American Sensors COS2010 - Carbon Monoxide Smoke Alarm Manual

INTRODUCTION

CO and smoke sensors for double protection
The COS2010 is equipped with 2 sensors; CO and smoke, to protect your family from 2 leading cause of fatal accidents in the home.

Carbon monoxide is a dangerous, poisonous gas. It is often referred to as the Silent Killer because it has no odor or taste and it cannot be seen. The presence of carbon monoxide inhibits the blood's capacity to transport oxygen throughout the body, which can eventually lead to brain damage.

In any enclosed space (home, office, recreational vehicle or boat) even a small accumulation of carbon monoxide can be dangerous.

This symbol alerts you to important operating instructions or to potentially hazardous situations. Please read these items carefully.

Please read this entire owner's manual and follow all directions as written.

Never ignore your carbon monoxide alarm if it activates. See sections How can you test/reset the alarm & What do the LED light mean for more information.

The COS2010 is an effective product for detecting any build-up of carbon monoxide and smoke in your home. INSTALL ONE COS2010 IN EVERY ROOM AND LEVEL OF YOUR HOME FOR MAXIMUM PROTECTION.

Your new Alarm:

• Is easy to install
• Interconnectable with up to 11 additional CO or smoke alarms
• Continuously monitors for carbon monoxide and smoke
• Visual icon confirms if carbon monoxide or smoke alarm is activated
• Sounds a loud alarm (85 dB) when it detects a hazardous build-up of carbon monoxide or smoke
• Has a Test/Reset button so that you can test or reset at any time
• Listed by the Underwriters Laboratories Inc. UL2034 - effective October 1, 1998 and UL217 June, 1999
• Has a five-year limited warranty

THE C0S2010 IS INTERCONNECTABLE WITH THE AMERICAN SENSORS SA360 & SA379 SMOKE ALARMS; AND ASI ELECTRONICS ESA5011 SMOKE ALARM. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR INTERCONNECTING WITH ANY OTHER MODEL.

Where should you install this CO & smoke alarm

The human body is most vulnerable to the effects of carbon monoxide during sleeping hours. Since carbon monoxide moves freely in the air, the suggested location is in or as near as possible to sleeping areas of the home. For maximum protection, a carbon monoxide alarm should be located outside primary sleeping areas or on each level of your home. In the illustration above are suggested locations in the home. The electronic sensors detect carbon monoxide and smoke, measure the concentration, and sound a loud alarm before a potentially harmful level is reached.

Locate the alarm in the following areas:

• In every room of your home (except the bathroom): Research indicatesthat substantial increases in warning time can be obtained with each properly installed, additional alarm.
• In bedrooms: In anticipation of fires originating within these rooms, caused by faulty wiring, lamps, appliances, smoking or other hazards.
• In hallways: At a distance no greater than 13 feet (4 meters) from thefarthest wall and no greater than 26 feet (8 meters) from the next alarm.
• In the center of a room or hallway: As it is impossible to predict thesource of a fire. If it is necessary to place the alarm on a wall, always locate the top of the smoke alarm 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) from the ceiling.
• As needed: To compensate for closed doors and other obstacles thatmay interfere with the path of smoke to an alarm. They may also prevent occupants on one side of a closed door from hearing a alarm on the other side of the door.

Some locations may interfere with the proper operation of the alarm and may cause false alarms or trouble signals.

• Smoke Alarms are not fool-proof. Smoke alarms may not always senseevery kind of fire. They cannot be expected to sense fires caused by carelessness or by safety hazards. They may not give early warning of fast growing fires caused by smoking in bed, violent explosions, escaping gas, improper storage of flammable materials, overloaded electrical circuits, natural causes such as lightning, children playing with matches, or arson.

NFPA RECOMMENDATIONS

For your information, the National Fire Protection Association's Standard 72 reads as follows:

2-2.1.1.1 Smoke alarms shall be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each additional story of the family living unit, including basements and excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics. In new construction a smoke alarm also shall be installed in each sleeping room.

