BRK electronic CO5120B User manual

MODEL CO5120B—User’s Manual
AC Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm
With Battery Back-Up
M06-1046-001 6/00
120VAC 60 Hz .085A Standby .087A Alarm
Model CO5120B

1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Basic Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
How Your CO Alarm Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
CO Alarm Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Where to Install CO Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Where NOT To Install CO Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Using the Optional Locking Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
How to Install Your CO Alarm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
CHAPTER 3: IF YOUR CO ALARM SOUNDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
If the Alarm Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Finding the Source of CO After an Alarm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Using the Silence Feature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
The Latching Alarm Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
CHAPTER 4: TESTING AND MAINTENANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
CHAPTER 5: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
What is CO? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Symptoms of CO Poisoning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Potential Sources Of CO In The Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
How Can I Protect My Family?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
CHAPTER 6: UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. UL2034. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
CHAPTER 7: TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Understanding The Light And Horn Patterns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25-26
CHAPTER 8: GENERAL LIMITATIONS OF CO ALARMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
LIMITED WARRANTY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BACK COVER
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE: This unit was shipped with a user’s manual that contains
important information about its operation. If you are installing this unit for use by others, you must
leave this manual—or a copy of it—with the user.

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CHAPTER 1: Introduction
BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT!
Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions alert you to
important operating instructions or to potentially
hazardous situations. Pay special attention to
these items. IMPORTANT!
THIS IS NOT A SMOKE ALARM! This CO alarm is
designed to detect carbon monoxide from ANY
source of combustion. It is NOT designed to
detect smoke, fire, or any other gas.
IMPORTANT!
This CO alarm is approved for use in single-
family residences. It is NOT designed for marine
use.
CAUTION!
This CO alarm will only indicate the
presence of carbon monoxide gas at the
sensor. Carbon monoxide gas may be
present in other areas.
WARNING!
The Silence Feature is for your convenience
only and will not correct a CO problem.
Always check your home for a potential
problem after any alarm. Failure to do so can
result in injury or death.
WARNING!
This unit does not work without power. If the
AC power fails, the battery back-up will power
the alarm for at least 8 hours provided the 9V
battery is fresh and correctly installed.
WARNING!
NEVER ignore your Carbon Monoxide Alarm
if it alarms. Refer to “What To Do If Your CO
Alarm Sounds” for more information. Failure
to do so can result in injury or death.
WARNING!
Test the CO alarm once a week. If the CO
alarm ever fails to test correctly, have it
replaced immediately! If the CO alarm is not
working properly, it cannot alert you to a
problem. WARNING!
This product is intended for use in ordinary
indoor locations of family living units. It is not
designed to measure CO levels in compliance
with Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) commercial
or industrial standards. Individuals with
medical conditions may consider using
warning devices which provide audible and
visual signals for carbon monoxide
concentrations under 30 ppm.

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HOW YOUR CO ALARM WORKS
The Cover Of Your CO Alarm
General Information
This CO alarm is designed to be hard-wired and
mounted on any standard size wiring junction
box, up to 4” diagonal size.
When fully powered, this CO alarm samples the
air and takes a new reading about every second.
A microchip inside the unit stores each reading,
and remembers the levels of CO it has been
exposed to over time. The unit goes into alarm
mode when it has been exposed to a “critical”
level of CO (measured in parts per million or
“ppm”) within a specified time (measured in
minutes).
General features: This alarm features a
permanently installed sensor, a red indicator light
(LED), and an 85 dB alarm horn.
9V Battery Back-Up. If AC power is interrupted,
the CO alarm will continue to operate, provided
the 9V battery is fresh and correctly installed.
Silence Feature. The silence feature temporarily
quiets the alarm.
Malfunction Warning
This unit performs self-diagnostic tests
approximately every second. If the alarm
malfunctions, it should be replaced immediately.
1
4
32
1 Test/Silence Button
2 RED Indicator Light (LED)
3 Air Vents
4 (Behind the Cover) Alarm Horn: 85db
audible alarm for test, alarm, and unit
malfunction warning

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Basic Operation
Normal Operation.
• Horn is silent.
• Red light (LED) is
on continuously.
During Testing
• Horn pattern repeats
twice: 4 beeps, pause,
4 beeps, pause.
• Red light (LED) flashes
once per second during
the 10-second test cycle.
During An Alarm
• Continuous repeating
horn pattern: 4 beeps,
pause, 4 beeps, pause.
• Red light (LED) flashes
once per second while
the unit is in alarm.
In Silenced Mode
• The horn is silent for
at least 4 minutes.
• Red light (LED) flashes
rapidly, once every
second on the initiating
alarm only.
Low Battery Warning,
AC Power ON:
• The horn “chirps”
once a minute.
• Red light flashes once
each time the horn
“chirps”.
Low Battery Warning
AC Power OFF:
• The horn “chirps” once
a minute.
• Red light flashes once
each time the horn
“chirps”.
For a detailed list of all light and horn pattern
combinations, see pages 24-25.

