Eton BLACKOUT BUDDY CO - Carbon Monoxide Manual

READ ME FIRST

Before first time use, you must connect the battery.

Remove the screw from the battery compartment.
Use #0 Philips Head Screwdriver (Not Included)

Insert the battery connector as shown.

Place battery door back in place and tighten the screw.
Plug into low wall socket for optimal CO detection.

MEET THE BLACKOUT BUDDY CO

We want you to thoroughly enjoy the use of this product. To take advantage of its many excellent and unique features, we urge you to carefully read the Owner's Manual.

CAUTIONS

PRODUCT LIMITATIONS:

This device will only indicate the presence of carbon monoxide gas at the sensor. The CO gas detector does not detect smoke, heat or flame, and should not be covered with a guard or similar obstructing item.
This gas alarm is intended for use in ordinary indoor locations of family dwellings. It is not designed to measure compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) commercial or industrial standards.
People with special medical problems should consider using specialized detection devices under 30 ppm alarming capabilities.
This CO gas alarm may not alert people who are hearing impaired. It is strongly recommended that the special-purpose CO gas detectors using visual or vibrating alerting devices, should be installed for these occupants.
The CO gas detector may not be effective where CO gas is prevented from reaching the device (eg where intermediate doors are closed), where the fire grows so rapidly that the egress path is blocked (even when correctly located), and where the fire is intimate to a person (eg where a victim's clothes catch fire).

SLEEPING OCCUPANTS:
Studies have shown that CO gas alarms may not awaken all sleeping occupants, and it is the responsibility of individuals in the household that are capable of assisting others to provide assistance to those who may not be awakened by the alarm sound, or to those who may be incapable of safely evacuating the area unassisted.

INSTALLATION LIMITATIONS:
It is important to read, understand and follow the instructions in this manual.
Failure to properly install, test and maintain the CO alarm may cause it to fail, resulting in loss of life.

FEATURES

Blackout Buddy Carbon Monoxide Alarm (BBCO) monitors the environment for the presence of CO in your home or office. It will alarm when there are potentially dangerous levels of CO exist. BBCO is powered by AC 120 V/60 Hz, with a rechargeable lithium-ion backup battery.

Features of your BBCO include:

• Flashlight and separate Nightlight.
• Continuous monitoring for carbon monoxide gas.
• Loud (85 dB) alarm signal, with additional visual alarm indication.
• Single multi-function button to Test the proper operation of the alarm sensor, Silence the BBCO when in the alarm condition, and Power the flashlight on and off.
• Automatic self-diagnostics of the internal electronic circuitry.
• Compliant with the requirements of UL 2034.
• End-of-Life indicator for the CO sensor.
• 7-year limited warranty.
• Easy to install and use.

Overview

Fig. 1 – Controls and indicators

1. Flashlight
2. Color Indicators
3. Test/Silence Button
4. Light Sensor

Table 1 – Test/Silence control functions

Note: Operation of the Test/Silence button is recognized with a single flash of the green OPERATE LED.

Table 2 – Auto/Off switch functions

Table 3 – Automatic operation and indications

Table 3 – Automatic operation and indications

START-UP

When power is first connected to the BBCO, the green, red and yellow LEDs will be on steady for up to 180 s while the BBCO enters the normal condition.

Normal Condition
When AC power is available and the backup battery is charged, the green OPERATE LED will be on to indicate the Normal Condition.

FLASHLIGHT

Automatic Operation
If the AC power is unavailable and sufficient power remains in the battery, the flashlight will automatically turn on. After 60 min, or when the battery is discharged to a critical level, the flashlight will automatically turn off.
Note: The battery level will still be sufficient to operate the CO alarm for 7 days, even if the flashlight cannot be operated.

Manual Operation
The flashlight can be turned on and off with a single press of the Test/Silence button. After 60 min, or when the battery is discharged to a critical level, the flashlight will automatically turn off.

NIGHTLIGHT

Automatic Operation
When the Auto/Off switch is set to the Auto position, the nightlight will automatically turn on in low light conditions.

Manual Operation
When the Auto/Off switch is set to the Off position, the nightlight will not operate.

Alarm Signal
When hazardous levels of carbon monoxide gas is detected, the red ALARM LED and flashlight will flash. The sounder will emit 4 audible beeps followed by 5 s pause for 4 minutes, then the cycle of 4 audible beeps will be emitted every minute.
The Alarm condition will automatically reset when CO gas level falls below the alarm response threshold.

Test/Silence Button
A single multi-function button provides the on/off function for the flashlight, CO alarm test function and a silence function to hush the BBCO in the event of a false alarm.

Do not use the Test/Silence button during the Start-up time.

Test
Pressing and holding the Test/Silence button for 5 s when the BBCO is normal will initiate the test and produce an Alarm Signal (see above). The test signal will operate for 2 sequences after the button is released.

If the test function does not work, the BBCO may not detect CO and should be replaced.

Silence
Pressing the Test/Silence button twice in 2 s during the alarm condition will silence the alarm signal for approximately 5 min. The Silence feature should only be used after the source of the CO gas is known. The Silence feature allows time for the gas to clear.
During the Silence time, the red ALARM LED and Flashlight will flash continuously. After the Silence time has expired, if gas is still present in the sensor, the alarm will re-activate immediately. The Silence feature can be used repeatedly.

