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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
HOW CAN I PROTECT MY FAMILY FROM
between cycles).
CO POISONING?
• Negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust
fans.
A CO Alarm is an excellent means of protection. It monitors the air and
• Several appliances running at the same time competing for
sounds a loud alarm before Carbon Monoxide levels become threatening
limited fresh air.
for average, healthy adults.
A CO Alarm is not a substitute for proper maintenance of home
• Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes dryers,
appliances.
furnaces, or water heaters.
To help prevent CO problems and reduce the risk of CO poisoning:
• Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs which can
• Clean chimneys and flues yearly. Keep them free of debris,
amplify the above situations.
leaves, and nests for proper air flow. Also, have a professional
2. Extended operation of unvented fuel burning devices (range, oven,
check for rust and corrosion, cracks, or separations. These
fireplace).
conditions can prevent proper air movement and cause
backdrafting. Never "cap" or cover a chimney in any way that
3. Temperature inversions, which can trap exhaust close to the ground.
would block air flow.
4. Car idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near a home.
• Test and maintain all fuel-burning equipment annually. Many
These conditions are dangerous because they can trap exhaust in your
local gas or oil companies and HVAC companies offer appliance
inspections for a nominal fee.
home. Since these conditions can come and go, they are also hard to
recreate during a CO investigation.
• 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.
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).
HOW CAN I PROTECT MY FAMILY FROM
UL2034 Required Alarm Points*:
CO POISONING?
• If the alarm is exposed to 400 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM
BETWEEN 4 and 15 MINUTES.
A CO Alarm is an excellent means of protection. It monitors the air and
• If the alarm is exposed to 150 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM
sounds a loud alarm before Carbon Monoxide levels become threatening
BETWEEN 10 and 50 MINUTES.
for average, healthy adults.
A CO Alarm is not a substitute for proper maintenance of home
• If the alarm is exposed to 70 ppm if CO, IT MUST ALARM
appliances.
BETWEEN 60 and 240 MINUTES.
* Approximately 10% COHb exposure at levels of 10% to 95% Relative
To help prevent CO problems and reduce the risk of CO poisoning:
Humidity (RH).
• Clean chimneys and flues yearly. Keep them free of debris,
The unit is designed not to alarm when exposed to a constant level
leaves, and nests for proper air flow. Also, have a professional
of 30 ppm for 30 days.
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
CO Alarms are designed to alarm before there is an immediate life
would block air flow.
threat. Since you cannot see or smell CO, never assume it's not present.
• Test and maintain all fuel-burning equipment annually. Many
•
An exposure to 100 ppm of CO for 20 minutes may not affect
local gas or oil companies and HVAC companies offer appliance
average, healthy adults, but after 4 hours the same level may cause
inspections for a nominal fee.
headaches.
• Make regular visual inspections of all fuel-burning appliances.
•
An exposure to 400 ppm of CO may cause headaches in average,
Check appliances for excessive rust and scaling. Also check the
healthy adults after 35 minutes, but can cause death after 2 hours.
flame on the burner and pilot lights. The flame should be blue. A
Standards: Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Single and Multiple Station
yellow flame means fuel is not being burned completely and CO
carbon monoxide alarms UL2034.
may be present. Keep the blower door on the furnace closed.
Use vents or fans when they are available on all fuel-burning
According to Underwriters Laboratories Inc. UL2034, Section 1-1.2:
appliances. Make sure appliances are vented to the outside. Do
"Carbon monoxide alarms covered by these requirements are intended
not grill or barbecue indoors, or in garages or on screen porches.
to respond to the presence of carbon monoxide from sources such as,
but not limited to, exhaust from internal-combustion engines, abnormal
• Check for exhaust backflow from CO sources. Check the draft
operation of fuel-fired appliances, and fireplaces. CO Alarms are intended
hood on an operating furnace for a backdraft. Look for cracks
to alarm at carbon monoxide levels below those that could cause a loss
on furnace heat exchangers.
of ability to react to the dangers of Carbon Monoxide exposure." This CO
• Check the house or garage on the other side of shared wall.
