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KN-COEG-3 with Digital Display
ATTENTION: Please take a few minutes to thoroughly read this User guide which should be saved for future reference and passed on to any subsequent owner.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm Procedure
Activation of the CO Alarm indicates the presence of Carbon Monoxide (CO) which can kill you.
If problems are identified during this inspection, have the equipment serviced immediately. Note any combustion equipment not inspected by the technician and consult the manufacturer's instructions, or contact the manufacturer's directly for more information about CO safety and the equipment. Make sure that motor vehicles are not, or have not been, operating in a garage attached or adjacent to the residence.
Never restart the source of a CO problem until it has been corrected. Never ignore the sound of the alarm!
If the alarm is sounding, pressing the test/reset button will terminate the alarm. If the CO condition that caused the alert in the first place continues, the alarm will reactivate. If the unit alarms again within six minutes, it is sensing high levels of CO which can quickly become a dangerous situation.
Gas Alarm Procedure
Activation of the Gas Alarm indicates the presence of an explosive gas which can cause an explosion and/or fire.
When the unit senses either natural gas or propane, the display will show "GAS" and emit a loud alarm pattern. The alarm pattern for gas is a 1/2 second beep followed by a 1/2 second of silence then repeating. Know how to respond to a CO or gas emergency.
If the unit alarms for gas:
NOTE: If Gas is present the unit will continue to alarm even if the "Test/Reset" button is pressed. Unit will stop alarming if gas is removed.
Note: Many times throughout this User Guide, we will refer to Carbon Monoxide as "CO". The words "Gas" or "Explosive Gas" will refer to Natural Gas or Propane.
This Kidde carbon monoxide (CO) and gas alarm is an important part of your family's home safety plan. This alarm has been designed and tested to detect CO and gas buildup in a residential environment. Your alarm is for use specifically in the home. As an owner of a CO and gas alarm, there are some basic facts you should know about for your protection.
Many people think that CO and gas alarms operate like smoke alarms. Like smoke alarms, CO and gas alarms monitor the air in your home and sound a loud alarm to warn you of trouble. The way you respond to a CO and gas alarm is quite different than a smoke alarm. That's because a house fire and a CO or gas problem are distinctly different situations. If your smoke alarm were to alarm, you would quickly be able to judge the level of danger you were in with your senses. You can see and smell the smoke, feel the heat, see, and possibly hear the fire burning. You can also readily see if your smoke alarm is alarming in a non-emergency situation. Because your sense of sight, smell, hearing and touch give you information, you can almost instantly judge what action to take if you hear your smoke alarm.
CO is an invisible, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating gas – completely undetectable to your senses. That's why it is important to your safety that you have a CO alarm.
This carbon monoxide and gas alarm is designed to detect carbon monoxide from ANY source of combustion. This alarm will also detect the presence of natural gas or propane. It is NOT designed to detect smoke or fire.
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 and gas alarm will not sense smoke or fire, 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, natural gas or propane at the sensor. Carbon monoxide, natural gas or propane 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 Health Administration (OSHA), commercial or industrial standards. It is not suitable for installation in hazardous locations as defined in the National Electric Code.
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 or gas from occurring, nor can it solve and existing CO or gas 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 and gas alarm requires a continuous supply of electrical power – it will not work without power. Models without battery backup will not operate during power failure.
The alarm will detect carbon monoxide primarily and explosive gas secondarily. CO events will take presidence over explosive gas events.
This alarm has not been investigated for carbon monoxide detection below 70 PPM.
General Carbon Monoxide Information
CO is a colorless, odorless and tasteless poison gas that can be fatal when inhaled. CO inhibits the blood's capacity to carry oxygen.
Periodically review this alarm user guide 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-COEG-3 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".
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:
Conditions That Can Produce Carbon Monoxide
The following conditions can result in transient CO situations:
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 defense 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:
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 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.
General Information About Explosive Gas:
Natural Gas is typically supplied through a main utility line connected to your home. If you do not live in a rural area you are likely to be a user of natural gas. Natural gas is much lighter than air and will rise rapidly. If you are a user of natural gas, mount your CO and Gas alarm no closer than 6 inches from the ceiling to ensure the earliest opportunity to detect a leak.
