About this User’s Guide
Notice we call this booklet a “User’s Guide” and not an “Owner’s Manual.” This is because our intention is you use this guide just as you will be using your Nighthawk CO and Gas alarm. Keep the guide in a handy location and refer to it when you have ques- tions about your CO and Gas alarm, its functions and features.
Part One
Your Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas Alarm, covers the unique features of your Nighthawk carbon monoxide and explosive Gas alarm, how and where to install it, as well as information on testing and maintaining your unit.
Part Two
Carbon Monoxide and Gas contains valuable information about carbon monoxide (CO) and gas. From discovering the most common sources of CO in your home to recognizing the symptoms of CO poisoning, this section provides tips and infor- mation that could help protect your family.
Part Three
What You Should Know Before the Alarm Sounds, pro- vides a common sense approach to understanding the difference between low level CO readings, high levels and emergency situ- ations. This section also describes the effects of exposure to CO levels over time and when your Nighthawk CO and Gas unit will alarm.
Part Four
What to do When the Unit Alarms, gives you step-by step information on how to respond to the different alarm situations. Also covered is whom to call for help if you think you have CO or Gas in your home.
Part Five
Technical Information, covers the technical specifications of your Nighthawk CO and Gas alarm.
Part Six
Frequently Asked Questions, contains the most commonly asked questions about our alarms. Part six was written by KIDDE Safety customer service representatives who handle thou- sands of calls per month, year-round. This section provides you with answers and tips that will most likely answer any questions you might have after reading this user’s guide.
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Introduction
This Nighthawk carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is an important part of your family’s home safety plan. As a new owner of a CO and Gas alarm, there are some basic facts you should know for your protec- tion and convenience.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is invisible, odorless, tasteless and non-irri- tating–completely undetectable to your five senses. That’s why it’s so important to your safety that you have a carbon monoxide and explosive Gas alarm.
Natural Gas is typically supplied through a main utility line con- nected to your home. If you do not live in a rural area you are like- ly to be a user of natural Gas. It is the dominant energy used for home heating with about 55 percent of American homes using Gas. Natural Gas is a fossil fuel comprised almost entirely of Methane. Methane is much lighter than air and will rise rapidly in air. If you are a user of natural Gas, we recommend you mount your Nighthawk unit 12 inches away from the ceiling (using retractable cord feature) to ensure the earliest opportunity to detect a leak.
Propane is typically supplied to homes via 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-Gas are often used synonymously. Unlike natural Gas, propane is much heavier than air and will collect at lower lev- els. If you are a user of propane, we recommend you mount your Nighthawk 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 Nighthawk is calibrated to alarm 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.
Please take the time to read this guide from cover to cover, to famil- iarize yourself with the facts about carbon monoxide, natural Gas and propane. Know how your new unit works, and what to do if it alarms. Then, find a handy place to keep the guide so it will be read- ily available in the future when you have a question. You might want to write down KIDDE Safety’s toll-free customer service number and keep it with your other important phone numbers for the same rea- son.
Thank you for making Nighthawk a part of your complete home safety program. With proper installation and use, your new Nighthawk CO and Gas alarm should provide you with years of dependable service.