Alarm monitors the air at the Alarm, and is designed to alarm before CO
• Keep windows and doors open slightly. If you suspect that CO
levels become life threatening. This allows you precious time to leave
is escaping into your home, open a window or a door. Opening
the house and correct the problem. This is only possible if Alarms are
windows and doors can significantly decrease CO levels.
located, installed, and maintained as described in this manual.
In addition, familiarize yourself with all enclosed materials. Read
Gas Detection at Typical Temperature and Humidity Ranges: The
this manual in its entirety, and make sure you understand what to
CO Alarm is not formulated to detect CO levels below 30 ppm typically.
do if your CO Alarm sounds.
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
REGULATORY INFORMATION FOR
vapor concentrations in parts per million.
Audible Alarm: 85 dB minimum at 10 feet (3 meters).
SMOKE/CO ALARMS
REGULATORY INFORMATION FOR CO ALARMS
REGULATORY INFORMATION FOR SMOKE ALARMS
WHAT LEVELS OF CO CAUSE AN ALARM?
RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR SMOKE ALARMS
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Standard UL2034 requires residential CO
Installing Smoke Alarms in Single-Family Residences
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
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), recommends one
over time (in minutes).
Smoke Alarm on every floor, in every sleeping area, and in every
UL2034 Required Alarm Points*:
bedroom. In new construction, the Smoke Alarms must be AC powered
and interconnected. See "Agency Placement Recommendations" for
8
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: 85 dB minimum at 10 feet (3 meters).
REGULATORY INFORMATION FOR SMOKE ALARMS
AGENCY PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
NFPA 72 Chapter 29
RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR SMOKE ALARMS
Installing Smoke Alarms in Single-Family Residences
"For your information, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code,
NFPA 72, reads as follows:"
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), recommends one
Smoke Alarm on every floor, in every sleeping area, and in every
29.5.1* Required Detection.
bedroom. In new construction, the Smoke Alarms must be AC powered
29.5.1.1* Where required by other governing laws, codes, or standards
and interconnected. See "Agency Placement Recommendations" for
for a specific type of occupancy, approved single and multiple-station
details. For additional coverage, it is recommended that you install a
smoke alarms shall be installed as follows:
Smoke Alarm in all rooms, halls, storage areas, finished attics, and
(1)*In all sleeping rooms and guest rooms
basements, where temperatures normally remain between 40˚ F (4.4˚
C) and 100˚ F (37.8˚ C). Make sure no door or other obstruction could
(2)* Outside of each separate dwelling unit sleeping area, within 21 ft
keep smoke from reaching the Smoke Alarms.
(6.4 m) of any door to a sleeping room, with the distance measured
More specifically, install Smoke Alarms:
along a path of travel
•
On every level of your home, including finished attics and
(3) On every level of a dwelling unit, including basements
basements.
(4) On every level of a residential board and care occupancy (small
•
Inside every bedroom, especially if people sleep with the door partly
facility), including basements and excluding crawl spaces and
or completely closed.
unfinished attics
•
In the hall near every sleeping area. If your home has multiple
(5)*In the living area(s) of a guest suite
sleeping areas, install a unit in each. If a hall is more than 40 feet
(6) In the living area(s) of a residential board and care occupancy
long (12 meters), install a unit at each end.
(small facility)
•
At the top of the first-to-second floor stairway, and at the bottom of
(Reprinted with permission from NFPA 72
the basement stairway.
Signaling Code Copyright © 2010 National Fire Protection Association,
Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is not the complete and
Specific requirements for Smoke Alarm installation vary from state to
official position of the National Fire Protection Association, on the
state and from region to region. Check with your local Fire Department
referenced subject which is represented only by the standard in its
for current requirements in your area. It is recommended AC or AC/
entirety), (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
DC units be interconnected for added protection.
registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Inc.,
Quincy, MA 02269).
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.
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.
AGENCY PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Smoke Alarms with battery (DC) back-
NFPA 72 Chapter 29
up: Interconnects with all WIRELESS INTERCONNECT enabled Smoke
"For your information, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code,
and Smoke/CO Alarms without wires or connectors, so when one alarm
NFPA 72, reads as follows:"
sounds, they all sound. Will operate if electricity fails, provided the
29.5.1* Required Detection.
batteries are fresh and correctly installed. Units are easy to install, and
do not require professional installation.