Propane is typically supplied to homes via delivery truck in liquid form and stored near the home in propane tanks. Propane and LP-gas (liquefied petroleum) are often used synonymously. Propane is much heavier than air and will collect at lower levels. If you are a user of propane, mount your CO and Gas alarm near the floor to ensure the earliest opportunity to detect a leak.
Both propane and natural gas are colorless and odorless. For safety reasons, an odorant (Mercaptan) is added so that any leak can be detected by smell. The common detection threshold for smelling the gases is around 20% of the lower explosion limit (LEL). This can vary greatly depending on the individuals' sense of smell and how long they have been exposed to either gas. The LEL of each of these gases defines the bottom range of flammability for the gas. Your CO and Gas alarm is calibrated to alarm before 25% of the LEL of either gas detected. Therefore, it is possible that you may smell gas before the alarm activates.
Seven (7) years after the 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. Write the "replace by" date (seven years from power up) in a permanent marker on this label.
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
CO Sensor:
Electrochemical
Gas Sensor:
Metal Oxide
Power:
120 volts AC, 60 Hz, 60 mA max, 9 volt battery back-up
Accuracy of Digital Display:
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.
CO Alarm Response Times:
70 PPM = 60-240 min., 150 PPM = 10-50 min., 400 PPM = 4-15 min.
Gas Alarm Response Times:
Before 25% of low explosion limit (LEL) for natural gas or propane is detected.
Recommended Installation Locations
CO and Gas alarms should be mounted in or near bedrooms and living areas. It is recommended that you install a CO and Gas 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 and Gas alarm in your home, install it near bedrooms, not in the basement or furnace room.
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:
How to Install Your Alarm
Your Kidde CO and Gas alarm with its removable adapter allows you to install the alarm as a wall mounted unit, a direct plug unit, or as a table top unit.
Direct Plug Alarm
In its "as shipped" configuration, all you need to do is install the 9V backup battery and your Kidde CO and Gas alarm is ready to be plugged directly into a wall socket.
Back of alarm when used as direct plug unit
To install:
If the outlet is mounted horizontally (sideways):
If you are going to use your alarm as a direct plug and you are going to plug in to an outlet that is mounted horizontally (sideways), you will need to rotate the adapter 90˚.
To rotate the adapter:
Wall Mounted Alarm
Installation tips for power cord models:
The power cord option provides more flexibility in mounting locations and allows the alarm to be easily installed at eye level.
For a wall-mounted unit, you will need to pull out the removable adapter and power cord.
Back of alarm when used as a wall mount unit
To install:
Table Top Alarm
You can use your CO and Gas alarm as a table top unit. Follow steps 1 thru 4 above. Instead of mounting the unit to a wall, pull out the slide support and place in a location that is easily visible. Be sure the alarm is no more than three feet from the floor.
Important Labels Provided
Two labels have been provided that have important information on what to do in case of an alarm. Add the phone number of your emergency service provider in the space provided. 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.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm Indicator
This CO and Gas 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 or gas.
When the alarm senses a dangerous level of CO, the unit will emit a loud alarm pattern. The alarm pattern is 4 quick beeps followed by 5 seconds of silence. This cycle repeats as long as a dangerous CO conditions exist. The digital display will indicate the CO concentration in parts per million (PPM).
When the unit senses either natural gas or propane, the display will show "GAS" and emit a loud alarm pattern. The alarm pattern for gas is 1/2 second beep followed by a 1/2 second of silence then repeating.
In all cases, the unit will detect CO as a priority over gas. If the unit is detecting gas, then detects an amount of CO to cause an alarm, the unit will stop alarming for gas and alarm for CO.
When powered by battery backup only; after four minutes, this alarm pattern occurs only every 60 seconds, until the alarm is reset or the CO is eliminated.
However, after four minutes, to extend battery life, the unit will go into battery conserve mode and will only sample for explosive gas once every eight minutes. Explosive gas could be present during this 8-minute period without the unit going into alarm. If the alarm is on battery backup for an extended period of time, replace the battery to ensure maximum protection is provided. The battery will last only a couple hours in a gas alarm condition.
