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.

2
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.

3
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

4
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.

5
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.

6
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

7
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.

10
The Mounting Bracket Lock
Tools you will need:
• Needle-nose pliers
• Standard/Flathead screwdriver
TO ACTIVATE THE BRACKET LOCK:
1. Using needle-nose pliers, detach one locking
pin from the mounting bracket.
2. Insert the locking pin into the lock located on
the pivoting hinge of the battery door.
3. When you attach the CO alarm to the
mounting bracket, the locking pin’s head will
fit into a notch on the bracket.
TO DEACTIVATE THE BRACKET LOCK:
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. Insert a flathead screwdriver between the
mounting bracket pin and the mounting
bracket.

11
2. Pry the CO alarm away from the bracket by
turning both the screwdriver and the CO
alarm clockwise (right) at the same time.
TO PERMANENTLY REMOVE THE BRACKET
LOCK:
Insert the flathead screwdriver between the
locking pin and the lock, and pry the pin out of
the lock.
HOW TO INSTALL
YOUR CO ALARM
This unit is designed to be mounted on any
standard wiring junction box up to a 4-inch
diagonal size, on either the ceiling or wall. Read
“Where to Install” and “Where Not To Install” CO
alarms before you begin installation. If a junction
box is not already in place, install one using
standard #12 or #14 gauge copper wire.
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.
Before you begin installation
Find the pair of self-adhesive labels included with
this CO alarm.
• On each label write in the phone number
of your emergency responder (like 911)
and a qualified appliance technician.
• Place one label near the CO alarm, and the
other label in the “fresh air” location you
plan to go if the alarm sounds.

12
N
OTE:
A qualified appliance technician is defined as
“a person, firm, corporation, or company that
either in person or through a representative, is
engaged in and responsible for the installation,
testing, servicing, or replacement of heating,
ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) equipment,
combustion appliances and equipment, and/or
gas fireplaces or other decorative combustion
equipment.”
Activating the battery back-up
IMPORTANT!
Activate the battery back-up by removing the
“Pull to Activate Battery Back-Up” tab. You do
not need to open the battery compartment and
reposition the battery during installation.
When you activate the battery, the red light
will flash once, and the horn will “chirp”once.
Test the battery back-up. Press and hold the
test button on the cover until the alarm sounds:
4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps, pause.
The Parts Of This CO Alarm
1 Mounting bracket
2 Mounting slot and screw
3 Optional locking pins (break out of bracket)
4 Hot (black) AC wire
5 Neutral (white) AC wire
6 Interconnect wire (violet)
7 Lever to open battery compartment
8 Swing-out battery compartment
9 Quick-connect power connector
1
2
3
2
9
8
7
3
5
6
4

13
SINGLE-STATION INSTALLATION
Tools needed: Standard/Flathead screwdriver.
DANGER!
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Turn off
power to the area where you will install this
unit at the circuit breaker or fuse box before
beginning installation. Failure to turn off the
power before installation may result in serious
electrical shock, injury or death.
To install this unit:
1. Remove the mounting bracket from the base.
Position the screw slots on the mounting
bracket over the screws in the junction box.
Tighten the screws.
2. Using wire nuts, connect the
power connector to the AC power.
• Connect the white wire on the
power connector to the neutral
wire in the junction box.
• Connect the black wire on the
power connector to the hot wire
in the junction box.
• Tuck the violet wire inside the
junction box.
It is used for
interconnect only.
3. Plug the power connector into
the back of the CO alarm.
4. Position the base of the alarm
over the mounting bracket and
turn. The alarm can be
positioned over the bracket every 60°. Turn the
unit clockwise (right) until the unit is in place.
5. If you are only installing one unit, restore
power to the junction box.
6. Make sure the unit is receiving AC power.
Under normal operation, the red indicator
light will shine continuously.
7. If the red power indicator light does not light,
TURN OFF POWER TO THE JUNCTION BOX
and recheck all connections. If all connections
are correct and the red power indicator still
does not light when you restore the power,
the unit should be replaced immediately.
DANGER!
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Do not
restore power until all CO alarms are
completely installed. Restoring power before
installation is complete may result in serious
electrical shock, injury or death.

