Kidde KN-COPP-B-LS-UK (900-0230); KN-COB-B-LS-UK (900-0233) - Carbon Monoxide Alarm Manual

What to do When the Alarm Sounds

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Procedure

Actuation of your CO Alarm indicates the presence of Carbon Monoxide (CO) which can kill you.

When the CO alarm senses a dangerous level of CO, the unit will emit a loud alarm pattern.

Actuation of this device indicates the presence of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide! Carbon monoxide can be fatal! If the alarm sounds:

1. Operate the test/reset button;
2. 1. Call the Gas Emergency Services.
      PHONE NUMBER
      0800 111 999
   2. If you believe that the source of carbon monoxide is not a gas appliance, contact either;
      Oftec (oil) - 0845 658 580
      HETAS (solid fuel) - 0800 600 000
3. Immediately move to fresh air outdoors. Do a headcount to check that all persons are accounted for. Do not reenter the premises until gas emergency services have arrived, the premises has been aired out, and your alarm remains in its normal condition.
4. After following steps 1-3, if your alarm reactivates within a 24 hour period, repeat steps 1-3 and call a qualified Gas Safe registered installer to examine and/or turn off your gas/oil fired appliances, such as space heater, boiler, water heater, cooker, oven, clothes dryer, or other sources of combustion, such as paraffin burning stove or heater or gas log fireplace. If your car is idling in an attached garage turn off the engine.

Welcome

Note: Many times throughout this User's Guide, we will refer to Carbon Monoxide as "CO".
Your new Kidde Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm is a sophisticated instrument that has been carefully designed and tested to detect CO build up in a residential environments. Your alarm is for use specifically in the home.
CO cannot be seen, smelled or tasted and can be fatal. The build up of CO in the blood is called the carboxyhemoglobin level and interferes with the body's ability to supply itself with oxygen. Depending on the concentration, carbon monoxide can kill in minutes.
The most common sources of CO are malfunctioning, or misuse of, gas appliances used for heating and cooking, vehicles engines, electric generators, blocked chimneys or flues, portable fuel burning heaters, fireplaces, fuel powered tools and operating a grill in an enclosed space.
Indications of CO poisoning include symptoms similar to the flu, but with no fever. Other symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness and confusion. Everyone is susceptible to the danger of CO, but unborn babies, small children, pregnant women, senior citizens and people with heart or respiratory problems may experience symptoms sooner. Each year a qualified Gas Safe (gas) or Hetas (solid fuel) engineer should inspect and clean your heating system, vents, chimney, and flues.
Your new Kidde CO alarm has a seven year warranty. Please take a few minutes to thoroughly read the user's guide and familiarize yourself and your family with its operation. Your Kidde CO alarm was designed to detect carbon monoxide gas from ANY source of combustion. It is NOT designed to detect smoke, fire or any other gases. If you have any questions please call us on 01753 685148.
This manual and the products described are copyrighted, with all rights reserved. Under these copyright laws, no part of this manual may be copied for use without the written consent of Kidde.
If you require further information, contact our Consumer Hotline, or write to us at:
Kidde Safety Europe Ltd
Mathisen Way, Poyle Road, Colnbrook, Berkshire SL3 0HB Customer Hotline
(UK): 0800 917 0722
(Ireland): 1 800 818 601
kiddesafetyeurope.co.uk

Important Warning Statements

This carbon monoxide alarm is designed to detect carbon monoxide from ANY source of combustion. It is NOT designed to detect smoke, fire, or any other gas.

Carbon monoxide alarms are not smoke alarms. This carbon monoxide alarm is not a substitute for installing and maintaining an appropriate number of smoke alarms in your home.

This carbon monoxide alarm will not sense smoke, fire, or any poisonous gas other than carbon monoxide even though carbon monoxide can be generated by fire. For this reason you must install smoke alarms to provide early warning of fire and to protect you and your family from fire and its related hazards.

This alarm will only indicate the presence of carbon monoxide at the sensor. Carbon monoxide may be present in other areas.
This product is intended for use in ordinary indoor locations of family living units. It is not designed to measure compliance with Occupational Safety and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).
The installation of this device should not be used as a substitute for proper installation, use and maintenance of fuel burning appliances, including appropriate ventilation and exhaust systems. It does not prevent CO from occurring, nor can it solve and existing CO problem.

