First Alert CO710 - Carbon Monoxide Alarm Manual

BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE.
The warnings/limitations card and 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. Reference product card for additional information.

• Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions alert you to important operating instructions or to potentially hazardous situations. Pay special attention to these items.
• This CO alarm is approved for use in single-family residences. It is NOT designed for marine or RV use.

• This carbon monoxide alarm is designed to detect carbon monoxide gas from ANY source of combustion. This CO alarm is not designed to detect smoke, fire, or any other gas. It will only indicate the presence of carbon monoxide gas at the sensor. Carbon monoxide gas may be present in other areas.

• This unit will not operate without battery power. The CO alarm cannot work until you activate the battery power pack.
• NEVER ignore any alarm. See "If Your CO Alarm Sounds" for more information on how to respond to an alarm. Failure to respond can result in injury or death.
• The silence features are for your convenience only and will not correct a problem. See "Using the silence features" for details. Always check your home for a potential problem after any alarm. Failure to do so can result in injury or death.
• Test this CO alarm once a week. If the alarm ever fails to test correctly, have it replaced immediately! If the 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 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 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. For additional information on carbon monoxide and your medical condition contact your physician.

HOW YOUR DEVICE WORKS

• CO alarm contains a sealed, non-replaceable battery. Once it reaches the end of its service life, or after 10 years—whichever comes first—you must install a new CO alarm.
• High temperatures, low temperatures, high humidity, impact or dropping can adversely affect LCD displays.

A CO alarm measures the CO levels in the air. It will alarm if CO levels rise quickly (if the heat exchanger on your furnace breaks, for example), or if CO is consistently present (a slow CO leak on a fuel-burning appliance).

This carbon monoxide alarm features a permanently installed sensor, digital display with blue backlight, and an 85 dB alarm horn. It also has a silence feature to temporarily quiet the alarm horn. During standby, the temperature is displayed in degrees F.

THE PARTS OF YOUR DEVICE

1. Test button
2. Activation + deactivation tab (back of unit).
3. Silence button
4. Alarm horn (behind cover): 85dB audible alarm for test, alarm, and unit malfunction warning.
5. Peak level button.
6. Digital display with blue backlight.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR DEVICE

Alarm		Digital Display
First Activated	Display glows and horn chirps when alarm is first activated.	All segments are turned on for a short time upon initial power. Then the temperature is displayed in degrees F.
Alarm Receiving Battery Power	Horn is silent.	Temperature will be displayed in degrees F.
During Testing	A single beep will be issued after pressing and holding the test button. Following the single beep, a 4 beep pattern will be issued twice.	Display glows and shows "tst". Several ppm CO levels are also displayed and the alarm level is shown increasing.
CO Alarm	Sensor has detected enough CO to trigger an alarm. Blue backlight glows and horn sounds loudly (repeating 4 beeps, pause). See "If Your CO Alarm Sounds" for details. During an alarm, move everyone to a source of fresh air. DO NOT move the CO alarm!	"CO" alternating with the ppm number, a full level, and "EVACUATE".
Co Alarm Requires Service (Malfunction Signal)	The horn sounds 3 "chirps" every minute. CO alarm needs to be replaced.	"Err" is displayed.
CO Alarm End of Life	The horn sounds 5 chirps every minute. CO alarm needs to be replaced.	"End" is displayed.

USING THE PEAK CO MEMORY

The CO memory feature lets you check the highest level of CO recorded during an alarm. NOTE: These bars will not appear when CO accumulation is low. The bars will be displayed when unit is exposed for a longer time and CO accumulation is higher.
To Check CO Memory	Press and release the test button until the peak CO level is displayed.
To Clear CO Memory	Automatically resets after 24 hours. Press and release test button until blue backlight glows. Press and release test button to enter "clear mode". Press and release test button quickly one more time to clear. NOTE: Must press and release. Press and hold will run into "Test Mode".
NOTE: The highest CO level will be saved for 24 hours. DO NOT clear the CO memory reading if you plan to call someone to investigate a CO problem! Clear the CO memory reading only after the investigator has checked your home. If the investigator will not arrive within the 24 hour time period before the unit automatically resets, be sure to write down the peak level.

INSTALLATION

WHERE TO INSTALL THE DEVICE

RECOMMENDED PLACEMENT

	Smoke Alarm One on every level and in every bedroom
	Carbon Monoxide Alarm One on every level and in every bedroom
	Fire Extinguisher One on every level, plus kitchen and garage

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 20 feet (6 meters) away from the furnace or fuel burning heatsource.