If at any time you test the alarm and it does not perform as described, have it replaced immediately.
Whenever the CO and Gas alarm is first powered up, it will sound briefly to let you know it is receiving power and that the alarm is functioning.
You will see three eights on the digital display, indicating the alarm is in the start-up mode. The three eights will remain for approximately 20 seconds. You will see a blinking red dot to the lower right of the digital display. The blinking dot shows that the alarm is operating.
Within 20 seconds, your CO and Gas alarm will start monitoring for CO. Within 2 minutes your alarm will start monitoring for gas. This alarm will display a 0 if CO concentrations between 0 and 30 PPM have been detected within the last 15 seconds. The alarm has begun monitoring the air for CO and gas and will continue to as long as it receives power.
When the alarm is unplugged or loses power and a good 9V battery is installed: The alarm will automatically switch to its battery backup mode and you will notice the following:
If the battery is low or missing, or if the unit malfunctions, it will display other readings (and alarm differently) to alert you of specific conditions. Please familiarize yourself, and other family members, to the difference between a CO reading and and indication signifying a problem with the unit itself.
NOTE: When AC power is restored, the alarm will automatically switch back to normal operating mode.
The alarm will not detect CO or gas if battery is depleted. Replace battery.
The following table illustrates the possible digital displays, describes the audible alarm patterns, and the recommended actions to take.
Operating and Alarm Characteristics
LED Display Shows | Alarm Sound | Unit Status | Recommendation | |
![]() | A display of CO concentration from 30-999. | 4 quick beeps, 5 seconds silence, repeating | Alarm condition. Dangerous concentrations of CO detected | Refer to "What to do When the Alarm Sounds" (inside front cover) |
![]() | Brief "888" along with any number between 100 and 300. | 4 quick beeps, 5 seconds silence, repeated once | Self checking when AC powered (Test button was pressed or unit was first powered) | None – CO has not been detected. Numbers shown for test purposes only |
![]() | Steady "0" displayed. | None | Normal AC operation (sensing no CO) and with a good battery | None |
![]() | "Lb" flashes alternately with any number. | One quick beep every 15 seconds | AC powered and low or missing battery | Install or replace 9V battery |
![]() | Steady "Err displayed | One quick beep every 30 seconds | Unit malfunction | Replace battery. If "Err" continues, unit has malfunctioned. Replace immediately. Unit will not respond CO |
![]() | No display alternating with display of CO concentration every 60 seconds. | 4 quick beeps, 5 seconds silence, repeating every 60 secs | Alarm condition powered on battery backup. Dangerous concentrations of CO detected | Refer to "What to do When the Alarm Sounds" (inside front cover). Replace battery |
![]() | No display alternating with "0" every 60 seconds. | None | Normal operation after first 4 minutes of 9 V battery operation. Unit monitoring for CO | Verify AC power is restored as soon as possible to conserve battery. Replace battery |
![]() | Display shows "GAS" | 1/2 second beep, 1/2 second silence, repeating | Unit has detected gas | Refer to "What to do When the Alarm Sounds" for Gas (inside front cover) |
![]() | Flashing dot | None | Normal battery-only operation– unit will show reading only if it senses CO or gas | Plug into AC power as soon possible to conserve battery |
![]() | "End" displayed. Red LED flashes every 30 seconds | Two quick beeps every 30 seconds | End of unit life | Replace unit immediately. Unit will not respond to CO or Gas |
Peak Level Memory
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. 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.
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.
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
Observe the alarm weekly to make sure the red dot is blinking, indicating normal operation.
If the dot is not blinking, unplug the alarm for three minutes, then plug in again. This will clear the alarm for restart. If the dot does not resume blinking, your alarm may be malfunctioning.
To test the alarm, press the Test/Reset button. If the alarm is operating properly, you will notice the following:
Familiarize yourself and household members with the alarm pattern described above for a CO or gas event. While on AC power, in the event of a CO or gas incident, the appropriate pattern will continue to repeat as long as CO or gas is present.
