Kidde P4010ACSCO - Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Manual

Smoke Alarm: What To Do When the Alarm Sounds

Smoke alarm pattern is three long beeps with voice "Fire!," a 1.5 second pause, and three long beeps repeating. The red LED blinks in time with alarm pattern.
The smoke alarm takes precedence when both smoke and carbon monoxide are present.

• Alert small children in the home as well as anyone else that might have difficulty recognizing the importance of the alarm sounding or that might have difficulty leaving the area without help.
• Leave immediately by your escape plan. Every second counts, so don't waste time getting dressed or picking up valuables.
• In leaving, don't open any inside door without first feeling its surface. If hot, or if you see smoke seeping through cracks, don't open that door! Instead, use your alternate exit. If the inside of the door is cool, place your shoulder against it, open it slightly and be ready to slam it shut if heat and smoke rush in.
• If the escape route requires you to go through smoke, stay close to the floor where the air is cleaner. Crawl if necessary, and breathe shallowly through a cloth, wet if possible.
• Once outside, go to your selected meeting place and make sure everyone is there.
• Call the fire department from your cell phone outside, or from your neighbor's home-not from yours!
• Don't return to your home until the fire officials say that it is all right to do so.
• There are situations where a smoke alarm may not be effective to protect against fire as stated in the NFPA Standard 72. For instance:
  1. smoking in bed
  2. leaving children home alone
  3. cleaning with flammable liquids, such as gasoline

NOTE: See Section RECOGNIZING NUISANCE ALARMS, for nuisance alarm situations.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm: What To Do When the Alarm Sounds

Carbon monoxide (CO) alarm pattern is four quick beeps with voice "Warning! Carbon Monoxide" repeating every 5 seconds. The red LED blinks in time with alarm pattern.

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM ACTIVATION INDICATES THE PRESENCE OF CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) AT HIGH CONCENTRATIONS WHICH CAN KILL YOU.

1. Operate the Test/hush^® button. NOTE: pressing the button on the initiating alarm unit (green LED flashing every second) will silence the alarm notification, including all interconnected units. if the unit goes into alarm mode again within six minutes, it is sensing high levels of CO which can quickly become a dangerous situation.
2. Call your emergency services (fire Department or 911).
3. Immediately move to fresh air — outdoors or by an open door / window. Do a head count to check that all persons are accounted for. alert small children in the home as well as anyone else that might have difficulty recognizing the importance of the alarm sounding or that might have difficulty leaving the area without help. Do not reenter the premises nor move away from the open door/window until the emergency services responders have arrived, the premises have been aired out, and your alarm remains in its normal condition.
4. After following steps 1-3, if the alarm reactivates within a 24 hour period, repeat steps 1-3 and call a qualified appliance technician to investigate sources of CO from fuel burning equipment and appliances, and to inspect for proper operation of 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 manufacturer's instructions, or contact the manufacturer 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!

NOTE: See Section RECOGNIZING NUISANCE ALARMS, for nuisance alarm situations.

Other Alarm Visual and Audible Indicators

Troubleshooting Guide

Introduction, Product Features and Specifications

Introduction

This alarm detects products of combustion using photoelectric technology and carbon monoxide using an electrochemical cell. Many times throughout this User Guide, we will refer to Carbon Monoxide as "CO."
Ten (10) years after the unit was installed, this unit will automatically alert you that it is time to replace the unit. This is called "End of Unit Life" mode. See Troubleshooting Guide. To help identify the date to replace the unit, a label has been affixed to the side of the alarm. Write the "Install date" in the space provided, and then write in the "Replace by" date (10 years from initial power up) in permanent marker on the label prior to installing the unit. NOTE: AC power must be connected to obtain the full 10 year battery and unit life. Two labels have been provided that have important information on what to do in case of a CO alarm. Place one label next to the alarm after it is mounted, and one near a fresh air source such as a door or window.

Product Features and Specifications

• Temperature: Operating Range: 40°F (4.4°C) to 100°F (37.8°C)
• Humidity: Operating range: 10-95% RH non-condensing
• Audible Alarm: 85+ dB at 10' 3.0 to 3.5 KHz pulsing alarm, with voice messages "Fire!" and/or "Warning! Carbon Monoxide."
• Smoke Sensor: Photoelectric
• CO Sensor: Electrochemical
• Voice message system
• Smoke Alarm SMART Hush^® Control
• Ambient Light Sensing
• Powered by 120VAC (60 Hz, 53 mA max) wire-in connector with sealed lithium battery backup.
• Hardwire interconnectable to other compatible alarms.
• One large, user - friendly button.