This device is designed to protect individuals from acute effects of carbon monoxide exposure. It may not fully safeguard individuals with specific medical conditions. If in doubt, consult a medical practitioner.
Individuals with medical problems may consider using warning devices which provide audible and visual signals for carbon monoxide concentrations under 30 PPM.
This carbon monoxide alarm requires a continuous supply of electrical power – it will not work without power. Models without battery backup will not operate during power failure.

Information About Carbon Monoxide

General Carbon Monoxide Information

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odorless and tasteless poison gas that can be fatal when inhaled. CO inhibits the blood's capacity to carry oxygen.
Periodically review this alarm manual and discuss your CO alarm emergency procedure with all the members of your family. Never ignore a CO alarm. A true alarm is an indication of potentially dangerous levels of CO. CO alarms are designed to alert you to the presence of CO before an emergency – before most people would experience symptoms of CO poisoning, giving you time to resolve the problem calmly.
Determine if anyone in the household is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning. Many cases of reported CO 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. Also, young children and household pets may be the first affected. You should take extra precautions to protect high-risk persons from CO exposure because they may experience ill effects from CO at levels that would not ordinarily affect a healthy adult.

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

The following common symptoms are related to CO poisoning and should be discussed with ALL members of the household.

Mild Exposure:
Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (often described as " flu-like" symptoms).

Medium Exposure:
Severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.

Extreme Exposure:
Unconsciousness, convulsions, cardio-respiratory failure, death.
If you experience even mild symptoms of CO poisoning, consult your doctor immediately!

Carbon Monoxide PPM Levels

(model KN-COPP-B-LS-UK (900-0230) with digital display only)
Model KN-COPP-B-LS-UK (900-0230) is equipped with a digital display that shows levels of CO (displayed in PPM – parts per million). Learn the difference between dangerous, high, mid and low levels.

Dangerous Levels:
When someone is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning and CO readings are generally above 100 PPM. Anytime someone is experiencing the symptoms of CO poisoning this should be treated as an emergency. See " What to do When the Alarm Sounds".

High Levels:
Generally above 100 PPM, with no one experiencing symptoms. This should be treated as an urgent situation. See " What to do When the Alarm Sounds".

Mid Levels:
Generally between 50 PPM to 100 PPM. This should be cause for concern and should not be ignored or dismissed. See " What to do When the Alarm Sounds".

Low Levels:
Generally below 50 PPM. Kidde recommends you take action to eliminate the source of CO. See " What to do When the Alarm Sounds".

Model KN-COB-B-LS-UK (900-0233) does not have a digital display and does not display carbon monoxide levels in PPM. If the alarm sounds, it should be treated as a potentially serious condition. See " What to do When the Alarm Sounds".

Possible Sources of Carbon Monoxide

Inside your home, appliances used for heating and cooking are the most likely sources of CO. Vehicles running in attached garages can also produce dangerous levels of CO.
CO can be produced when burning any fossil fuel, such as gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil and wood. It can be produced by any fuelburning appliance that is malfunctioning, improperly installed, or not ventilated correctly, such as:

• Automobiles, furnaces, gas ranges/stoves, gas clothes dryers, water heaters, portable fuel burning space heaters and generators, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and certain swimming pool heaters.
• Blocked chimneys or flues, back drafts and changes in air pressure, corroded or disconnected vent pipes, loose or cracked furnace exchangers.
• Vehicles and other combustion engines running in an open or closed garage, attached or near a home.
• Burning charcoal or fuel in grills and hibachis in an enclosed area.

Conditions That Can Produce Carbon Monoxide

The following conditions can result in transient CO situations:

• Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel-burning appliances caused by outdoor ambient conditions, such as, wind direction and/or velocity, including high gusts of wind, heavy air in the vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods between cycles).
• Negative pressure resulting from the use of exhaust fans.
• Simultaneous operation of several fuel-burning appliances competing for limited internal 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.
• Extended operation of unvented fuel-burning devices (range, oven, fireplace, etc.).
• Temperature inversions which can trap exhaust gases near the ground.
• Vehicle idling in an open or closed garage, or near a home.

To be safe, know the possible sources of CO in your home. Keep fuelburning appliances and their chimneys and vents in good working condition. Learn the early symptoms of exposure, and if you suspect CO poisoning, move outside to fresh air and get emergency help. Your first line of defence is an annual inspection and regular maintenance of your appliances. Contact a licensed contractor or call your local utility company for assistance.