NOTE: Pressing the Test/Reset button tests the functions of the alarm's internal components, circuitry and micro-computer. You do not need to press the Test/Reset button to take a CO or gas reading. CO readings or the presence of gas are automatically shown on the alarm's digital display. If the alarm shows "0", then no measurable amount of CO or gas has been sensed by the alarm within the past 15 seconds.
Battery Replacement
NOTE: This CO and Gas alarm is not battery operated.
However, this alarm is equipped with 9 volt battery backup – the 9 volt battery is to supply short term back-up during a power outage.
When replacing the battery, use one of the following approved brands:
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.
The 9 volt battery is not rechargeable. If the 9 volt battery is missing, disconnected, or if the battery's power is low, "Lb" will be displayed alternately with the current CO reading once every second accompanied by an audible beep every 15 seconds. If this happens, the battery must be replaced.
To replace battery:
Remove back door by sliding it down and out. Remove battery by unsnapping it from the battery clip. Install a new battery by connecting it to the battery clip and place into the recessed battery cavity. Reinstall the back door of the unit.
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, or at the same time as you change your clocks for daylight saving time.
After installing or changing the battery, reinstall your alarm. Test your alarm by using the Test/Reset button and check that the display is on.
Actual battery service life varies and may be influenced by the Alarm and the environment in which it is installed. Regardless of any suggested battery life, you MUST replace the battery immediately once the unit starts " beeping" (the " low battery warning" ) or the display is blank.
Battery maintenance is crucial for the continued operation of the CO and gas sensor. In the event AC power is lost, the CO and gas sensor will not operate in a low battery condition.
Maintenance Tips
To keep your alarm in good working order, you must follow these steps:
Move the CO and Gas alarm to a remote location, to prevent possible damage or contamination of the sensor, prior to performing any of the following:
Reinstall the CO and Gas alarm as soon as possible to assure continuous protection.
The following is a list of substances that at high levels can damage the sensor or cause temporary readings that are not CO readings:
Warranty Coverage: The manufacturer warrants to the original consumer purchaser, that this product (except battery) will be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from date of purchase. The manufacturer's liability hereunder is limited to replacement of the product, repair of the product or replacement of the product with repaired product at the discretion of the manufacturer. This warranty is void if the product has been damaged by accident, unreasonable use, neglect, tampering or other causes not arising from defects in material or workmanship. This warranty extends to the original consumer purchaser of the product only.
Warranty Disclaimers: Any implied warranties arising out of this sale, including but not limited to the implied warranties of description, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited in duration to the above warranty period. In no event shall the Manufacturer be liable for loss of use of this product or for any indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages, or costs, or expenses incurred by the consumer or any other user of this product, whether due to a breach of contract, negligence, strict liability in tort or otherwise. The Manufacturer shall have no liability for any personal injury, property damage or any special, incidental, contingent or consequential damage of any kind resulting from gas leakage, fire or explosion. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential or incidental damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
Legal Remedies: This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state.
Warranty Performance: During the above warranty period, your product will be replaced with a comparable product if the defective product is returned in a postage paid package to the following address: Kidde, Customer Service Department, 1016 Corporate Park Drive, Mebane, NC 27302 USA, together with proof of purchase date. Please include a note describing the problem when you return the unit. The replacement product will be in warranty for the remainder of the original warranty period or for six months, whichever is longer. Other than the cost of postage, no charge will be made for replacement of the defective product. In many cases the quickest way to exchange your alarm is to return it to the original place of purchase. If you have questions, call Kidde customer service department.
Do not remove unit back cover. Back cover removal will void warranty.
Your Kidde Carbon Monoxide and Gas Alarm is not a substitute for property, disability, life or other insurance of any kind. Appropriate insurance coverage is your responsibility. Consult your insurance agent.
Also, Kidde makes no warranty, express or implied, written or oral, including that of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose, with respect to the battery.
The above warranty may not be altered except in writing signed by both parties hereto.
QUESTIONS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call our Consumer Hotline at 1-800-880-6788 or contact us at our website at www.kidde.com
Kidde, 1016 Corporate Park Drive, Mebane, NC 27302
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
Download Kidde KN-COEG-3 - Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas Alarm Manual
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