Limitations of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY

Product Features and Specifications

• Life safety from fire in residential occupancies is based primarily on early notification to occupants of the need to escape, followed by the appropriate egress actions by those occupants.
• Fire warning systems for dwelling units are capable of protecting about half of the occupants in potentially fatal fires. Victims are often intimate with the fire, too old or young, or physically or mentally impaired such that they cannot escape even when warned early enough that escape should be possible. For these people, other strategies such as protection-in-place or assisted escape or rescue are necessary.
• Leading authorities recommend that both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms be installed to help insure maximum detection of the various types of fires that can occur within the home. Ionization sensing alarms may detect invisible fire particles (associated with fast flaming fires) sooner than photoelectric alarms. Photoelectric sensing alarms may detect visible fire particles (associated with slow smoldering fires) sooner than ionization alarms.
• A battery powered alarm must have a battery of the specified type, in good condition and installed properly (This model has a sealed backup battery).
• Smoke alarms must be tested regularly to make sure the battery and the alarm circuits are in good operating condition.
• Smoke alarms cannot provide an alarm if smoke does not reach the alarm. Therefore, smoke alarms may not sense fires starting in chimneys, walls, on roofs, on the other side of a closed door or on a different floor.
• If the alarm is located outside the bedroom or on a different floor, it may not wake up a sound sleeper.
• The use of alcohol or drugs may also impair one's ability to hear the smoke alarm. For maximum protection, a smoke alarm should be installed in each sleeping area on every level of a home.

This alarm is not intended to alert hearing impaired individuals.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY

• 
  This alarm is designed to detect carbon monoxide gas from ANY source of combustion. It is NOT designed to detect any other gas.

This alarm will only indicate the presence of carbon monoxide gas at the sensor. Carbon monoxide gas may be present in other areas. Never restart the source of a CO problem until it has been fixed. NEVER IGNORE THE ALARM!

• Industry experts recommend a CO alarm be installed on each level of the home--ideally on any level with fuel burning appliances and outside of sleeping 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. IT IS NOT DESIGNED FOR USE IN A RECREATIONAL VEHICLE (RV) OR BOAT.

• 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.
• This alarm does not prevent CO from occurring, nor can it solve any 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 alarm has not been investigated for carbon monoxide detection below 70 PPM.
• This combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requires a continuous supply of electrical power – it will not work without power.

Recommended Locations for Smoke Alarms

• Locate smoke alarms in all sleeping areas. Try to monitor the exit path as the bedrooms are usually farthest from the exit. If more than one sleeping area exists, locate additional alarms in each sleeping area.
• Locate additional alarms to monitor any stairway as stairways act like chimneys for smoke and heat.
• Locate at least one alarm on every floor level.
• Locate an alarm in every bedroom.
• Locate an alarm in every room where electrical appliances are operated (i.e. portable heaters or humidifiers).
• Locate an alarm in every room where someone sleeps with the door closed. The closed door may prevent an alarm not located in that room from waking the sleeper.
• Smoke, heat, and combustion products rise to the ceiling and spread horizontally. Mounting the smoke alarm on the ceiling in the center of the room places it closest to all points in the room. Ceiling mounting is preferred in ordinary residential construction.
  
  NFPA 72 states: "Smoke alarms in rooms with ceiling slopes greater than 1 ft in 8 ft (.3m in 2.4 m) horizontally shall be located on the high side of the room." NFPA 72 states: "A row of detectors shall be spaced and located within 3 ft (0.9m) of the peak of the ceiling measured horizontally."
  
  
  • For mobile home installation, select locations carefully to avoid thermal barriers that may form at the ceiling. For more details, see MOBILE HOME INSTALLATION section.
  • When mounting an alarm on the ceiling, locate it at a minimum of 4" (10 cm) from the side wall.
  • When mounting the alarm on the wall, use an inside wall with the top edge of the alarm at a minimum of 4" (10 cm) and a maximum of 12" (30.5 cm) below the ceiling.
  • Put smoke alarms at both ends of a bedroom hallway or large room if the hallway or room is more than 30 feet (9.1 m) long.
  • Install Smoke Alarms on sloped, peaked or cathedral ceilings at or within 3ft (0.9m) of the highest point (measured horizontally).