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. If you have a basement, install that CO alarm at the top of the basement stairs.
• For added protection, install an additional CO alarm at least 20 feet (6 meters) away from the furnace or fuel burning heat source.

IN A MOBILE HOME:

• Install CO alarms on inside walls ONLY. Uninsulated outside walls and roofs of mobile homes often transfer heat and cold from outdoors.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that a CO alarm should be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. For added protection, install additional CO alarms in each separate bedroom, and on every level of your home. If your bedroom hallway is longer than 40 feet (12 meters), install a CO alarm at BOTH ends of the hallway.

WHERE THE DEVICE SHOULD NOT BE INSTALLED

DO NOT INSTALL THIS CO ALARM:

• In garages, kitchens, furnace rooms, or in any extremely dusty, dirty or greasy areas.
• Closer than 20 feet (6 meters) from a furnace or other fuel burning heat source, or fuel burning appliances like a water heater.
• Within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of any cooking appliance.
• In extremely humid areas. This alarm should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) 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 40˚ F (4.4˚ C) or hotter than 100˚ F (37.8˚ C). These areas include unconditioned 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.

HOW TO INSTALL YOUR DEVICE

READ "WHERE TO INSTALL THE DEVICE" BEFORE STARTING.
Before you start installation, find the pair of self-adhesive labels included with this CO alarm. On each label write in the phone number of your emergency responder (like 911) and a qualified appliance technician. Place one label near the CO alarm, and the other label in the "fresh air" location you plan to go if the alarm sounds.
NOTE: Activate alarm prior to mounting.

1. Activating the Battery. Move the activation switch to ON position. Utilize a small tool to help activate switch if needed. Once unit 1 is activated, it cannot be turned off.
   
   NOTE: Horn chirps, and all segments are turned on for a short time upon activation.
2. Test the CO alarm. See "Weekly Testing".
3. To Permanently Deactivate the Alarm. This CO alarm contains a sealed, non-replaceable battery. Once it reaches the end of its service life, or after 10 years you must install a new CO alarm. Deactivate the CO alarm by inserting a tool 3 below edge where shown and break tab. Then slide activation switch to DEACTIVATE mode.
   NOTE: Once you deactivate this unit, it will not detect CO or alarm and cannot be reactivated.
4. This CO alarm can either be wall mounted or placed on a tabletop. If alarm is placed on a tabletop, be sure the alarm is no more than 3 feet (0.9 meter) from the floor to minimize the risk of causing permanent damage to the alarm in the event that it is accidentally knocked to the ground.

TO MOUNT ON THE WALL

Tools you will need: pencil, drill with 3/16" or 5mm drill bit, flathead screwdriver, hammer, mounting template.

1. Choose a location on the wall. Do not install the alarm closer than 4" (102 mm) from where the wall meets the ceiling.
2. Hold the mounting guide template against the wall, and make a mark inside each keyhole where you will drill your mounting holes as shown in the diagram below.
3. Use a 3/16" (5 mm) drill bit to drill through the marks you made for the mounting holes.
4. Insert the plastic screw anchors into the mounting holes until they are flush with the wall. If necessary, tap them gently with a hammer.
5. Insert the screws into the anchors until the screwhead is 1/8 inch (3 mm) away from the wall.
6. Slide the CO alarm onto the screws until you feel it click into place.
7. Test the CO alarm as described in "Weekly Testing."

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! IF THE CO ALARM SIGNAL SOUNDS:

1. Press the Test/Silence button.
2. Call your emergency services, fire department or 911. Write down the number of your local emergency service.
3. Immediately move to fresh air—outdoors or by an open door 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.
4. After following steps 1-3, if your CO alarm reactivates within a 24-hour period, repeat steps 1-3 and call a qualified appliance technician to investigate for sources of CO from fuel-burning equipment and appliances, and inspect for proper operation of this equipment. If problems are identified during this inspection have the equipment serviced immediately. Note any combustion equipment not inspected by the technician, and consult the manufacturers' instructions, or contact the manufacturers directly, for more information about CO safety and this equipment. Make sure that motor vehicles are not, and have not, been operating in an attached garage or adjacent to the residence. Write down the number of a qualified appliance technician.