Information About Carbon Monoxide Alarms

What They Can and Cannot Do:
CO alarms provide early warning of the presence of CO, usually before a healthy adult would experience symptoms. This early warning is possible, however, only if your CO alarm is located, installed and maintained as described in this guide.
Because carbon monoxide is a cumulative poison, long-term exposures to low levels may cause symptoms, as well as short-term exposures to high levels. This Kidde unit has a time-weighted alarm – the higher the level of CO present, the sooner the alarm will be triggered.
This CO alarm can only warn you of the presence of CO. It does not prevent CO from occurring, nor can it solve an existing CO problem. If your unit has alarmed and you've provided ventilation by leaving your windows and doors open, the CO buildup may have dissipated by the time help responds. Although your problem may appear to be temporarily solved, it's crucial that the source of the CO is determined and that the appropriate repairs are made.
This CO alarm is designed to act as a monitor; it is not designed for use as a short-term testing device to perform a quick check for the presence of CO.
CO alarms have limitations. Like any other electronic device, CO alarms are not fool-proof. CO alarms have a limited operational life. You must test your CO alarm weekly, because it could fail to operate at any time.
If your CO alarm fails to test properly, or if its self-diagnostic test reveals a malfunction, immediately have the unit replaced. This alarm will not monitor CO levels while in an error condition.
CO alarms can only sense CO that reaches the unit's sensor. It's possible that CO may be present in other areas without reaching the alarm. The rate and ability that which CO reaches the alarm may be affected by:

• Doors or other obstructions.
• Fresh air from a vent, an open window or other source.
• CO being present on one level of the home and not reach a CO alarm installed on a different level. (For example, CO in the basement may not reach an alarm on the second level, near the bedrooms).

For these reasons, we recommend you provide complete coverage by placing a CO alarm on every level of the home. Please carefully read all information in sections "Product Features and Specifications" and "Installation Locations" on properly installing this CO alarm.
CO alarms should not be used to detect the presence of natural gas (methane), propane, butane, or other combustible fuels.
Instruct children never to touch, unplug or otherwise interfere with the alarm. Warn children of the dangers of CO poisoning.

Product Features and Specifications

After seven (7) years from initial power up, this alarm will "beep" every 30 seconds to indicate that it is time to replace the alarm. Replace the alarm immediately! It will not detect CO in this condition.
To help identify the date to replace the alarm, a label has been affixed to the side of the alarm.

Temperature:
Operating Range: 40°F (4.4°C) to 100°F (37.8°C)

Humidity:
Operating range: 10-95% non-condensing

Audible Alarm:
85+ dB at 10' @ 3.4±0.5 KHz pulsing alarm

Sensor:
Electrochemical

Power:
3-AA Batteries

Accuracy of Digital Display: (Model KN-COPP-B-LS-UK (900-0230) Only)
30-999 PPM +/-30% when measured in conditions of 80°F (+/- 10°F), atmospheric pressure +/- 10% and 40% +/- 3% relative humidity. Display readings may vary slightly depending on changes in the ambient condition (temperature, humidity) and the condition of the sensor.

Alarm Response Times:
30 ppm = no alarm in 120 minutes
50 ppm = Must alarm in 60-90 minutes
100 ppm = Must alarm in 10-40 minutes
300 ppm = must alarm within 3 minutes

Installation Locations

Recommended Installation Locations

CO alarms should be mounted in or near bedrooms and living areas. It is recommended that you install a Kidde CO alarm on each level of your home.
When choosing your installation locations, make sure you can hear the alarm from all sleeping areas. If you install only one CO alarm in your home, install it near bedrooms, not in the basement or furnace room.

• When wall mounting, place out of reach of children. Under no circumstances should children be allowed to handle the CO alarm.
• Placing the alarm at eye level allows for optimum monitoring of the digital display.

Locations To Avoid

Improper location can affect the sensitive electronic components in this alarm. To avoid causing damage to the unit, to provide optimum performance, and to prevent unnecessary nuisance alarms:

• Do not install in kitchens, garages or furnace rooms that may expose the sensor to substances that could damage or contaminate it.
• Do not install in areas where the temperature is colder than 40°F (4.4°C) or hotter than 100°F (37.8°C) such as crawl spaces, attics, porches and garages.
• Do not install within 2 metres of heating or cooking appliances. (Kidde recommends 5 metres to prevent nuisance alarms).
• Do not install near vents, flues, chimneys or any forced/unforced air ventilation openings.
• Do not install near ceiling fans, doors, windows or areas directly exposed to the weather.
• Do not install in dead air spaces, such as peaks of vaulted ceilings or gabled roofs, where CO may not reach the sensor in time to provide early warning.
• Do not install this unit near deep-cell large batteries. Large batteries have emissions that can cause the alarm to perform at less than optimum performance.
• Do not obstruct the vents located on the alarm. Do not place the alarm where drapes, furniture or other objects block the flow of air to the vents.

