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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 main-
tained, 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: 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.
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 mini-
mum 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!
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 diffi-
cult 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 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
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).
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).
REGULATORY INFORMATION FOR SMOKE ALARMS
RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR SMOKE ALARMS
Installing Smoke Alarms in Single-Family Residences
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), recommends one Smoke Alarm
on every floor, in every sleeping area, and in every bedroom. In new construction,
the Smoke Alarms must be AC powered and interconnected. See "Agency
Placement Recommendations" for details.
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