AC Power Lost
If the AC power is unavailable, the flashlight will operate continuously and the green OPERATE LED will flash. The sounder will also emit a beep every 30 s ~ 60 s. The flashlight can be turned off by pressing the Test/Silence button once. Pressing the Test/Silence button twice in 2 s will silence the sounder.

Flashlight On/Off
A single press of the Test/Silence button will turn the flashlight on or off (see above).

Auto/Off Switch
The Auto/Off switch controls the operation of the nightlight (see above).

FAULT SIGNALS

Self-Diagnostic Checks
The BBCO undertakes self-diagnostic checks every 30 s ~ 60 s. If an internal fault condition is detected, the yellow FAULT LED will flash once, together with two audible beeps every 30 s ~ 60 s.

Flashlight Low Battery
If the AC power is unavailable and the battery is low, the green, red and yellow LEDs will flash every 30 s ~ 60 s and the flashlight will operate for a maximum of 5 min.
The BBCO should be reconnected to the AC power.
Note: If the condition does not clear, the battery should be replaced.

Low Battery
If the AC power is off and the battery condition is low, the green OPERATE LED and the yellow FAULT LED will flash together with the sounder operating every 30 s ~ 60 s. The BBCO should be reconnected to the AC power.
Note: If the condition does not clear, the battery should be replaced
If the AC power is on but the battery condition is low, the green OPERATE LED will illuminate and the yellow FAULT LED will flash together with the sounder operating once every 30 s ~ 60 s.
Note: If the condition does not clear, the battery should be replaced.

End-of-Life Indicator
The BBCO includes an internal timer. When the BBCO needs to be replaced, the yellow FAULT LED flashes twice together with two audible beeps every 30 s ~ 60 s.
Pressing the Test/Silence button quickly twice will reset the end-of-life indicator for 36 h. Normal monitoring will be resumed. The end-of-life indicator can be reset for up to 28 days.

Specifications

Installation
Location Selection in Homes and Apartments For complete coverage, CO gas detectors should be installed in all rooms, halls, storage areas, basements, and attics in the dwelling. The minimum coverage is one CO gas detector on each floor and one outside each sleeping area (see Fig. 2).

Fig. 2 — CO gas detector location selection

CO alarm location

1. Bedroom
2. Bath
3. Bedroom
4. Living Room
5. Kitchen
6. Basement
7. Utility Room

WHERE NOT TO INSTALL YOUR BBCO

Do not install detectors in the following locations.

• Within 1.5 m (5 feet) from outside doors and windows.
• Within 1.5 m (5 feet) of open flame appliances, such as furnaces, stoves and fire places.
• Within 1.5 m (5 feet) of cooking appliances.
• Within 1.5 m (5 feet) of air-conditioners, heating registers and other ventilation sources that may interfere with CO gas entering the detector.
• Where furniture or draperies may obstruct the airflow.

INSTALLATION

This device is not suitable for installation in hazardous locations, as defined the National Electrical Code.

For long-term use or storage, position the BBCO vertically upright to avoid damage to the sensor in cold conditions.
Install the BBCO in an environment of between 4.4°C ~ +37.8°C (40°F ~ 100°F), and 15% ~ 90% relative humidity (non-condensing).
Note: Operation in high humidity locations may affect night light performance.

The BBCO is designed to be easily installed into an existing AC mains outlet.

Fig. 3 — Power connections

1. Remove the screw from the battery cover and slide open the cover (see Fig. 3).
2. Connect the battery cable to the power pins visible inside the battery compartment.
   Note: The battery cable is polarity sensitive, so ensure the correct orientation of the battery cable.
3. Replace the cover and screw.
4. Plug the BBCO into a mains outlet and charge for at least 10 hours at first time. Do not plug it into an outlet that is controlled by a wall switch.

When power is applied the BBCO will beep once and enter the Start-up condition. After Start-up is complete, the BBCO will commence normal operation and the green OPERATE LED will be on.

TESTS

The BBCO has a loud alarm signal. Use hearing protection when testing.

CO Test
After installation and the BBCO is normal, press and hold the Test/Silence button for 5 s to initiate a test. The sounder will emit 4 audible beeps followed by 5 s pause.
Note: The test signal will operate for 2 sequences after the button is released.
Following completion of the test, the BBCO will resume monitoring for carbon monoxide.

Flashlight
Press the Test/Silence button once to turn on the flashlight. A second press will turn off the flashlight.

Nightlight
Slide the Auto/Off switch to the Auto position and cover the light sensor on the front of the BBCO with your palm. The nightlight will operate if sufficient light is prevented from reaching the sensor.
Slide the Auto/Off switch to the Off position and cover the light sensor on the front of the BBCO with your palm. The nightlight should not operate.

OPERATION

Once installed and tested, your BBCO will immediately start monitoring for carbon monoxide gas, and should provide years of service. The green OPERATE LED will be on continuously.