14
INTERCONNECTING MULTIPLE
CO ALARMS
Interconnecting Multiple CO Alarms
Interconnected units can provide earlier warning
of a CO problem than stand-alone units,
especially if the problem starts in a remote area
of the dwelling. If any unit in the series senses
CO, all units will alarm. To determine which CO
alarm initiated an alarm, refer to the table:
All wiring must conform to all local electrical
codes and Article 760 of the National Electrical
Code. Refer to NFPA, Chapter 2 and/or your
local building code for further connection
requirements. WARNING!
AC and AC/DC CO alarms can be
interconnected. Under AC power, all units will
alarm when one senses CO. When power is
interrupted, only the AC/DC units in the series
will continue to send and receive signals.
AC powered CO alarms will not operate.
IMPORTANT!
Interconnect units within a single family residence
only. Otherwise all households will experience
unwanted alarms when you test any unit in the
series. Interconnected units will only work if they are
wired to compatible units and all requirements are
met. It is recommended only
BRK Electronics
®
carbon monoxide alarms CO5120B be
interconnected.
A Unswitched 120VAC 60Hz source
B To additional Model CO5120B
CO Alarms, Maximum = 18 alarms
1 Carbon Monoxide alarm
2 Ceiling or wall
3 Power connector
4 Wire nut
5 Junction box
6 Neutral (white) AC wire
7 Interconnect wire (violet)
8 Hot (black) AC wire
;;;
;;;
;;;
;;;
;;;
;;;
;;;
;;;
;;;
;;;
;;;
;;;
;;;
;;;
;;;
;;;
;;;
;;;
;;;
;;;
;;;
;;;
6
7
8
4
3
1
54
3
1
5
2
AB
}}
;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
On Initiating Alarm Red LED flashes rapidly
On All Other Alarms Red does not flash

15
TO INSTALL:
1. Remove the mounting bracket from the base.
Position the screw slots on the mounting
bracket over the screws in the junction box.
Tighten the screws.
2. Strip off about 1/2” of the plastic coating on
the violet interconnect wire on the power
connector.
3. Using wire nuts, connect the power connector
to the AC power.
•
Connect the white wire on the
power connector to the neu-
tral wire in the junction box
.
• Connect the black wire on
the power connector to the
hot wire in the junction box.
• Connect the violet wire on the
power connector to the inter-
connect wire in the junction
box. Repeat for each unit you
are interconnecting. Never
connect the hot or neutral
wires in the junction box to
the violet interconnect wire.
4. Plug the power connector
into the back of the CO alarm
.
5. Position the base of the
alarm over the mounting
bracket and turn. The alarm
can be positioned over the
bracket every 60°. Turn the
unit clockwise (right) until the unit is in place.
DANGER!
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Do not
restore power until all CO alarms are
completely installed. Restoring power before
installation is complete may result in serious
electrical shock, injury or death.
Interconnected units must meet ALL of
the following requirements:
• A maximum of 18 units total may be
interconnected. (See page 13 for
details.)
• The same fuse or circuit breaker must
power all interconnected units.
• Thetotal lengthofwireinterconnecting
the units should be less than 1000
feet. The interconnect wire should
be Type 18 gauge AWM or larger, rated
at least 300V.
• If an interconnect wire is not already
part of your household wiring, you will
need to install one.
Failure to meet any of the above
requirements could damage the units and
cause them to malfunction, removing your
protection.

16
6. Make sure each unit is receiving AC power.
Under normal operation, the red light (LED)
will shine continuously.
7. Test each CO alarm. Press and hold the test
button until the unit alarms: 4 beeps, pause,
4 beeps, pause.
IMPORTANT!
In a series of interconnected alarms, you must
test each alarm separately by pressing and
holding the test button. Make sure all units alarm
when each one is tested.
IMPORTANT!
If any unit in the series does not alarm during
testing, TURN OFF POWER and recheck
connections. If it does not alarm when you
restore power, replace it immediately.
CHAPTER 3: If Your CO Alarm Sounds
WARNING!
Actuation of your CO alarm indicates the
presence of carbon monoxide (CO) which can
kill you. When your CO alarm sounds, you
must not ignore it!
If the Alarm Sounds:
1. Operate the Test/Silence button.
2. Call your emergency services, fire department
or 911. Write down the number of your local
emergency service here:
________________________________________
3. Immediately move (everyone) to fresh air—
outdoors or by an open door or window.
Do a head count to check that all persons are
accounted for. Do not re-enter the premises, or
move away from the open door or window until
the emergency services responder has arrived,
the premises have been aired out, and your
CO alarm remains in its normal condition.
(Do not remove or disconnect the alarm!)
4. After following steps 1-3, if your CO 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.