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CO ALARM SPECIFICATIONS
Gas Detection at Typical Temperature and
Humidity Ranges:
The CO alarm is not
formulated to detect CO levels below 30 ppm
typically. UL tested for false alarm resistance to
Methane (500 ppm), Butane (300 ppm), Heptane
(500 ppm), Ethyl Acetate (200 ppm), Isopropyl
Alcohol (200 ppm) and Carbon Dioxide (5000
ppm). Values measure gas and vapor
concentrations in parts per million.
Required Alarm Levels: Before 10% COHb
exposure at levels of 30% to 70% Relative
Humidity (RH):
• 400 ppm CO between 4 and 15 minutes
• 150 ppm CO between 10 and 50 minutes
• 70 ppm CO between 60 and 240 minutes
When exposed to a constant level of 30 ppm of
CO, this CO alarm was tested not to go into
alarm for at least for 30 days.
Audible Alarm: 85dB minimum at 10 feet.
Power: Powered by 120VAC. The 9V battery
back-up provides 8 hours of standby and sounds
alarm for 12 hours with fresh battery. When AC
power is on, red light (LED) shines continuously.
Under battery power, red light flashes once a
minute.
Malfunction: Horn chirps and light blinks 3 times
(in rapid succession) every minute.
Dimensions: 5.4” diameter (approx.)
Supply Voltage: 120VAC 60Hz .085A
Standby .087A Alarm
During Alarm: Repeating alarm horn pattern:
4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps, pause.
• Stand-alone unit: red light (LED) flashes
rapidly, once per second.
• Interconnected series: red light (LED)
flashes rapidly, once per second on the
Initiating alarm. Red light (LED) on all other
alarms will not flash.
Warranty: 5-year limited warranty.
Standards: Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
Single and Multiple Station carbon monoxide
alarms UL2034.
According to Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
UL2034, Section 1-1.2: “Carbon monoxide
alarms covered by these requirements are
intended to respond to the presence of carbon
monoxide from sources such as, but not limited
to, exhaust from internal-combustion engines,
abnormal operation of fuel-fired appliances, and
fireplaces. CO alarms are intended to alarm at
carbon monoxide levels below those that could
cause a loss of ability to react to the dangers of
Carbon Monoxide exposure.” This CO alarm
monitors the air, and is designed to alarm before
CO levels become life threatening. This allows
you precious time to leave the house and correct
the problem. This is only possible if alarms are
located, installed, and maintained as described
in this manual.

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CHAPTER 2: Installation
WHERE TO INSTALL
CO ALARMS
The Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC) recommends the use of at least one CO
alarm per household, located near the sleeping
area. For added protection, install additional CO
alarms in each separate bedroom, and on every
level of your home.
If your bedroom hallway is longer than 40 feet,
install a CO alarm at BOTH ends of the hallway.
In a Single-level Home:
• Install at least one CO alarm near or within
each separate sleeping area.
• For added protection, install an additional
CO alarm at least 20 feet (6 meters) away
from the furnace or fuel burning heat
source.
In a Multi-level Home:
• Install at least one CO alarm near or within
each separate sleeping area.
• For added protection, install at least one
CO alarm on each level of the home. If you
have a basement, install that CO alarm at
the top of the basement stairs.
• For added protection, install an additional
CO alarm at least 20 feet (6 meters) away
from the furnace or fuel burning heat
source.
WARNING!
This alarm must have AC or battery power
to operate. If the AC power fails, the battery
back-up will power the alarm if the 9V battery
is fresh and correctly installed. If AC power
fails, and the battery is dead or missing, the
alarm cannot operate.
GARAGE
SUGGESTED AREAS FOR INSTALLING CO ALARMS
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
HALL
LIVING ROOM KITCHEN
BASEMENT
BEDROOM