A-2.5.2.1 Smoke Detection – Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable? The required number of smoke alarms might not provide reliable early warning protection for those areas separated by a door from the areas protected by the required smoke alarms. For this reason, it is recommended that the householder consider the use of additional smoke alarms for those areas for increased protection. The additional areas include the basement, bedrooms, dining room, furnace room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the required smoke alarms. The installation of smoke alarms in kitchens, attics (finished or unfinished), or garages is not normally recommended, as these locations occasionally experience conditions that can result in improper operation.

Do not place the Alarm in the following areas:

• Where the temperature may drop below 40°F (4.4°C) or exceed 100°F(37.8°C).
• Near paint thinner fumes or household cleaning products. Ensureproper ventilation when using these types of chemicals.
• Within 6 feet (1.8 m) of any cooking or open flame appliances such asfurnaces, stoves and fireplaces.
• In exhaust streams from gas engines, vents, flues or chimneys.
• Do not place in close proximity to an automobile exhaust pipe; thiswill damage the Alarm.
• In turbulent air from fans, doors, windows, etc. The rapid airmovement may prevent combustion particles from entering the alarm.
• In dead air spaces such as at the peak of an "A" frame ceiling. "Deadair" at the top may prevent smoke from reaching the alarm in time to provide early warning. In rooms with simple sloped, peaked or gabled ceilings, install smoke alarms on the ceiling 3 feet (90 cm) from the highest point of the ceiling. Note: For complex ceiling structures, consult a safety expert for the number of alarms required and the best locations.
• Less than 6 inches (15 cm) from the wall when mounted on the ceiling.
• In high humidity areas such as bathrooms and attics, place at least 10feet (3 m) away from bathrooms.
• In insect infested areas.
• In poorly ventilated kitchens or garages.
• In very dusty or dirty areas.
• Near fluorescent lights, place at least 5 feet (1.5 m) from fluorescentlights.

How should you install the alarm

The COS2010 is designed to be mounted on the ceiling or wall using the enclosed mounting plate. If locating in a room with simple sloped, peaked or gabled ceilings, install the alarm at least 3 feet (1.0 M) from the highest point.

Your alarm is to be mounted onto a junction box on the wall or ceiling. These units are for permanent connection only and should be installed by a Qualified Appliance Technician only. Do not connect wires to an AC outlet, extension cord, or power cord and attachment plug. Do not connect to an AC outlet that is controlled by a wall switch.

The circuit used to power the alarm must be a 24-hour voltage circuit that cannot be turned off by a switch or ground fault interrupter. It is highly recommended that alarms be wired on a separate circuit (one with no other lights or appliances) to ensure maximum reliability of AC power supply. For installation of alarms in dwelling units, it is important to follow the National Electrical Code.

To mount the COS2010 on the ceiling follow these steps:
Mount to any standard or rectangular junction box with a minimum depth of 1 inch (25 mm). 120V AC, 55mA operation.

1. Electricity must be turned off at service entrance before beginninginstallation to prevent electrical shock or equipment damage.
2. Location must comply with applicable building codes.
3. Install a junction box where you plan to install the alarm. Usestandard 14 gauge wire.
4. Connect black and white wires from power connector to AC powerleads.
5. For multiple station application, use the orange wire to interconnect smoke alarms and the brown wire to interconnect additional CO alarms up to a maximum of 11 units in total.
   
   If unit is not to be interconnected, unused wires must be capped prior to final installation.
6. Loosen or remove screws from junction box.
7. Attach flat side of mounting plate and tighten screws to fit snuglyagainst the junction box and ceiling or wall.
8. Bring power connector through center opening.
9. Slip the paper gasket supplied with the alarm over the power connector and then onto the mounting plate so that the four plastic tabs on the mounting plate will hold the gasket in place. The gasket will prevent downward air currents from entering the alarm through holes in the back of the alarm unless blocked off downward air currents could prevent CO or smoke from entering the alarm.
   

IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU INSERT THE GASKET WHEN INSTALLING YOUR ALARM.

10. Align the plug area on the alarm with the cutout in the gasket andplace the alarm on the mounting plate, turn clockwise to fasten it to the mounting plate.
11. Plug wire connector into the back of the alarm.
12. If auxiliary lock is desired, insert the Locking Key into the slot in thebase of the alarm. Locking Key should "click" into position and be flush with the alarm housing.
    
    Do not attempt to remove alarm without first removing the Locking Key. If the key is not first removed, damage may result. To remove use a screwdriver and gently pry the Locking Key loose.
13. Test alarm operation after installation in accordance with Section How can you test/reset the alarm.
    Note: Maximum interconnect wiring length is 150 feet (50 meters).

To Use Optional Locking Key-
Remove from mounting plate with needle nosed pliers and insert in housing

MODEL COS2010 120VAC Dual-Ionization Interconnectable CO and Smoke Alarm

SINGLE STATION

MULTIPLE STATION

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

How can you test/reset the alarm

A Green power light indicates that power is supplied
To test the alarm wait at least ten minutes after installation then:

• Press and hold the test/reset button until the unit starts to beep.
• Release the test button - the red smoke alarm LED light will flash and willbeep three times and stop.
• The unit will start to beep again, with two series of four short beepsand the Red CO alarm LED will turn "ON". After the second series of beeps, the Red CO alarm LED will turn off.
• A single beep approximately once every minute indicates a malfunctioning unit. Do not use this unit. See section MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING for details.

If you have any questions regarding this unit, call 1-800-387-4219

How can you maintain your alarm

Your combination CO and smoke alarm is only useful if it works. This illustration explains proper maintenance.

Test/Reset button
Test the alarm by pressing the Test/Reset button once a month. (see section How can you test/reset the alarm)

UNIT WILL NOT OPERATE DURING A POWER FAILURE

What do the LED lights mean

Power	Green LED	Continuous Green LED indicates power is supplied
Smoke Alarm	Red LED	The smoke alarm signal consists of 3 constantly repeating beeps every 4 seconds, with the Red LED flashing intermittently
CO Alarm	Red LED	The CO alarm signal consists of 4 constantly repeating rapid beeps every 5 seconds, with the Red LED light on constantly.
Trouble Alarm: If the unit is defective, a short constantly repeating alarm "Beep" will occur once per minute.

What should you do if the CO ALARM sounds

THIS UNIT WILL ONLY INDICATE THE PRESENCE OF CARBON MONOXIDE AT THE SENSOR. CARBON MONOXIDE MAY BE PRESENT IN OTHER AREAS.

If harmful levels of carbon monoxide are detected, your unit will go into alarm. (See Section What do the LED light mean for description of this alarm.)

Actuation of your CO alarm indicates the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) which can KILL YOU. If alarm signal sounds:

1. Operate reset/silence button;
2. Call your emergency services [fire department or 911];
3. Immediately move to fresh air–outdoors or by an opendoor/window. Do a head count to check that all persons are accounted for. 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 operation.
4. After the following steps 1-3, If your alarm reactivates within a 24 hour period, repeat steps 1-3 and call a qualified appliance technician____________to investigate for sources of CO from fuel burning equipment and appliances, and inspect for proper operation of this 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 manufacturers' instructions, or contact the manufacturers directly, for more information about CO safety and this equipment. Make sure that motor vehicles are not, and have not been, operating in an attached garage or adjacent to the residence.

What to do after resetting the unit following an alarm?
A full continuous alarm within six minutes after reset confirms ongoing presence of harmful levels of carbon monoxide. If this occurs follow instructions 1-3 above.

What to do after a carbon monoxide problem has been corrected?
After a carbon monoxide problem has been corrected reset your alarm by pushing the Test/Reset button as per the instructions on Section How can you test/reset the alarm.

