Kidde P3010CU - Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Manual

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this Kidde Combination Smoke/CO Alarm. This model is battery operated and features a non-replaceable, sealed-in battery and SMART HUSH^TM Control to temporarily silence nuisance alarms.

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.

Teach children how to respond to the alarm and that they should never play with the unit.
This Kidde Smoke/CO Alarm was designed to detect both smoke and carbon monoxide from any source of combustion in a residential environment. It is not designed for use in a recreational vehicle (RV) or boat.

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."

After ten (10) years of cumulative power up, this unit will "chirp" two times every 30 seconds. This is an "operational end of life" feature which will indicate that it is time to replace the alarm.

To help identify the date to replace the unit, a label has been affixed to the side of the alarm. Write the "Replace by" date (10 years from initial power up) in permanent marker on the label prior to installing the unit.

Product Features and Specifications

• 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' @ 3.2±0.5 KHz pulsing alarm
• Smoke Sensor: Photoelectric
• CO Sensor: Electrochemical

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.

LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY

• NFPA 72 states: 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.
• Smoke alarms are devices that can provide early warning of possible fires at a reasonable cost; however, alarms have sensing limitations. 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. Home fires develop in different ways and are often unpredictable. For maximum protection, Kidde recommends that both Ionization and Photoelectric alarms be installed.
• A battery powered alarm must have a battery of the specified type, in good condition and installed properly.
• 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.

LIMITATIONS OF CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY

• 
  This carbon monoxide 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!

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 carbon monoxide alarm requires a continuous supply of electrical power – it will not work without power.

RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR ALARMS

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."

• Locate the 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.
• 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 smoke/CO 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. 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 fluorescent lights. Electronic "noise" may cause nuisance alarms.
• Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the combination (alarm and guard) has been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.
• Do not install near vents, flues, chimneys or any forced/unforced air ventilation openings
• Do not install near fans, doors, windows or areas directly exposed to the weather.

Installation / Mounting Instructions

THIS UNIT IS SEALED (INCLUDING THE BATTERY). THE COVER IS NOT REMOVABLE!

Attaching And Activating The Alarm.

1. To obtain aesthetic alignment of the alarm with the hallway or wall, the "A" line on the mounting bracket should be parallel with the hallway when ceiling mounting or horizontal when wall mounting.

When mounting in a hallway, the "A" line should be parallel with the hallway.

IMAGE 4

When wall mounting, the "A" line should be horizontal.

IMAGE 5

IMAGE 6

2. After selecting the proper smoke alarm location as described in RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR ALARMS Section, attach the mounting bracket to the ceiling as shown in Image 4. For wall mounting see Image 5. Place the mounting plate on the wall; be sure the "A" line is horizontal (parallel to the floor). Use the screws and anchors provided to secure the mounting bracket (use 3/16" drill bit for anchors).
3. This alarm has a battery permanently sealed inside the alarm no battery installation is necessary.

This model is equipped with a feature that automatically activates the alarm when the alarm is attached to the mounting plate for the first time. Once activated, the battery will supply power to the alarm for the life of the alarm (10 years) under normal conditions.

Align the alarm with the mounting plate and rotate clockwise (right) approximately 45° until the unit stops and clicks into place. If unit needs to be re-aligned, rotate the alarm counter clockwise, remove and rotate to desired alignment.

NOTE: The alarm will mount to the plate in three (3) positions (every 120 degrees).

You will know power has been supplied when alarm briefly chirps. Unit will remain on until unit is discharged by the user at alarm's end of life.

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.

Unit will issue a voice prompt at activation asking the user to press the test button. Proceed to OPERATION AND TESTING section.

OPERATION AND TESTING

OPERATION: The alarm is operating once it is activated and testing is complete. The photoelectric smoke sensor monitors the air for the presence of products of combustion. When these levels exceed the alarm threshold the alarm will sound, and be accompanied by the blinking red LED light, and voice message. The carbon monoxide (CO) sensor monitors the air for the presence of CO. It will alarm when there are high levels of CO present, and when there are low levels of CO present over a longer period of time. When a CO condition matches either of these situations, the alarm will sound, and be accompanied by the blinking red LED light, and voice message.

The CO sensor meets the alarm response time as follows:
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 by pressing the test button until the unit chirps, then release the test button. The unit will then emit three long beeps, "Fire!", three long beeps, short pause, four short beeps, "Warning! Carbon Monoxide!", four short beeps, pause, one beep. The alarm and voice will sound if the electronic circuitry, horn, speaker, and battery are working. If the alarm or voice does not sound, the unit must be replaced.

Due to the loudness (85 decibels) of the alarm, always stand an arm's length (about 2.5 feet) away from the unit or use ear protection when testing.