Installation Instructions

Battery Installation and Replacement

This CO alarm must be installed by a competent person.
To install or replace the batteries in this Kidde CO alarm, please perform the following steps.

1. Slide open the bottom cover to expose the battery compartment.
2. If replacing batteries, remove the old batteries and properly dispose of them as recommended by the battery manufacturer.
3. Install the new batteries. Note the polarity illustration in the battery compartment.
4. Close the bottom cover. Note: The bottom cover will not close if all three AA batteries are not installed.
   

When replacing the batteries, use one of the following approved brands:

• Duracell MN1500 or MX1500
• Energizer E91
• GoldPeak 15A
• Golden Power GLR6A

These batteries can be purchased where you bought the alarm or at a local hardware store. Use of a different battery may have a detrimental effect on the alarm operation.

Constant exposures to high or low humidity may reduce battery life. A good safety measure is to replace the battery at least once a year.
After installing or changing the batteries, reinstall your alarm. Test your alarm by using the Test/Reset button and check that the green " Power" LED is on.

Mounting

This CO alarm can be either wall mounted or placed on a tabletop.
For wall mounting, follow these steps:

1. Mark the location of the two holes needed on the wall using the battery door as a template. Placing at eye level allows for optimum monitoring of the red and green indicator lights, or, as a guide, 1.5 metres from the floor.
2. Insert the two screws provided until the screw heads are protruding approximately 1/8" from the wall.
   
   (If mounting in a plasterboard or drywall, drill a 3/16" hole in the wall and use the plastic anchors provided.)
3. Hook the CO alarm over the screws and onto the keyholes in the back of the alarm.
   

Your CO alarm may also be placed on a tabletop. Simply place in a location that is easily visible. Be sure the alarm is no more than 1 metre from the floor.

Important Labels Provided

Two labels have been provided that have important information on what to do in case of an alarm. Place one label next to the alarm after it is mounted, and one label near a fresh air source such as a door or window.

Operating Characteristics

Model KN-COB-B-LS-UK (900-0233)

Whenever the alarm is operating, the green Power LED flashes every 30 seconds to indicate the unit is monitoring for CO. If the alarm senses dangerous levels of CO, the red Alarm LED will flash and the alarm will emit an audible alarm pattern.

Operating and Alarm Characteristics

Model KN-COPP-B-LS-UK (900-0230) (with digital display)

When the unit is first powered up, the green Operate LED flashes once every 30 seconds and the digital display will show three "eights" – indicating the alarm is in the start-up mode. The three "eights" will remain for approximately 30 seconds. Then, the alarm will display "0" and begin monitoring the air for CO and will continue to do so as long as it receives power.
This alarm will display a "0" if CO concentrations between 0 and 30 PPM have been detected within the last 15 seconds.
The following table illustrates the possible digital displays, describes the audible alarm patterns, and the recommended actions to take.

Operating and Alarm Characteristics

LCD Display Shows	Alarm Sound	Unit Status	Recommendation
A steady display of CO concentration from 30-999. Red LED flashes with beep	Repeating ON/OFF beeps	Alarm condition. Dangerous concentrations of CO detected	Refer to "What to do When the Alarm Sounds" (inside front cover)
Brief "888" for approximately 30 seconds	None	Self test when first powered up	None – CO has not been detected. Numbers shown for test purpose only
A random number is displayed – approximately 200	Repeating ON/OFF beeps	Test/Reset button is pressed	None – CO has not been detected. Numbers shown for test purpose only
Steady "0" displayed, dot flashing every 5 seconds, Green LED flashes every 30 secs.	None	Normal DC operation with good batteries (sensing no CO)	None
"Lb" flashes alternately with any number, Red LED flashes every 30 seconds.	One quick beep every 30 seconds	Batteries need to be replaced	Replace all three AA batteries immediately
"Err" displayed	One quick beep every 30 seconds	Unit is Error condition	Replace batteries. If "Err" (or blank display) continues, unit has malfunctioned. Replace immediately. Unit will not respond CO
Display is blank	Constant alarm	Unit malfunction
Number from 11- 999 displayed.	None	Peak Level Memory activated. Highest concentration of CO detected is displayed	Refer to following section for information regarding Peak Level Memory
"End" displayed. Red LED flashes twice every 30 seconds	Two quick beeps every 30 seconds	End of unit life	Replace unit immediately. Unit will not respond to CO.