This equipment should be installed in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association's 72 (National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269).

Mobile Home Installation

Modern mobile homes have been designed and built to be energy efficient. Install smoke alarms as recommended above. In older mobile homes that are not well insulated compared to present standards, extreme heat or cold can be transferred from the outside to the inside through poorly insulated walls and roof. This may create a thermal barrier which can prevent the smoke from reaching an alarm mounted on the ceiling. In such units, install the smoke alarm on an inside wall with the top edge of the alarm a minimum of 4" (10 cm) and a maximum of 12" (30.5 cm) below the ceiling.
If you are not sure about the insulation in your mobile home, or if you notice that the outer walls and ceiling are either hot or cold compared to the room air temperature, install the alarm on an inside wall. NFPA 72 (National Fire Protection Association) requires smoke alarms be installed in each sleeping area.

TEST YOUR ALARM OPERATION AFTER MOBILE HOME HAS BEEN IN STORAGE OR UNOCCUPIED, AND AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK DURING USE.

Locations to Avoid

• In the garage. Products of combustion are present when you start your automobile.
• Normal cooking may cause nuisance alarms. If a kitchen alarm is desired, it should have an alarm silence feature or be a photoelectric type.
• Do not install within 6 ft. of heating or cooking appliances.
• Less than 4" (10cm) from the peak of an "A" frame type ceiling.
• In an area where the temperature may fall below 40ºF or rise above 100ºF, such as garages and unfinished attics.
• In dusty areas. Dust particles may cause nuisance alarm or failure to alarm.
• In very humid areas (above 95% RH, non-condensing). Moisture or steam can cause nuisance alarms.
• In insect-infested areas.
• Smoke alarms should not be installed within 3 ft (.9m) of the door to a bathroom containing a tub or shower, forced air supply ducts used for heating or cooling, ceiling or whole house ventilating fans, or other high air flow areas.
• Near lights. Electronic "noise" generated by the electronics may cause nuisance alarms.
• Do not install near vents, flues, chimneys.
• Do not install near fans, doors, windows or areas directly exposed to the weather.

Wiring / Installation / Activation

Wiring Requirements

• This alarm should be installed on a UL Listed or recognized junction box. All connections should be made by a qualified electrician and all wiring used shall be in accordance with articles 210 and 300.3(B) of the U.S. National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA 70, NFPA 72 and/or any other codes having jurisdiction in your area. The multiple station interconnect wiring to the alarms must be run in the same raceway or cable as the AC power wiring. In addition, the resistance of the interconnect wiring shall be a maximum of 10 ohms.
• The maximum wire run distance between the first and last unit in an interconnected system is 1000 feet.
• The appropriate power source is 120 Volt AC Single Phase supplied from a non-switchable circuit, which is not protected by a ground fault interrupter.
• Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the combination (alarm and detector guard) have been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.

THE ALARM CANNOT BE OPERATED FROM POWER DERIVED FROM A SQUARE WAVE, MODIFIED SQUARE WAVE OR MODIFIED SINE WAVE, INVERTER, THESE TYPES OF INVERTERS ARE SOMETIMES USED TO SUPPLY POWER TO THE STRUCTURE IN OFF GRID INSTALLATIONS, SUCH AS SOLAR OR WIND DERIVED POWER SOURCES PRODUCE HIGH PEAK VOLTAGES THAT WILL DAMAGE THE ALARM.

Wiring Instructions for AC Quick Connect Harness

Turn off the main power to the circuit before wiring the alarm.

• For alarms that are used as single station, DO NOT CONNECT THE RED WIRE TO ANYTHING. Leave the red wire insulating cap in place to make certain that the red wire cannot contact any metal parts or the electrical box.
• When alarms are hardwire interconnected, all interconnected units must be powered from a single circuit.
• A maximum of 24 Kidde Safety devices may be interconnected in a multiple station arrangement. The interconnect system should not exceed the NFPA interconnect limit of 12 smoke alarms and/or 18 alarms total (smoke, CO, Smoke/ CO Combination, heat, etc.). With 18 alarms interconnected, it is still possible to interconnect up to a total of 6 remote signaling devices and /or relay modules (see below for details on interconnecting Kidde devices)
• Figure 9-A illustrates interconnection wiring. Improper connection will result in damage to the alarm, failure to operate, or a shock hazard.
• Make certain alarms are wired to a continuous (non-switched) power line.

