First Alert CO600A - 120V Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Alarm With Silence Feature Manual

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE.

This user's manual contains important information about your Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm's operation. If you are installing this CO Alarm for use by others, you must leave this manual—or a copy of it—with the end user.

INTRODUCTION

BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION

• Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions alert you to important operating instructions or to potentially hazardous situations. Pay special attention to these items.
• THIS IS NOT A SMOKE ALARM! This CO Alarm is designed to detect carbon monoxide from ANY source of combustion. It is NOT designed to detect smoke, fire, or any other gas.
• This CO Alarm is approved for use in single-family residences.

• This CO Alarm will only indicate the presence of carbon monoxide gas at the sensor. Carbon monoxide gas may be present in other areas.

• The Silence Feature is for your convenience only and will not correct a CO problem. Always check your home for a potential problem after any alarm. Failure to do so can result in injury or death.
• This CO Alarm should receive continuous 120VAC, 60 Hz, pure sine wave electrical power. Do not use in an extension cord or outlet controlled by a dimmer or switch.
• NEVER ignore your Carbon Monoxide Alarm if it alarms. Refer to "If Your CO Alarm Sounds" for more information. Failure to do so can result in injury or death.
• Test the CO Alarm once a week. If the CO Alarm ever fails to test correctly, have it replaced immediately! If the CO Alarm is not working properly, it cannot alert you to a problem.
• This product is intended for use in ordinary indoor locations of family living units. It is not designed to measure CO levels in compliance with commercial or industrial standards. Individuals with medical conditions that may make them more sensitive to carbon monoxide may consider using warning devices which provide audible and visual signals for carbon monoxide concentrations under 30 ppm. This device is designed to protect individuals from the acute effects of carbon monoxide exposure. It will not fully safeguard individuals with specific medical conditions. If in doubt consult a medical practitioner.

HOW YOUR CO ALARM WORKS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Leave your CO Alarm plugged in year-round. CO problems can occur any time during the year, and this Alarm can only alert you if it is plugged in and receiving power.

When fully powered, the unit samples the air and takes a new reading about every second. A microchip inside the unit stores each reading, and remembers the levels of CO it has been exposed to over time.
The Alarm sounds when it has been exposed to a "critical" level of CO (measured in parts per million or "ppm") within a specified time (measured in minutes). This CO Alarm features a permanently installed sensor, an indicator light, and an 85 dB alarm horn. It also has a Silence Feature to temporarily quiet the alarm horn.

MALFUNCTION WARNING
This unit performs daily self-diagnostic tests. If the Alarm malfunctions, it should be replaced immediately.

THE COVER OF YOUR CO ALARM

1. Test/Silence Button
2. POWER/ALARM Light (Red)
3. (Behind Cover) Alarm Horn: 85 dB audible alarm

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CO ALARM

WHAT YOU SEE AND HEAR DURING INSTALLATION

WHEN YOU FIRST PLUG-IN THE CO ALARM:
HORN: Silent
POWER/ALARM LIGHT: Shines continuously

UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS (AC POWER):
HORN: Silent
POWER/ALARM LIGHT: Shines continuously

WHEN YOU TEST THE CO ALARM:
HORN: Sounds loudly - 4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps, pause
POWER/ALARM LIGHT: Flashes rapidly

WHAT YOU SEE AND HEAR UNDER DIFFERENT CONDITIONS

WHEN THE ELECTRICITY COMES BACK ON AFTER A POWER FAILURE:
HORN: Silent
POWER/ALARM LIGHT: Shines continuously.

IFTHE CO ALARM IS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY (MALFUNCTION SIGNAL):
HORN: Three rapid chirps every minute
POWER/ALARM LIGHT: Flashes three times in sync with the horn.

WHAT YOU SEE AND HEAR IF CO IS DETECTED

ALARM LEVELS OF CO ARE DETECTED:
HORN: Sounds loudly - 4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps, pause. This sequence repeats for as long as the unit is in alarm.
POWER/ALARM LIGHT: Flashes rapidly

IF YOU SILENCE THE ALARM:
HORN: Silent for about 4 minutes
POWER/ALARM LIGHT: Flashes rapidly
Note: After 4 minutes, if CO levels drop below alarm levels, the unit will remain silent and return to normal operation. If CO presence still indicates a potentially dangerous situation, the horn will sound again.

IF THE CO LEVELS RETURN TO NORMAL:
HORN: Silent
POWER/ALARM LIGHT: Shines continuously

INSTALLATION

WHERE TO INSTALL CO ALARMS

The National Building Code of Canada requires carbon monoxide alarms to be installed inside each bedroom or outside each bedroom within 5 meters (16.4 feet) of each door. Provincial and local requirements may also apply. Contact the Authority Having Jurisdiction if you have questions regarding the requirements in your area.

	REQUIRED TO MEET CODE RECOMMENDATIONS
	SUGGESTED AREAS FOR INSTALLING ADDITIONAL CO ALARMS

If your bedroom hallway is longer than 12 meters (40 feet), install a CO Alarm at BOTH ends of the hallway.