Typical conditions which can result in CO false alarms:

1. Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel burning appliances caused by outdoor ambient conditions, such as:
   1. Wind direction and/or velocity, including high gusts of wind. Heavy air in the vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods between cycles).
   2. Negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust fans.
   3. Simultaneous operation of several fuel burning appliances competing for limited internal air.
   4. Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes dryers, furnaces, or water heaters.
   5. Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs which can amplify the above situations.
2. Extended operation of unvented fuel burning devices (range, oven, fireplace, etc.).
3. Temperature inversions which can trap exhaust gasses near the ground.
4. Car idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near a home.

What should you do if the Smoke ALARM sounds

If smoke is detected, your unit will go into alarm. (The alarm is a flashing red smoke icon and repeating pattern of 3 beeps.)

• Don't waste time collecting possessions after a fire starts.
• Arouse all occupants and leave the building. Your most valuable possession is your life.
• Doors can mean escape or death. Never open doors without first checking for heat. Test them with your hands, if they feel warm, fire may be walled up behind them - leave closed and find another escape route.
• Call the fire department from OUTSIDE the building.
• If trapped inside, stay close to the floor, cover mouth with cloth, conserve breath as you crawl to safety.
• Keep all doors and windows closed except for escape purposes.
• NEVER re-enter a burning building.
• Keep your family in a pre-arranged meeting place after your escape.

PREPARE YOUR OWN ESCAPE PLAN

Most important, when fire strikes, a prepared and practiced escape plan can make the difference between life and death. Develop an escape plan and practice it with the entire family, including small children.

• Ensure all family members are familiarized with the alarm signal.
• Draw a Floor Plan of Your Home and determine two exits from each room. There should be a way to get out of each bedroom without opening the door.
• Have Fire Drills Often. Practice your Escape and BE PREPARED.
• Decide on a meeting place at a safe distance from your home.

Your local fire department may be able to offer you additional ideas for safety and escape plans in the home.

Never disconnect the AC power on your alarm to silence a nuisance alarm. Clear the area of smoke by opening doors and windows or fanning the smoke away.

What are the potential sources of carbon monoxide

Although many products of combustion can cause discomfort and adverse health effects, it is carbon monoxide (CO) that presents the greatest threat to life.

CO is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, kerosene, coal, charcoal, gasoline or wood. The incomplete combustion of fuel can occur in any device that depends on burning for energy or heat such as furnaces, boilers, room heaters, hot water heaters, stoves or grills and in any gasoline- powered vehicle or engine (e.g., generator set or lawnmower). Tobacco smoke also adds CO to the air you breathe.

When properly installed and maintained, your natural gas furnace and hot water heater do not pollute your air space with carbon monoxide. Natural gas is known as a "clean burning" fuel because under correct operating conditions the combustion products are water vapor and carbon dioxide, which are not toxic. (Carbon dioxide (CO2) is also present in the air we exhale and is necessary for plant life.) The products of combustion are vented from furnaces and water heaters to the outside by means of a flue duct or chimney.

Correct operation of fuel-burning equipment requires two key conditions. There must be:

• An adequate supply of air for complete combustion
• Proper venting of the products of combustion from the furnace through the chimney, vent or duct to the outside.

Typical Carbon Monoxide Problems.

1. Equipment problems, due to defects, poor maintenance, damage cracked heat exchangers.
2. Collapsed or blocked chimneys or flues, dislodged, disconnected or damaged vents.
3. Downdraft in chimneys or flues; this can also be caused by very long or circuitous flue runs, improper location of flue exhaust or wind conditions.
4. Improper installation or operation of equipment, chimneys or vents.
5. Air tightness of house envelope results in a lack of air for the combustion process.
6. Inadequate exhaust of space heaters or appliances.
7. Exhaust ventilation/fireplace competing for air supply.