17
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. Write down the number of a
qualified appliance technician here:
_______________________________________
Using the Silence Feature
WARNING!
NEVER disconnect the power to your CO
alarm to silence the horn—use the silence
feature. Disconnecting the CO alarm removes
your protection! See previous page for details
on responding to an alarm.
The silence feature is intended to temporarily
silence your CO alarm’s alarm horn while you
correct the problem—it will not correct a CO
problem. While the alarm is silenced, it will
continue to monitor the air for CO.
When CO reaches the “Alarm” level, it will
sound— repeating horn pattern: 4 beeps, a
pause, 4 beeps, etc. Press and hold the Test/
Silence button until the horn is silent. The initial
Silence cycle will last approximately 4 minutes.
To silence an interconnected series of alarms,
you must press the Test/Silence button on the
initiating alarm (the unit with the flashing red
light). If you press the Test/Silence on any
other alarm, it will only silence that unit, not
the whole interconnected series.
N
OTE:
After initial 4-minute silence cycle, the
CO alarm re-evaluates present CO levels and
responds accordingly. If CO levels remain
potentially dangerous—or start rising higher—
the horn will start sounding again.
While the detector is silenced:
Finding the Source of CO
After an Alarm
Because CO may dissipate by the time an
investigator arrives, it may be difficult to locate
the source of CO. See Chapter 5 “What You Must
Know About CO.” BRK Brands, Inc. shall not
be obligated to pay for any carbon monoxide
investigation or service call.
If the CO alarm... is silent for only
4 minutes, then starts sounding loudly—
4 beeps, then a pause, 4 beeps, then a pause.
Red light (LED) continues flashing...
This means... CO levels are still potentially
dangerous.
If the CO alarm...remains silent....
This means...unit has returned to normal
operation.

18
The “Latching Alarm” Indicator:
GARAGE
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
HALL
LIVING ROOM
KITCHEN
BASEMENT
BEDROOM
LATCHING ALARM:
Unit was exposed
to alarm levels of CO
LATCHING NOT ACTIVATED:
Unit was not exposed
to alarm levels of CO
KEY:
The Latching Alarm Indicator is activated after
a CO alarm is exposed to alarm levels of carbon
monoxide. After CO levels drop below alarm
levels, the red LED will begin to flash once every
5 seconds. It will continue to flash or “latch”
until you clear it using the test button.
This feature helps emergency responders,
investigators, or service technicians identify
which unit(s) in your home were exposed to
alarm levels of carbon monoxide. This can help
investigators pinpoint the source of CO.
Non-Interconnected or Stand-Alone Alarm
Latching Alarm Indicator shows that the unit
was exposed to alarm levels of CO.
Interconnected Alarms
Latching Alarm Indicator shows which alarm(s)
in the series were exposed to alarm levels of
carbon monoxide.
The Latching Alarm Indicator stays ON until
you clear it, so it can alert you to a CO alarm
that occurred while you were away from home,
even though CO present in the air has dropped
below alarm levels.

19
CHAPTER 4: Testing and Maintenance
Weekly Testing
Push and hold the Test/Silence button on the
cover until a loud alarm sounds— 4 beeps, a
pause, then 4 beeps. The alarm sequence should
last for 10 seconds. If the alarm ever fails to test
properly, replace it immediately. If the CO alarm
is not working properly, refer to Chapter 10:
“Limited Warranty”.
WARNING!
The Test/Silence button is the only proper way
to test the CO alarm. NEVER use vehicle
exhaust! Exhaust may cause permanent
damage and voids your warranty.
WARNING!
DO NOT stand close to the alarm when the
horn is sounding. Exposure at close range
may be harmful to your hearing. When testing,
step away when horn starts sounding.
Regular Maintenance
To keep the CO alarm in good working order:
• Test it every week using the
Test/Silence button.
• Vacuum the CO alarm cover at least twice
a year, using the soft brush attachment.
Test the alarm again after vacuuming.
• Replace the battery when the CO alarm
“chirps” and the red light flashes once a
minute (the low battery warning).
NOTE: The low battery warning should last for
30 days, but you should replace the battery
immediately to continue your protection.
Choosing a replacement battery:
This unit requires one standard 9V alkaline battery.
The following alkaline batteries are acceptable as
replacements. This list supplements the list on the
carbon monoxide alarm battery door: Eveready
#522 (Energizer); Duracell #MN1604, MX1604
(Ultra). You may also use a Lithium battery like an
Ultralife U9VL-J for longer service between
battery changes. These batteries are available at
many local retail stores. Replacement batteries
are commonly available at local retail stores.
IMPORTANT!
Use only the alkaline or lithium replacement batteries
listed. The unit may not operate properly with other
batteries. Never use rechargeable batteries since
they may not provide a constant charge.
CAUTION!
DO NOT spray cleaning chemicals or insect
sprays directly on or near the CO alarm. DO
NOT paint over the CO alarm. Doing so may
permanently damage the CO alarm.
IMPORTANT!
Household cleaners, aerosol chemicals and other
contaminants can affect the sensor. When using
any of these materials near the alarm, make sure
the room is well ventilated.