Weekly testing is required to ensure proper operation. Erratic or low volume sound (or no sound) coming from your alarm may indicate a defective alarm and it should be returned for service. See PERMANENTLY DISABLE ALARM / DISCHARGE BATTERY section to determine how to prepare the unit for shipment or disposal.

DO NOT use an open flame to test your alarm, you could damage the alarm or ignite combustible materials and start a structure fire.

Alarm Visual and Audible Indicators

The following table describes the visual and audible alarm conditions the unit may encounter and illustrates how the unit will indicate normal standby, alarm and error conditions.

If you require further information please contact Product Support at 1-800-880-6788 or write us at: Kidde, 1016 Corporate Park Drive, Mebane, NC 27302. Our internet address is www.kidde.com.

NUISANCE AND HUSH

This Smoke 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 remove these combustible products from the kitchen.

If the source of a smoke alarm (3 long beeps with the voice message "Fire!") is immediately known, you can use the Hush feature to silence the alarm for up to 10 minutes. 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.

SMART HUSH^TM CONTROL: SMART HUSH^TM control is extremely useful in a kitchen area or other area prone to nuisance alarms. The SMART HUSH^TM feature has the capability of temporarily desensitizing the alarm circuit for up to 10 minutes.

This feature is to be used only when a known alarm condition, such as smoke from cooking, activates the alarm. The smoke alarm is desensitized by pushing the Test/Hush button on the smoke alarm cover. If the smoke is not too dense, the alarm will silence immediately with the voice message "Hush mode activated"and the red LED blinks every 10 seconds. This indicates that the alarm is in a temporarily desensitized condition.

The smoke alarm will automatically reset after up to 10 minutes and sound the alarm if particles of combustion are still present.

The SMART HUSH^TM feature can be used repeatedly until the air has been cleared of the condition causing the alarm. Pushing the Test/Hush button on the alarm will end the temporarily desensitized period, resulting during SMART HUSH in the voice message "hush mode cancelled".

Voice message, "Hush Mode Cancelled", is announced by one of the following conditions:

1. The user cancels Hush mode by pressing the Test button while SMART HUSH is active and the smoke level is below the alarm threshold.
2. The Hush mode timer expires, (up to 10 minutes) and the smoke level is still below the Alarm Threshold.

Note: If the smoke level drops below the Alarm Threshold while in Hush mode, no voice message occurs.

If the smoke is not too dense, after up to ten minutes the alarm will return to normal operation.

NOTE: Dense smoke will override the SMART HUSH^TM feature and sound a continuous alarm.

Before using the alarm SMART HUSH^TM feature, identify the source of the smoke and be certain safe conditions exist.

BATTERY

NOTE: This alarm is powered by a sealed lithium battery system. No battery installation or replacement is necessary for the life of the alarm.

Constant exposure to high or low humidity may reduce battery life.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE ALARM FOR ANY REASON!

Do not try to repair the smoke alarm yourself. No serviceable parts included.

Low battery: This alarm is equipped with a low battery monitor circuit which will cause the alarm to produce a single 'chirp' approximately every 60 seconds, followed by the voice message "Low Battery", and the red LED to blink every 30 seconds. For the first 5 minutes of low battery, the voice message will occur once every 60 seconds. After 5 minutes, the voice message will occur once every 15 minutes. After 60 minutes of low battery, the voice message will no longer occur but the alarm will continue to chirp every 60 seconds and blink every 30 seconds for a minimum of seven (7) days.

The uniT muST be rePlaced wiThin 7 dayS oF The FirST occurrence oF The "low baTTery warning" To Provide conTinuouS alarm ProTecTion. The uniT muST be diScharged (See "PermanenTly diSable alarm / diScharge baTTery" SecTion) when alarm iS in "low baTTery" condiTion.

PERMANENTLY DISABLE ALARM / DISCHARGE BATTERY

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

To Permanently Disable Alarm / Discharge Battery:

• Push in the dashed area with a screwdriver to completely break tab.
  
• After the tab is broken, use the screwdriver to break through the label and turn the slotted arrow counter clockwise to the "PERMANENTLY DISABLE and DISCHARGE alarm" 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.
  

Failure to discharge alarm as instructed prior to disposal may create potential for lithium battery related fire or hazard.

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 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: gasoline, 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:

Possible sources include furnaces, 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 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:
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, 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 gasses 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. A yellow 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 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 effected. 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.

After cleaning, test your alarm by using the test button. If cleaning does not restore the alarm to normal operation, the alarm should 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 Smoke/CO 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 Smoke/CO Alarm as soon as possible to ensure continuous protection.