The problems listed above are under normal operating conditions. Other "Err" conditions could exist. If you should have any questions regarding display conditions, call our Consumer Hotline on 01753 685148.

Peak Level Memory (model K N-COPP-B-LS-UK (900-0230) only)

When the Peak Level button is pressed and held, the display shows the highest CO reading taken by the CO alarm since its last reset or power up. In this example 120 PPM was the maximum amount of CO recorded since the unit was last reset.

The Peak Level display feature will display levels between 11-999 PPM. Although the Peak Level feature will display levels below 30 PPM, these levels will not result in an alarm no matter how long the device is exposed to these levels. The Peak Level feature is helpful in identifying if you have had a CO reading since resetting the alarm.
Concentrations of CO between 1 and 30 PPM can often occur in normal, everyday conditions. Concentrations of CO below 30 PPM may be an indication of a transient condition that may appear today and never reappear. Some CO conditions may start out as low level leaks but could develop into CO concentrations that may become harmful.
If this happens, the CO alarm will detect the dangerous level and alarm, notifying you and others of the conditions. DO NOT ignore high concentration readings above 30 PPM or a CO alarming device that is in alarm.

Peak Level Memory Reset

Press the Peak Level button; with the button still pressed, press the Test/Reset button for two seconds and release. The number on the display will turn to " 0", the memory will be cleared and the alarm will begin monitoring for CO. The Peak Level memory is also reset when the unit loses power.

Alarm Characteristics

Carbon Monoxide A larm Indicator

When the alarm senses a dangerous level of CO, the unit will emit a loud alarm pattern. The alarm pattern is a series of ON/OFF beeps as long as dangerous CO conditions exist. The red Alarm LED will flash the same pattern and the digital display (where equipped) will indicate CO concentrations in parts per million (PPM).

Maintenance

NOTE: This unit is sealed. The cover is not removable.
Due to the loudness of the alarm, we suggest that you place your fingers over the sounder opening while testing your alarm.

Continuous exposure to the high sound level of this alarm over an extended period of time may cause hearing loss.

Testing

To test the alarm, press the Test/Reset button. If the unit is operating properly, you will hear a series of ON/OFF beeps. (For model KN-COPP-B-LSUK (900-0230) with digital display: The display will show three "eights" and then show a number – usually around 200). The red LED will flash along with the beeps. Within several seconds the unit will return to monitor for CO. Note: You do not need to press the Test button to take a CO reading.

Maintenance Tips

To keep your alarm in good working order, you must follow these steps:

• Verify units alarm, lights and battery operation by pushing the test reset button once a week.
• Vacuum the alarm cover once a month to remove accumulated dust.
• Never use detergents or solvents to clean the alarm. Chemicals can permanently damage or temporarily contaminate the sensor.
• Avoid spraying air fresheners, hair spray, paint or other aerosols near the alarm.
• Do not paint the unit. Paint will seal the vents and interfere with proper sensor operation.
• Do not place near a nappy bucket.

Move the CO Alarm to a remote location, to prevent possible damage or contamination of the sensor, prior to performing any of the following:

• Staining or stripping floors or furniture, painting or wall-papering,
• Using aerosols or adhesives

Reinstall the CO Alarm as soon as possible to assure continuous protection.
Accommodation spaces should be well ventilated when household cleaning supplies or similar contaminants are used.
The following is a list of substances that at high levels can damage the sensor or cause temporary readings that are not CO readings:

• Ethylene, ethanol, alcohol, iso-propanol, benzene, toluene, ethylacetate, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide.
• Also most aerosol sprays, alcohol based products, paint, thinner, sol-vent, adhesive, hair spray, after shave, perfume, auto exhaust (cold start) and some cleaning agents.

Gas appliances should be checked for safety once a year by a Gas Safe registered installer. Details of local installers can be obtained by ringing Gas Safe on 0800 408 5500 or by accessing the website at www.gassaferegister.com.

Please send all correspondence to:
Kidde Safety Europe Ltd
Mathisen Way, Poyle Road, Colnbrook, Berkshire
SL3 0HB
contact us at our website at www.kiddesafetyeurope.co.uk