Nighthawk KN-COP-DP Testing the Sensor Response, How to Know If Your Alarm is Malfunctioning

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 CO alarm’s digital dis- play. If the alarm shows zero (0), then no measurable amount of CO has been sensed by the CO alarm within the past 15 seconds.

Testing the Sensor Response

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 CO alarm (that has been powered up for at least two hours), matches or a butane lighter, an ashtray, 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 cau- tion when performing the test described below. Avoid burns from flame or hot materials. Avoid inhaling excessive smoke from the ciga- rette 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, making sure the stream of smoke rises into the vents.

Step 3. Continue holding the cigarette or incense stick directly below the CO alarm for 3 - 5 minutes, or until you notice a reading on the display. This time is needed as the CO alarm samples the air every 15 seconds. Note: Do not hold the cigarette or incense stick closer than

12 inches to the CO alarm as smoke will cause a yellow stain to devel- op on the CO alarm’s outer case.

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

Step 5. Extinguish the cigarette or incense stick by pressing the smol- dering tip into the ashtray.

Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm

How to Know If Your Alarm is Malfunctioning

Your CO alarm performs an internal self-diagnosis every 15 seconds to make sure that it is functioning properly. The CO alarm is designed to alert you in the unusual event of a malfunction.

If the CO alarm malfunctions.

In the rare event that your CO alarm malfunctions, it will alert you with one of these signal groups (depending upon the type of mal- function that occurs):

Malfunction Signal Group 1 - Component Failure

–An intermittent “chirping” alarm will sound every 30 seconds, 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 the “Test/Reset” button

Unplug the CO alarm immediately and return for warranty exchange (see “Limited Warranty” on back two pages).

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 CO alarm is operating properly, call the KIDDE Safety toll-free consumer hotline at 800-880- 6788 to do a quick diagnostic check of the CO 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 venti- lation, 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 simply turn down the thermostat to its lowest setting. Open windows and doors for ventilation. Then call the KIDDE Safety toll-free consumer hotline at 800-880-6788 for assistance.

Before you call a qualified technician (such as a licensed heating con- tractor, utility service technician, chimney sweep or fuel provider) to check your residence for CO, remember that you will probably be charged for a service call. KIDDE Safety customer service operators are available to answer your questions and assist you in non-emer- gency situations at no charge.

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