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WHERE NOT TO INSTALL
CO ALARMS
DO NOT locate this CO alarm:
• In garages, kitchens, furnace rooms,
or in any extremely dusty, dirty or
greasy areas.
• Within 5 feet of any cooking appliance.
The alarm should be between 5 and 20
feet from any cooking appliance.
• Closer than 20 feet from a furnace or other
fuel burning heat source, or fuel burning
appliances like a water heater.
• In extremely humid areas. This alarm
should be at least 10 feet from a bath
or shower, sauna, humidifier, vaporizer,
dishwasher, laundry room, utility room
or other source of high humidity.
• In areas where temperature is colder than
40˚F (4˚C) or hotter than 100˚F (38˚C).
These areas include unconditioned crawl
spaces, unfinished attics, uninsulated or
poorly insulated ceilings, porches, and
garages.
• In turbulent air, like near ceiling fans,
heat vents, air conditioners, fresh air
returns, or open windows. Blowing air may
prevent CO from reaching the sensors.
• In direct sunlight.
WARNING!
This CO alarm is designed for use inside a
single-family home or apartment. It is not
meant to be used in common lobbies,
hallways, or basements of multi-family
buildings unless working CO alarms are also
installed in each family living unit. CO alarms
in common areas may not be heard from
inside individual family living units.
WARNING!
This CO alarm alone is not a suitable
substitute for complete detection systems in
places which house many people, like hotels
or dormitories, unless a CO alarm is also
placed in each unit.
WARNING!
DO NOT use this CO alarm in warehouses,
industrial or commercial buildings, special-
purpose non-residential buildings, RVs, boats,
or airplanes. This CO alarm is specifically
designed for residential use, and may not
provide adequate protection in non-
residential applications.

8
USING THE OPTIONAL
LOCKING FEATURES
The optional locking features are designed to
prevent unauthorized removal of the battery or
alarm. It is not necessary to activate the locks in
single-family households where unauthorized
battery or alarm removal is not a concern.
These CO alarms have two separate locking
features: one locks the battery compartment,
and the other locks the CO alarm to the
mounting bracket. You can choose to use either
feature independently, or use them both.
Tools you will need: • Needle-nose pliers
• Standard/Flathead screwdriver.
Both locking features use locking pins, molded
into the mounting bracket. Using needle nose
pliers or a utility knife, remove one or both pins,
depending on which locking features you use.
The Battery Compartment Lock
TO LOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT:
IMPORTANT!
Do not lock the battery compartment until you
have activated the battery and tested the battery
back-up.
1. Activate the battery
back-up by removing
the “Pull to Activate
Battery Back-Up” tab.
Push and hold the test
button on the CO
alarm’s cover until the
alarm sounds: 4 beeps,
pause, 4 beeps, pause.
If the unit does not alarm during testing,
DO NOT lock the battery compartment!
Install a new battery and test again. If it
still does not alarm, replace the CO alarm
immediately.
2. Using needle-
nose pliers or a
utility knife,
detach one
locking pin
from the
mounting
bracket.
Mounting Bracket Lock Battery Drawer Lock
Locking Pin

9
3. Push the locking pin through the black dot on
the label on the back of the CO alarm.
TO UNLOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT:
IMPORTANT!
Once the CO alarm is installed, you must
disconnect it from the AC power before
unlocking the battery compartment.
DANGER!
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Turn off the
power to the area where the CO alarm is
installed before removing it from the mounting
bracket. Failure to turn off the power first may
result in serious electrical shock, injury or
death. WARNING!
Always discharge the branch circuit before
servicing an AC or AC/DC CO alarm. First,
turn off the AC power at the circuit breaker or
fuse box. Next, remove the battery from CO
alarms with battery back-up. Finally, press
and hold the test button for 5-10 seconds to
discharge the branch circuit.
1. Remove the CO alarm from the mounting
bracket. If the unit is locked to the bracket,
see the section “To Deactivate the Locking
Feature.”
2. Disconnect the power connector by gently
prying it away from the back of the CO alarm.
3. Insert a flathead screwdriver under the head
of the locking pin, and gently pry it out of the
battery compartment lock. (If you plan to re-
lock the battery compartment, save the
locking pin.)
4.
To re-lock the battery compartment, close
the battery door and reinsert the locking pin
in the lock
.
5. Reconnect the power connector to the back of
the CO alarm, reattach the CO alarm to the
mounting bracket, and restore the power.
IMPORTANT!
When replacing the battery, always test the CO
alarm before re-locking the battery compartment.