Potential sources of carbon monoxide in your home/office

What are the possible symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is odorless, colorless, tasteless and very toxic.
When inhaled, it produces an effect known as chemical asphyxiation. Injury is due to the combining of CO with the available hemoglobin in the blood, which lowers the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. In the presence of carbon monoxide, the body is quickly affected by oxygen starvation.
The following symptoms are related to carbon monoxide poisoning and should be discussed with all members of the household so that you know what to look for:

Extreme Exposure: Unconsciousness, convulsions, cardiorespiratory failure, death
Medium Exposure: Severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, vomiting, fast heart rate
Mild Exposure: Slight headache, nausea, fatigue (often described as "flu-like" symptoms)

Many cases of reported CARBON MONOXIDE 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. Young children and household pets may be the first affected. Exposure during sleep is particularly dangerous because the victim usually does not awaken.

The amount of carbon monoxide in the air is measured as ppm (parts per million). The graph below shows the important relationship between carbon monoxide in the air, exposure time and health effects.

For most people, mild symptoms generally will be felt after several hours of exposure to 100 ppm of carbon monoxide. Higher levels will lead to more severe symptoms or death.

MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING

TEST THE ALARM MONTHLY. VACUUM EVERY SIX MONTHS.
Your alarm should be cleaned every six months to help keep the unit working efficiently.

REMOVE POWER TO ALARM.
Gently vacuum through the vents of the alarm with a soft brush attachment. Keep vacuum nozzle from touching the unit.

RE-ESTABLISH POWER TO ALARM.
Problems may be indicated by the following:

1. The alarm does not sound upon pressing the test button.
2. The green operating light does not remain steadily on when unit is AC powered.
3. The unit beeps shortly, approximately every sixty seconds indicating a malfunctioning unit.

Try the following:

1. Inspect breaker or fuse in power circuit to alarm.
2. Gently vacuum as recommended above.
3. Call an electrician to inspect house wiring and connection to alarms.

If these procedures do not correct the problem, do NOT attempt repairs. If the alarm is within warranty period and terms, indicate the nature of the problem and return the unit with proof of purchase to the manufacturer. See below for instructions. Units beyond warranty cannot be economically repaired.

DURING A FALSE ALARM, DO NOT DISCONNECT THE AC POWER SUPPLY.
Dust can lead to excess sensitivity. Vacuum as recommended above.
DO NOT PAINT THE UNIT.

Technical Information

Your unit utilizes a proprietary Electronic Sensing Technology that permits the unit to vary the exposure time before the alarm sounds based on carbon monoxide concentrations.

Exposure Times
The carbon monoxide concentrations and time standards for the alarms are as follows:

The Full Alarm Activates

• Within 60–240 minutes at exposures of 70 ppm
• Within 10–50 minutes at exposures of 150 ppm
• Within 4–15 minutes at exposures of 400 ppm

Carbon monoxide alarm is designed to detect carbon monoxide gas from ANY source of combustion. It is NOT designed to detect fire or any other gas, unless the product has been investigated and determined to comply with the applicable requirements.

Model COS2010
Power Supply	COS2010: 120 V AC (~) 60Hz, 7W
Dimensions	5.25" diameter x 1.75"
NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
Operating Temperatures	40°F to 100°F (4.4°C to 37.8°C)
Humidity	30% to 70%
Sound Level	85 dB at 10 ft

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 and industrial standards. Individuals with medical problems may consider using warning devices which provide audible and visual signals for carbon monoxide concentrations under 30 ppm.

Tips for the homeowner

Energy Conservation and Indoor Air Quality

Two steps that homeowners take to conserve energy may adversely affect indoor air quality.

Since air leakage can account for as much as 40% of heat loss, houses are being made more air tight. Reduced air leakage will contribute to higher concentrations of air contaminants from indoor sources and can cause draft reversal in the furnace or fireplace chimney when the demand for air by fireplaces, furnaces and exhaust fans exceeds the air supplied by leakage area and supply ducts.

Converting from oil to gas, without taking steps to prevent chimney deterioration, will increase the risk of chimney blockage, draft failure and the associated release of combustion products into the house. Qualified contractors and inspection by the gas company are recommended.