In a Single-level Home:

• Install at least one CO Alarm near or within each separate sleeping area.
• For added protection, install an additional CO Alarm at least 6 meters (20 feet) away from the furnace or fuel burning heat source.

In a Multi-level Home:

• Install at least one CO Alarm near or within each separate sleeping area.
• For added protection, install at least one CO Alarm on each level of the home.
• For added protection, install an additional CO Alarm at least 6 meters (20 feet) away from the furnace or fuel burning heat source.

This unit should receive continuous electrical power. Choose an outlet where it cannot be accidentally unplugged or switched off by children. Keep small children away from the unit. Teach them not to play with it or unplug it. Explain what the alarms mean.

WHERE CO ALARMS SHOULD NOT BE INSTALLED

DO NOT LOCATE THIS CO ALARM:

• In garages, kitchens, furnace rooms, or in any extremely dusty, dirty or greasy areas.
• Closer than 4.6 meters (15 feet) from a furnace or other fuel burning heat source, or fuel burning appliances like a water heater.
• Within 1.5 meters (5 feet) of any cooking appliance.
• In extremely humid areas. This Alarm should be at least 3 meters (10 feet) from a bath or shower, sauna, humidifier, vaporizer, dishwasher, laundry room, utility room or other source of high humidity.
• In areas where temperature is colder than 4.4^O C (40^O F) or hotter than 37.8^O C (100^O F). These areas include non-airconditioned crawl spaces, unfinished attics, uninsulated or poorly insulated ceilings, porches, and garages.
• In turbulent air, like near ceiling fans, heat vents, air conditioners, fresh air returns, or open windows. Blowing air may prevent CO from reaching the sensors.
• In direct sunlight.
• In outlets covered by curtains or other obstruction.

• This CO Alarm is designed for use inside a single-family home or apartment. It is not meant to be used in common lobbies, hallways, or basements of multi-family buildings unless working CO Alarms are also installed in each family living unit. CO Alarms in common areas may not be heard from inside individual family living units.
• This CO Alarm alone is not a suitable substitute for complete detection systems in places which house many people, like hotels or dormitories, unless a CO Alarm is also placed in each unit.
• DO NOT use this CO Alarm in warehouses, industrial or commercial buildings, special-purpose non-residential buildings, or airplanes. This CO Alarm is specifically designed for residential use, and may not provide adequate protection in non-residential applications.

HOW TO INSTALL YOUR CO ALARM

Read "Where To Install CO Alarms" before starting.

1. Plug the unit into a standard UNSWITCHED 120V AC outlet. The unit should be located where it can wake you if it alarms at night.
2. Make sure the POWER/ALARM light shines continuously when you plug it.
   
3. Test by pressing the Test/Silence button firmly until the unit sounds: four loud beeps, pause, 4 beeps. During testing, the POWER/ ALARM light will flash rapidly. This is normal.

IF THE CO ALARM SOUNDS

Actuation of your CO Alarm indicates the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) which can kill you. In other words, when your CO Alarm sounds, you must not ignore it!

1. Immediately move to fresh air—outdoors or by an opendoor or window. Do a head count to check that all persons are accounted for. Do not re-enter the premises, or move away from the open door or window until the emergency services responder has arrived, the premises have been aired out, and your CO Alarm remains in its normal condition.
2. Call your emergency services, fire department or 911. Writedown the number of your local emergency service here:

"ALARM-MOVE TO FRESH AIR"
If you hear the CO alarm horn and the CO red light is flashing, move everyone to a source of fresh air.
DO NOT unplug alarm!

USING THE SILENCE FEATURE

The Silence Feature is for your convenience only and will not correct a CO problem. Always check your home for a potential problem after any alarm. Failure to do so can result in injury or death.

NEVER unplug your CO Alarm to silence the horn. Use the silence feature. Unplugging the CO Alarm removes your protection! See "If
Your CO Alarm Sounds" for details on responding to an alarm.

When CO reaches alarm levels the alarm will sound— repeating horn pattern: 4 beeps, a pause, 4 beeps, etc. Press and hold the Test/Silence button until the horn is silent. The initial Silence cycle will last approximately 4 minutes.

NOTE: After initial 4-minute Silence cycle, the CO Alarm re-evaluates present CO levels and responds accordingly. If CO levels remain potentially dangerous—or start rising higher—the horn will start sounding again.

While the detector is silenced

If the CO Alarm...
Is silent for only 4 minutes, then starts sounding loudly— 4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps, pause

This means...
CO levels are still potentially dangerous.

If the CO Alarm...
Remains silent after you pressed the Test/Silence button

This means...
CO levels are dropping.

SILENCING THE END OF LIFE SIGNAL

This silence feature can temporarily quiet the End of Life warning "chirp" for up to 2 days. You can silence the End of Life warning "chirp" by pressing the Test/Silence button. The horn will chirp, acknowledging that the End of Life silence feature has been activated.