Alarm Condition

This alarm indicates the presence of carbon monoxide, which can kill you.
If alarm signal sounds, take the following actions.

1. Operate the TEST/SILENCE button.
2. Call your emergency services (________________) Fire Dept. or 911.
3. Immediately move to fresh air (outdoors or by an open door/window).
4. Do a head count for all building occupants.
5. Do not re-enter the premises nor move away from the open door/window until emergency services responders have arrived, the premises have aired out, and the detector remains in its normal operation.
6. After following steps 1-4, if your detector re-activates within 24 h, repeat steps 1-4 and call a qualified appliance technician (________________) to investigate 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: For any combustion equipment not inspected by the technician, consult the manufacturer's 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.
Two self-adhesive warning labels are enclosed with the product. Place one next to the alarm, and the other label near the gathering point with a source of fresh air, in case of CO alarm. To prevent false alarms, be sure there is adequate ventilation when using household cleaning solutions or similar contaminants.
The detector automatically resets to normal operation when CO dissipates.

CO is an invisible, odorless, gas that can cause severe harm. Every alarm should be taken seriously.

Silence

Before using the Silence feature, identify the source of the gas and be certain that safe conditions exist.
If investigation of the alarm signal is likely caused by a known nuisance source (such as cooking fumes), the Test/Silence button can be pressed to silence the CO gas detector for 5 min.
After the Silence time has expired, the BBCO will return to normal sensitivity. If CO gas is still present, the alarm will re-activate. The Silence feature can be used repeatedly.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Weekly Tests

The BBCO gas detector has a loud alarm signal. Use hearing protection when testing CO gas detectors.
Press and hold the Test/Silence button for 5 s to initiate a test. The sounder will emit 4 audible beeps followed by 5 s pause.
Note: The test signal will operate for 2 sequences after the button is released.
Following completion of the test, the BBCO will resume monitoring for carbon monoxide.

Annual Maintenance
Clean the BBCO with a dry or damp soft cloth. Do not use solvents or paint the BBCO.
Ensure the sensor inlet is free from dust and lint.

UNDERSTANDING AND PREVENTING CO POISONING

Recognizing CO Poisoning
The following symptoms are related to CO 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, death.

Many cases of reported CO poisoning indicate that while victims are aware they are not well, they become so disoriented that they are unable to save themselves by either exiting the building or calling for assistance.
Young children and pets may be the first affected.

Sources of CO
CO comes from the incomplete combustion of ANY fuel, such as wood, natural gas, propane, oil, coal, gasoline, or kerosene. The following conditions can produce dangerous transient levels of CO.

• Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel-burning appliances caused by outdoor ambient conditions as follows:
  • Wind direction and/or velocity including high gusts of wind or 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 fuelburning appliances competing for limited internal air.
  • Vent pipe connection vibrating loose from clothes dryers, furnaces, or water heaters.
  • Obstructions in the vent pipe 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 Precautions
No detection device can protect life in all situations. Therefore, safeguards should be taken to avoid potentially dangerous situations as follows:

1. Regularly inspect all fuel-burning appliances for proper operation and ventilation.
2. Clean all chimneys, flues and vents annually. Keep them free of debris and check for blockage, corrosion, rust, and crakes.
3. Have all heating equipment checked yearly by a qualified technician.
4. Ensure that exhaust and ventilation fans and fireplaces do not interfere with the air supply to your furnace.
5. Leave a window or door open a couple of inches to help ensure enough oxygen is present to facilitate combustion.

When CO is detected
When hazardous levels of carbon monoxide gas is detected, the red ALARM LED and flashlight will flash. The sounder will emit 4 audible beeps followed by 5 s pause for 4 minutes, then the cycle of 4 audible beeps will be emitted every minute.

SERVICE

For service or repair, return the BBCO intact to the supplier or to Eton (see the address at the end of this manual), stating the reason for the return and details of any fault.

Serial Number
The serial number is marked on the back of the alarm.
Following figure is the rule of the serial number.

REPLACEMENT INFORMATION

This product is designed to work reliably for 7 years after the manufacturing date. The End-of-Life indicator will activate to signal it is time to replace the BBCO. At that time, contact your local distributor for a replacement.
CO gas detectors should not be disposed of as land-fill.
Please dispose in an environmentally friendly manner.

Battery Replacement
The life of the battery may be reduced if the flashlight is used frequently or the BBCO is exposed to excessive environmental conditions.
If the Low Battery fault condition is observed after the BBCO is charged from the AC mains for at least 10 hours, the battery should be replaced. To replace the battery:

1. Unplug the alarm from the wall outlet, remove the screw from the battery cover and slide open the cover (see Fig. 3).
2. Replace the battery with make EVE, model 362937. The battery is available from www.etoncorp.com.
3. Connect the battery cable to the power pins visible inside the battery compartment.
   Note: The battery cable is polarity sensitive, so ensure the correct orientation of the battery cable.
4. Replace the cover and screw.
5. Plug the BBCO into a mains outlet and charge for at least 10 hours.
   When power is applied the BBCO will beep once and enter the Start-up condition. After Start-up is complete, the BBCO will commence normal operation and the green OPERATE LED will be on.

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