NOTE: Use standard UL Listed household wire (as required by local codes) available at all electrical supply stores and most hardware stores.

NOTE: AC power should be turned off at this stage.

• After selecting the proper location for your alarm, and wiring the AC QUICK CONNECT harness as described in the WIRING INSTRUCTIONS, attach the mounting bracket to the electrical box. To ensure aesthetic alignment of the alarm with the hallway, or wall, the "A" line on the mounting bracket must be parallel with the hallway when ceiling mounted, or horizontal when wall mounted.
• Pull the AC QUICK CONNECTOR through the center hole in the mounting bracket and secure the bracket, making sure that the mounting screws are positioned in the small ends of the keyholes before tightening the screws.
• Plug the AC QUICK CONNECTOR into the wiring harness attached to the unit, making sure that the locks on the connector snap into place. Then push the excess wire back into the electrical box through the hole in the center of the mounting bracket.
• Install the alarm fully on the mounting bracket by rotating the alarm in a clockwise direction. NOTE: The alarm will mount to the bracket in 4 positions (every 90 degrees). NOTE: Installing the alarm on the mounting bracket will automatically activate the battery backup.
• Turn on the AC power. The green AC Power On Indicator should be lit when the alarm is operating from AC power.
  

NOTE: Attaching AC power first, without rotating the alarm onto the mounting bracket, will result in a low battery trouble condition chirp (see Troubleshooting Guide). You need to activate the battery to eliminate the low battery trouble condition chirps. Attach unit to mounting bracket very soon after applying AC power to avoid false low battery notification.
NOTE: The battery activation is a one-time feature. After activation, the battery cannot be turned off, and can only be discharged at the end of unit life. If the alarm is removed from the mounting plate, the backup battery will remain active. See Permanently Disable Alarm / Discharge Battery section.

AC wired Interconnect Model Capability

This model has AC hardwire interconnect capability. When one hardwired interconnect unit sounds an alarm, all other compatible hardwire or interconnected units will also alarm.

• The following models can be interconnected using the standard AC wiring interconnect: 1235, 1275, 1276, 1285, i12020, i12020A, i12040, i12040A, i12060, i12060A, i12080, i12080A, i4618, i4618A, i4618AC, KN-SMFM-I, RF-SM-ACDC, PE120, P12040, Pi2000, Pi2010, KN-COSM-I, KN-COSM-IB, KN-COSM-IBA, KN-COPE-I, KN-COPE-IC, KN-COB-IC, KN-COP-IC, SL177i, SLED177i, HD135F, SM120X, CO120X, i12010S, i12010SCO, P4010ACSCO, P4010ACSCO-W, P4010LACS-W, P4010ACS, P4010ACS-W.

The alarm is now activated! After installation / activation, test your alarm as described in Operation and Testing section.

FAILURE TO PROPERLY INSTALL AND ACTIVATE THIS ALARM WILL PREVENT PROPER OPERATION OF THIS ALARM AND WILL PREVENT ITS RESPONSE TO FIRE HAZARDS.

Operation and Testing

Operation

The alarm is operating once it is activated and testing is complete (see "TESTING" below). When products of combustion (smoke or CO) are sensed, the unit sounds a loud alarm with voice messages. See Sections "Smoke Alarm: What To Do When the Alarm Sounds" and "Carbon Monoxide Alarm: What To Do When the Alarm Sounds" for alarm signal descriptions. In high levels of CO, the unit will go into alarm in a shorter period of time than at low levels of CO.
CO ALARM SENSOR RESPONSE TIMES
At 70 PPM, the unit must alarm within 60-240 minutes.
At 150 PPM, the unit must alarm within 10-50 minutes.
At 400 PPM, the unit must alarm within 4-15 minutes.