NOTE: A qualified appliance technician is defined as "a person, firm, corporation, or company that either in person or through a representative, is engaged in and responsible for the installation, testing, servicing, or replacement of heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, combustion appliances and equipment, and/or gas fireplaces or other decorative combustion equipment."

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.

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.

The silence feature is intended to temporarily silence your CO alarm's alarm horn while you correct the problem— it will not correct a CO problem. While the alarm is silenced it will continue to monitor the air for CO.

To activate the silence feature: Press and hold the silence button until the horn is silent.

Once you activate the silence feature: the 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.

SILENCING THE END OF LIFE SIGNAL

This silence feature can temporarily quiet the End of Life warning "chirp" for 8 hours up to 7 days. You can silence the End of Life warning "chirp" by pressing the silence button. The horn will chirp, acknowledging that the End of Life feature has been activated.

TESTING & MAINTENANCE

WEEKLY TESTING

• 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.
• 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.

You can test this CO alarm by pressing the Test button on the alarm cover until alarm chirps. The alarm horn will sound: 4 beeps, a pause, then 4 beeps. The alarm sequence should last 5-6 seconds. If the unit does not alarm, make sure it has been activated correctly, and test again. If the unit still does not alarm, replace it immediately.

• DO NOT try fixing the alarm yourself – this will void your warranty! If the CO alarm is still not operating properly, and it is still under warranty, please see "How to Obtain Warranty Service" in the Limited Warranty. Install a new CO alarm immediately.
• NEVER use vehicle exhaust to test your alarm! Exhaust may cause permanent damage and voids your warranty

REGULAR MAINTENANCE

TO KEEP THE CO ALARM IN GOOD WORKING ORDER:

• Test it every week using the Test button.
• Vacuum the CO alarm cover once a month, using the soft brush attachment. Never use water, cleaners, or solvents, since these may damage the unit. Test the CO alarm again after vacuuming.

• Please dispose of or recycle the alarm properly, following any local regulations. Consult your local waste management authority or recycling organization to find an electronics recycling facility in your area. DO NOT DISPOSE OF ALARM IN FIRE. BATTERIES MAY EXPLODE OR LEAK.
• 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.

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. "Airtight" 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: Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue ("flu-like" symptoms).
Medium Exposure: Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
Extreme Exposure: Convulsions, unconsciousness, heart and lung failure. Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause brain damage, death.

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.

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!

HOW CAN I PROTECT MY FAMILY FROM CO POISONING

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?
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).

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 if 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.

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: 85 dB 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 alarms must be met. This device is not intended to alert hearing impaired residents. CO alarms are not yet available for the hearing impaired.

CO alarms may not waken all individuals.
Practice the escape plan at least twice a year, making sure that everyone is involved – from kids to grandparents. Allow children to master fire escape planning and practice before holding a fire drill at night when they are sleeping. 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. It is recommended that you hold a fire drill while family members are sleeping in order to determine their response to the sound of the CO alarm while sleeping and to determine whether they may need assistance in the event of an emergency.

This CO alarm will not sense CO that does not reach the sensors.
It 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 sensors. If bedroom doors are usually closed at night, we recommend you install a CO alarm in each bedroom and in the hallway between them.

This CO alarm may not sense CO on another level of the home.
Example: This alarm device, installed on the second floor, may not sense CO in the basement. For this reason, one alarm device may not give adequate early warning.

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.

This CO alarm is not a substitute for life insurance.
Though this CO alarm warns against increasing CO levels, BRK Brands, Inc. does not warrant or imply in any way that they will protect lives. Homeowners and renters must still insure their lives.

This CO alarm has a limited life.
Although this 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 this device weekly. The unit should be replaced immediately if it is not operating properly.

This CO alarm is not foolproof.
Like all other electronic devices, this CO alarm has limitations. It can only detect CO that reaches the sensors. It may not give early warning of the source of CO is in a remote part of the home, away from the alarm device.

© 2018 BRK Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by BRK Brands, Inc.

• BRK Brands, Inc. is a subsidiary of Newell Brands Inc. (NYSE:NWL)
• 3901 Liberty Street, Aurora, IL 60504-8122 Customer Service Team: (800) 323-9005
• www.firstalert.com
• www.brkelectronics.com

Documents / Resources

References

• Carbon Monoxide and Fire Safety Products | Fire Safety Education | The Most Trusted Brand in Fire Safety
• BRK Electronics | Resideo Pro

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