature and Humidity Ranges: The CO Alarm is not formulated to detect CO levels below 30 ppm typically. UL tested for false alarm resistance to Methane (500 ppm), Butane (300 ppm), Heptane (500 ppm), Ethyl Acetate (200 ppm), Isopropyl Alcohol (200 ppm) and Carbon Dioxide (5000 ppm). Values measure gas and vapor concentrations in parts per million.

Audible Alarm: 85dB minimum at 10 feet (3 meters).

GENERAL LIMITATIONS OF CO ALARMS

This 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 detectors must be met.

CO alarms may not waken all individuals. If children or others do not readily waken to the sound of the CO alarm, or if there are infants or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in the event of an emergency.

CO Alarms will not work without power. This CO Alarm requires a continuous supply of AC power. Plug into an unswitched 120V AC outlet only.

CO Alarms for Solar or Wind Energy users and battery backup power systems: AC powered CO Alarms should only be operated with true or pure sine wave invert- ers. Operating this CO 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.

This CO Alarm will not sense carbon monoxide that does not reach the sensor. This CO Alarm will only sense CO at the sensor. CO may be present in other areas. Doors or other obstructions may affect the rate at which CO reaches the CO Alarm. For this reason, if bedroom doors are usually closed at night, we recommend you install a CO Alarm in each bedroom and in the hallway between them.

CO Alarms may not sense CO on another level of the home. For example, a CO Alarm on the second level, near the bedrooms, may not sense CO in the basement. For this reason, one CO Alarm may not give adequate warning. Complete coverage is recommended. Place CO Alarms on each level of the home.

CO Alarms may not be heard. The alarm horn loudness meets or exceeds current UL standards of 85 dB at 10 feet (3 meters). However, if the 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 CO Alarm is not intended for people who are hearing impaired.

CO Alarms are not a substitute for a smoke alarm. Although fire is a source of carbon monoxide, this CO Alarm does not sense smoke or fire. This CO Alarm sens- es CO that may be escaping unnoticed from malfunctioning furnaces, appliances, or other sources. Early warning of fire requires the installation of smoke alarms.

CO Alarms are not a substitute for life insurance. Though these CO Alarms warn against increasing CO levels, BRK Brands, Inc. does not warrant or imply in any way that they will protect lives from CO poisoning. Homeowners and renters must still insure their lives.

CO Alarms have a limited life. Although the 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 your CO Alarm weekly.

CO Alarms are not foolproof. Like all other electronic devices, CO Alarms have limitations. They can only detect CO that reaches their sensors. They may not give early warning to rising CO levels if the CO is coming from a remote part of the home, away from the CO Alarm.

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First Alert FCD2NP Underwriters Laboratories INC. UL2034, General Limitations of CO Alarms, HOW can I Protect MY FAMILY?

FCD2NP specifications

The First Alert FCD2NP is an advanced carbon monoxide and natural gas detector designed to enhance safety in homes. This device is part of First Alert's reputation for quality and reliability in fire and safety products. It combines innovative technologies with essential features that make it a necessary addition to any household concerned about harmful gas exposure.

One of the standout features of the FCD2NP is its dual detection capability. This detector can identify both carbon monoxide (CO) and natural gas (methane), providing comprehensive protection against two significant threats. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be lethal in high concentrations, while natural gas is an explosive hazard that can lead to fires or explosions if not properly managed.

The FCD2NP utilizes advanced sensing technology to ensure accurate detection of these gases. With a precision electrochemical sensor for carbon monoxide, this device effectively measures CO levels and alerts users when thresholds exceed safe limits. The natural gas detection mechanism relies on microprocessor-controlled technology, which ensures quick response times and reliable performance.

User convenience is also a primary focus in the design of the FCD2NP. The device features an easy-to-read digital display that indicates gas levels, providing real-time information about the air quality within your home. Additionally, the unit is equipped with a loud alarm system that activates once hazardous levels of gas are detected, ensuring immediate awareness for occupants.

Installation and maintenance of the First Alert FCD2NP are streamlined, highlighting its user-friendly approach. The unit is easily mountable on walls or can sit upright on surfaces, and it comes with a low battery warning feature that alerts users when it's time to replace batteries. This ensures that the device is always operational and ready to safeguard against threats.

Moreover, the FCD2NP is designed with a sleek, modern aesthetic that blends seamlessly with home decor, ensuring safety does not compromise style. Overall, the First Alert FCD2NP stands out as an essential tool for gas safety, packed with features that prioritize detection accuracy, user convenience, and peace of mind for homeowners and families alike.