General Carbon Monoxide (Co) Information - Kidde 30CUA10-V User Manual

14. General Carbon Monoxide (CO) Information

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless poison gas that can be fatal when in-
haled. CO inhibits the blood's capacity to carry oxygen.
Possible Sources of co
Inside your home, appliances used for heating and cooking are the most likely sources of CO. Vehicles
and other combustion engines running in an attached garage and using a charcoal/gas grill or hibachi
in an enclosed area are all possible sources of CO. Generators running in enclosed areas, such as
garages or living spaces, will create CO. CO can be produced when burning any fossil fuel: gasoline,
diesel, propane, natural gas, oil and wood. It can be produced by any fuel-burning appliance that is
malfunctioning, improperly installed, or not ventilated correctly, such as: Furnaces/boilers, gas ranges/
stoves, gas clothes dryers, water heaters, portable fuel burning space heaters, fireplaces, wood-burn-
ing stoves and certain swimming pool heaters. Blocked chimneys or flues, back drafting and changes
in air pressure, corroded or disconnected vent pipes, or a loose or cracked furnace heat exchanger
can also release CO into your building.
the following conditions can result in transient co situations:
Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel-burning appliances caused by outdoor ambient condi-
tions 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 differential resulting from
the use of exhaust fans, simultaneous operation of several fuel-burning appliances competing for lim-
ited internal air, vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes dryers, furnaces/boilers, 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 inver-
sions which can trap exhaust gases near the ground, car idling in an open or closed attached garage,
or near a home.
co Safety tips
Every year, have the heating system, vents, chimney and flue inspected and cleaned by a qualified
technician. Always install appliances according to manufacturer's instructions and adhere to local
building codes. Most appliances should be installed by professionals and inspected after installation.
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