Testing

Test your alarm weekly by pressing and releasing the test button quickly. A quick beep will confirm the button has been pushed followed by voice prompts that will inform you of the upcoming test sequence. See Other Alarm Visual and Audible Indicators table. The alarm and voice (and any interconnected units) will sound if the electronic circuitry, horn, speaker, and battery are working. If the alarm or voice does not sound, or gives erratic or low volume sound, the unit must be replaced. See Permanently Disable Alarm / Discharge Battery section to determine how to prepare the unit for shipment or disposal.

DUE TO THE LOUDNESS OF THE ALARM, ALWAYS STAND ABOUT 2.5 FEET AWAY FROM THE UNIT OR USE EAR PROTECTION WHEN TESTING.

DO NOT USE AN OPEN FLAME TO TEST YOUR ALARM, YOU COULD DAMAGE THE ALARM OR IGNITE COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS AND START A STRUCTURE FIRE.

Ambient light Sensing

In low light ambient conditions, the green LED ring fades to off, and then blinks approx every 60 seconds. This unit samples the ambient light conditions of the alarm's location and, if possible, determines a Night / Day cycle. A valid Night / Day cycle will delay unit chirps during the night until the next Day cycle begins.

Chirping

When chirping begins during the next Day cycle, you can temporarily silence End of Unit Life chirps by pressing the Test/Hush® button. Low Battery chirps cannot be silenced. If a valid Night / Day cycle has not been established because the unit is located in either a constantly dark or lighted location, the chirps mentioned above will not be delayed at night. Moving the unit to a different location might allow the unit to determine a valid Night / Day cycle.
POSSIBLE CHIRPING REASONS
End of Unit Life: will be delayed at night
Low battery: will be delayed at night

REPLACE UNIT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WHEN IN END OF UNIT LIFE OR LOW BATTERY MODE.

Recognizing Nuisance Alarms

Smoke Nuisance

HUSH^®: If you know why the alarm is sounding, and you can verify that it is not a life threatening situation, you can push the button on the initiating unit (green LED flashing every second) to silence the alarm for 8-10 minutes. If the smoke is not too dense, that unit, and all interconnected units will silence. After the Hush^® period, the smoke alarm will automatically reset and sound the alarm if particles of combustion are still present. You can use Hush^® repeatedly until the air has been cleared of the condition causing the alarm.
NOTE: Dense smoke will override Hush® and sound a continuous alarm. If no fire is present, check to see if one of the reasons listed in "Locations to avoid" may have caused the alarm. If a fire is discovered, get out and call the fire department.
This alarm is designed to minimize nuisance alarms. Cigarette smoke will not normally cause the unit to alarm, unless the smoke is blown directly into the alarm. Combustion particles from cooking may set off the alarm if it is located too close to a cooking appliance. Large quantities of combustible particles are generated from spills or when broiling. Using the fan on a range hood which vents to the outside (non-recirculating type) will also help prevent nuisance alarms from occurring by removing these combustible products from the kitchen.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Nuisance

RESET: Pushing the button during CO alarm allows the unit to reset calculations and double check for the presence of CO. If the unit re-alarms within 6 minutes, it is sensing high levels of CO which can quickly become a dangerous situation. Move to fresh air and call 911.

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF A CO ALARMS USING SIGHT OR SMELL. ALWAYS CONSIDER A CO ALARM EVENT AS DANGEROUS.

Battery Backup

This alarm is powered with AC power, but also contains a sealed lithium battery backup system. No battery installation or replacement is necessary for the life of the alarm.
NOTE: AC power must be connected to obtain the full 10 year battery and unit life. Constant exposure to high or low humidity or temperatures may reduce battery life.

NO SERVICEABLE PARTS INCLUDED, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE ALARM FOR ANY REASON! DO NOT TRY TO REPAIR THE ALARM YOURSELF.

Low Battery

This alarm is equipped with a low battery monitor circuit. If the battery capacity can no longer provide adequate power for all alarm functions, the low battery condition will occur. See Troubleshooting Guide. The unit must be replaced within 7 days of the first occurrence of the "Low Battery Warning" to provide continuous alarm protection.

Permanently Disable Alarm / Discharge Battery

FAILURE TO DISCHARGE ALARM BATTERY AS INSTRUCTED PRIOR TO DISPOSAL MAY CREATE POTENTIAL FOR LITHIUM BATTERY RELATED FIRE OR HAZARD.