After approximately 2 days, the End of Life "chirp" will resume. After approximately 2-3 weeks the End of Life warning cannot be silenced.

TESTING AND MAINTENANCE

WEEKLY TESTING

Press the Test/Silence button on the Alarm cover until alarm sounds. During testing, you will hear a loud alarm sequence – 4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps, pause.

The alarm sequence should last 5-6 seconds. If it does not alarm, make sure the unit is fully plugged into an unswitched outlet. If the unit still does not alarm, replace it immediately.

• If the Alarm ever fails to test properly, replace it immediately. Products under warranty may be returned to the manufacturer for replacement. See "Limited Warranty" at the end of this manual.
• 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.
• NEVER use vehicle exhaust! Exhaust may cause permanent damage and voids your warranty.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE

To keep the CO Alarm working properly:

• Test it every week as described in "Weekly Testing."
• Vacuum the CO Alarm cover at least once a month, using the soft brush attachment. Never use water, cleaners, or solvents, since they may damage the unit. Test the Alarm again after vacuuming.

DO NOT spray cleaning chemicals or insect sprays directly on or near the CO Alarm. DO NOT paint over the CO Alarm. Doing so may cause permanent damage.

• Household cleaners, aerosol chemicals and other contaminants can affect the sensor. When using any of these materials near the CO Alarm, make sure the room is well ventilated.
• If your home is being fumigated, unplug the unit temporarily and put it where it will not be exposed to chemicals or fumes. When fumigation is complete and all traces of fumes clear, plug the unit back in and retest it.

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. "Air-tight" homes with added insulation, sealed windows, and other weatherproofing can "trap" CO inside.

SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING

These symptoms are related to CO POISONING and should be discussed with ALL household members.

Mild Exposure:
Headaches, running nose, sore eyes, often described as "flu"-like symptoms.

Medium Exposure:
Dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting.

Extreme Exposure:
Unconsciousness, brain damage, death.

Some individuals are more sensitive to CO than others, including people with cardiac or respiratory problems, infants, unborn babies, pregnant mothers, or elderly people can be more quickly and severely affected by CO. Members of sensitive populations should consult their doctors for advice on taking additional precautions.

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.

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 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 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.

REGULATORY INFORMATION FOR CO ALARMS

WHAT LEVELS OF CO CAUSE AN ALARM?

Canadian Standards Association 6.19-01 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).

CSA 6.19-01 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 10% 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.

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!

Standards: Canadian Standards Association 6.19-01.
Many cases of reported CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING indicate that while victims are aware they are not well, they become so disoriented they are unable to save themselves by either exiting the building or calling for assistance.

Gas Detection at Typical Temperature and Humidity Ranges:
The CO Alarm is not formulated to detect CO levels below 30 ppm typically. 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: 85 dB minimum at 3 meters (10 feet).

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 inverters. 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 standards of 85 dB at 3 meters (10 feet). 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 senses 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.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

PROBLEM...	THIS MEANS...	YOU SHOULD...
Red light is OFF. Unit will not alarm when you press the Test/Silence button.	CO Alarms may not be plugged all the way in, or is not receiving power.	Gently push unit all the way into outlet. Make sure it is not plugged into an outlet controlled by a switch.
The light flashes (RED) and the horn sounds 3 quick "chirps" every minute.	MALFUNCTION SIGNAL. CO Alarm needs to be replaced.	Make sure unit is plugged in securely. CO Alarms under warranty should be returned to manufacturer for replacement. See "Limited Warranty" for details.
CO Alarm goes back into alarm 4 minutes after you press the Test/Silence button.	CO levels indicate a potentially dangerous situation.	IF YOU ARE FEELING SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING, EVACUATE your home and call 911 or the Fire Department. If not, press the Test/ Silence button again and keep ventilating your home.
CO Alarm sounds frequently even though no high levels of CO are revealed in an investigation.	The CO Alarm may be improperly located. Refer to "Where to Install CO Alarms."	Relocate your Alarm. If frequent alarms continue, have home rechecked for potential CO problems. You may be experiencing an intermittent CO problem.

If you have any questions that cannot be answered by reading this manual, call Consumer Affairs at 1-800-323-9005.

LIMITED WARRANTY

BRK Brands, Inc. ("BRK") the maker of First Alert^® brand products, warrants that for a period of 7 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.

Keep the original sales receipt. Proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty performance.

Service:
In order to obtain warranty service, contact the Consumer Affairs Division at 1-800-323-9005, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday. To assist in serving you, please have the model number and date of purchase available when calling.
For Warranty Service return to:
BRK Brands, Inc., 25 Spur Drive, El Paso, TX 79906

NOTE: End of Life Signal — Once the unit reaches the end of its lifecycle, the MALFUNCTION SIGNAL will sound once a minute to indicate the need to immediately replace the Alarm.

The End-of-Life Signal can be silenced for up to 2 days.
Do not unplug the alarm until you get a replacement.

The replacement date is the date beyond which the device may no longer detect carbon monoxide accurately and should be immediately replaced.

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