Dirt and Blockage

Never insulate or try to seal up a draft hood, wind cap or exhaust vent on any gas appliance (furnace, hot water heater, range, dryer or space heater). Keep your equipment area clean. Don't store anything that could restrict air circulation close to equipment.

It is absolutely essential to your safety that panels and grills on the furnace are kept in place and that the fan compartment door is closed when the furnace is operating.
If you have a gas water heater, make sure that combustion air openings at the bottom of the tank and the opening below the draft diverter (on top of the tank next to the flue duct) remain unblocked.

If you have a gas dryer, the exhaust duct must be vented to the outside and have a hood at the end. Check that the exhaust system is not blocked by lint or debris and that the flapper in the hood moves freely.
For all fuel-burning equipment, make sure that vent hoods and pipes are not blocked by insulation, leaves or bird nests.

Using other equipment that consumes or exhausts household air

If you use exhaust fans, a fireplace or other fuel burning heaters or stoves: Run exhaust fans for just a minute or two at a time. Prolonged use could remove too much air, and it wastes heat.
Do not run power attic vents during the winter or when your furnace is on.
When your fireplace, coal or wood stove is operating, open a window and close off warm air registers in the room or install a fresh air duct directly to the fireplace or stove so that it won't steal air from your furnace.

Confining or enclosing gas-fired equipment

If you have partitioned off your furnace and water heater, you may need additional ventilation.

Danger Signs

Stuffy, stale or smelly air, back drafts and soot from a fireplace or furnace chimney usually means your home needs more air for proper combustion and healthy living. For gas-fired equipment, mostly yellow (rather than clear blue) burner flames, a pilot light that keeps going out, or a smell of gas indicate trouble. Turn off the equipment and contact your gas company emergency service.

Additional Safety Tips

Have your fuel-burning equipment checked periodically for safety and efficiency by a qualified service technician.
If you are adding a wood or coal burning stove to a home, make sure that the stove is properly installed and vented. Check with the Building and Inspections Department of your local municipality or consult a heating contractor before installation. If you have already installed a wood or coal stove without a building permit or inspection, consult your local municipal building authority. Some "do-it-yourselfers" have unknowingly created dangerous conditions. Once you file for a permit, a qualified inspector will check your installation and explain how to rectify any mistakes.

Do not expose yourself to carbon monoxide through carelessness. Never operate a gasoline-powered engine in a confined or enclosed space such as a garage or tool shed. Never use a kerosene stove or charcoal grill in a confined space such as a closed garage or recreational van.

On masonry chimneys inspect the clean-out regularly to ensure that the chimney is free and clear of debris.

Regardless of the fuel your furnace, fireplace or stove uses, your chimney should be inspected from time to time by a competent chimney contractor.

Never try to add a "heat reclaimer" or "automatic flue damper" to your gas furnace or water heater. Gas installation safety codes prohibit use of these devices as an add-on to an existing furnace because of the risks of incorrect installation and mechanical failure. When using paints, household cleaning supplies or similar materials, be sure that you're using them in a well ventilated area.

Following sensible maintenance and safety procedures in the home will give you fuel savings without endangering your health.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Will this unit detect smoke or fire?
A.Yes. This is a combined CO alarm and smoke alarm.

Q. What does the alarm sound like?
A. The CO alarm is a constantly repeating series of 4 rapid beeps every 5 seconds, with the Red CO LED light on constantly while while the alarm horn beeps.
The smoke alarm is a series of 3 repeating beeps every 4 seconds, with the Red smoke alarm LED light flashing everytime the alarm beeps.
A single beep approximately once every minute indicates a malfunctioning unit. Do not use this unit. See section MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING for details

Q. How do I test the unit?
A. Push the test/reset button. Do not use car exhaust or intentionally introduce carbon monoxide through other methods. These methods are dangerous to you and the pollutants from car exhaust may damage the unit.