DISCHARGING THE ALARM BATTERY IS PERMANENT

• Once the alarm battery has been discharged, it cannot be reactivated!
• Once discharged, the alarm will NO LONGER DETECT SMOKE OR CO.
• Once the alarm battery is discharged, the battery is depleted and the alarm will no longer function.
• Once the alarm battery has been discharged, the alarm cannot be mounted onto the mounting plate or reactivated.

To Permanently Disable Alarm / Discharge Battery:

• Rotate the alarm counterclockwise to remove it from the mounting plate.
• Disconnect AC wiring harness.
• Push in the dashed area with a screwdriver to break tab (Figure 13-A).
  
• After the tab is broken, use the screwdriver to turn the red slotted arrow to the "Permanently Disable Alarm / Discharge Battery" location. This will disable the alarm, stop the low battery or end of unit life "chirps" and render the alarm safe for disposal by draining the battery (Figure 13-B).

General Carbon Monoxide (CO) Information

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless poison gas that can be fatal when inhaled. 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 running in attached garages can also produce dangerous levels of 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-burning 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. 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.

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 differential 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/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 inversions 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. Regularly examine vents and chimneys for improper connections, visible rust, or stains, and check for cracks in furnace heat exchangers. Verify that the color of flame is blue on pilot lights and burners. An amber or orange flame is a sign that the fuel is not burning completely and may be releasing CO. Teach all household members what the alarm sounds like and how to respond. Fire Departments, most utility companies and HVAC contractors will perform CO inspections. Some contractors may charge for this service. It's advisable to inquire about any applicable fees prior to having the service performed. Kidde will not pay for, or reimburse the owner or user of this product, for any repair or dispatch calls related to the alarm sounding.

Symptoms of CO poisoning

Initial carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are similar to the flu with no fever and can include dizziness, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting and disorientation. Everyone is susceptible but experts agree that unborn babies, pregnant women, senior citizens and people with heart or respiratory problems are especially vulnerable. If symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are experienced seek medical attention immediately. CO poisoning can be determined by a carboxyhemoglobin test.

The following symptoms are related to CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING and should be discussed with ALL members of the household:

1. MILD EXPOSURE: Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (often described as "Flu-like" symptoms).
2. MEDIUM EXPOSURE: Severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
3. EXTREME EXPOSURE: Unconsciousness, convulsions, cardio respiratory failure and death.

The above levels of exposure relate to healthy adults. Levels differ for those at high risk. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal or cause permanent damage and disabilities. Many cases of reported carbon monoxide poisoning indicate that while victims are aware they are not feeling 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. Familiarization with the effects of each level is important.

Cleaning Your Alarm

Your Alarm Should be Cleaned at Least Once a Year

You can clean the interior of your alarm (sensing chamber) by using compressed air or a vacuum cleaner hose and blowing or vacuuming through the openings around the perimeter of the alarm. The outside of the alarm can be wiped with a damp cloth. Use only water to dampen the cloth, use of detergents or cleaners could damage the alarm.
If the alarm is in Fault mode and the Red LED is blinking a fault code of 10 or 14 flashes (after a Test/Hush^® button push), the alarm may be in need of cleaning. After cleaning, press the Test/Hush^® button. If the fault does not clear, the alarm needs to be replaced.

• Never use detergent or other solvents to clean the unit.
• Avoid spraying air freshener, hair spray, or other aerosols near the alarm.
• Do not paint the unit. Paint will seal the vents and interfere with the sensor's ability to detect smoke and CO.
• Never attempt to disassemble the unit or clean inside. This action will void your warranty.
• The following substances can affect the CO sensor and may cause false readings and damage to the sensor: Methane, propane, isobutane, iso-propanol, ethyl acetate, hydrogen sulfide, sulfide dioxides, alcohol based products, paints, thinner, solvents, adhesives, hair spray, after shave, perfume, and some cleaning agents.
• Move the Alarm and place in another location prior to performing any of the following:
  Staining or stripping wood floors or furniture
  Painting
  Wall papering
  Using adhesives

Storing the unit in a plastic bag during any of the above projects will protect the sensors from damage. When household cleaning supplies or similar contaminates are used, the area must be well ventilated.

REINSTALL THE ALARM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO ENSURE CONTINUOUS PROTECTION.