29.5.1.1* Where required by other governing laws, codes, or standards
Smoke/CO Alarms for Solar or Wind Energy users and battery
for a specific type of occupancy, approved single and multiple-station
backup power systems: AC powered Smoke/CO Alarms should only
smoke alarms shall be installed as follows:
be operated with true or pure sine wave inverters. Operating this Alarm
(1)*In all sleeping rooms and guest rooms
with most battery-powered UPS (uninterruptible power supply) products
(2)* Outside of each separate dwelling unit sleeping area, within 21 ft
or square wave or "quasi sine wave" inverters will damage the Alarm.
(6.4 m) of any door to a sleeping room, with the distance measured
If you are not sure about your inverter or UPS type, please consult with
along a path of travel
the manufacturer to verify.
(3) On every level of a dwelling unit, including basements
Smoke Alarms for the hearing impaired: Special purpose Smoke
(4) On every level of a residential board and care occupancy (small
Alarms should be installed for the hearing impaired. They include a
facility), including basements and excluding crawl spaces and
visual alarm and an audible alarm horn, and meet the requirements of
unfinished attics
the Americans With Disabilities Act. Can be interconnected so if one
unit senses smoke, all units alarm.
(5)*In the living area(s) of a guest suite
Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the
(6) In the living area(s) of a residential board and care occupancy
(small facility)
combination has been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.
(Reprinted with permission from NFPA 72
All these Smoke Alarms are designed to provide early warning of fires
Signaling Code Copyright © 2010 National Fire Protection Association,
if located, installed and cared for as described in the user's manual,
Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is not the complete and
and if smoke reaches the Alarm. If you are unsure which type of unit to
official position of the National Fire Protection Association, on the
install, refer to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72 (National
referenced subject which is represented only by the standard in its
Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code).
entirety), (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
National Fire Protection Association, One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA
registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Inc.,
02269-9101. Local building codes may also require specific units in
Quincy, MA 02269).
new construction or in different areas of the home.
California State Fire Marshal (CSFM)
SPECIAL COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS
Early warning detection is best achieved by the installation of fire
detection equipment in all rooms and areas of the household as follows:
This Smoke Alarm is suitable for use in apartments, condominiums,
A Smoke Alarm installed in each separate sleeping area (in the vicinity,
townhouses, hospitals, day care facilities, health care facilities, boarding
but outside bedrooms), and Heat or Smoke Alarms in the living rooms,
houses, group homes and dormitories provided a primary fire detection
dining rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, finished attics, furnace
system already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common
rooms, closets, utility and storage rooms, basements, and attached
areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in
garages.
common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or
meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.
This Smoke Alarm alone is not a suitable substitute for complete fire
ABOUT SMOKE ALARMS
detection systems in places housing many people—like apartment
Battery (DC) operated Smoke Alarms: Provide protection even when
buildings, condominiums, hotels, motels, dormitories, hospitals, health
electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed.
care facilities, nursing homes, day care facilities, or group homes of any
Units are easy to install, and do not require professional installation.
kind. It is not a suitable substitute for complete fire detection systems
in warehouses, industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and special-
AC powered Smoke Alarms: Can be interconnected so if one unit
purpose non-residential buildings which require special fire detection
senses smoke, all units alarm. They do not operate if electricity fails.
and alarm systems. Depending on the building codes in your area, this
AC with battery (DC) back-up: will operate if electricity fails, provided
Smoke Alarm may be used to provide additional protection in these
the batteries are fresh and correctly installed. AC and AC/DC units must
facilities.
be installed by a qualified electrician.
In new construction, most building codes require the use of AC or AC/
WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Smoke Alarms with battery (DC) back-
DC powered Smoke Alarms only. In existing construction, AC, AC/
, National Fire Alarm and
®
and NFPA 72
are
®
®
WIRELESS INTERCONNECT
ENABLED ALARMS
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