Costar 12SIR User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Model 12SIR
Carbon Monoxide Gas Alarm
12 Vdc System
PLEASE READ AND SAVE
Dear New COSTAR® 12SIR Owner,
Congratulations as you have taken steps to help insure the health
and life safety of you and your family. We are proud to offer you our
unique, patented CO Sensor technology that detects CO in a manner
similar to the human body’s response. The COSTAR® 12SIR is an
ideal and low-cost way of warning you of both the acute and chronic
effects of CO poisoning.
Please read this owner’s manual carefully so you will have a bet-
ter understanding of the effects of CO poisoning and the COSTAR®
12SIR Alarm, as we work together pursuing a safer, healthier indoor
air quality for us all.To your good health and safety,
Mark Goldstein, Ph.D.
President
Quantum Group Inc.
WARNING: Failure to replace this product by the
“REPLACE BY DATE” printed on the alarm cover may
result in death by Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Replace
By Date is six (6) years from date of manufacture.
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This CO alarm is suited for residences, motels, hotels, and com-
mercial or industrial system applications. The 12SIR is designed for
4-6 wire connection to 12VDC alarm system control
panels.Reference: UL Listed Household Fire and/or Burglary Panel
with auxiliary signaling zones. Connect to signaling zones which can
be designated for CO alarm use only.
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2.1Sensitivity Setting:Unit will alarm at 150 ppm CO within 50
minutes.
2.2Power:12VDC nominal, operating voltage range 10-15 V
2.3Current Draw:Standby 20 microAmp. Alarm 60 mA max.
Trouble 30 mA.
2.4Field Wiring:14-22 AWG
2.5Alarm and Trouble Signal Relays Non-Latching
Contact ratings: Form”C”, 1A – 30Vdc
2.6Operating Temperature:4.4° C – 37.8° C (40° F - 100° F)
2.7Operating Humidity:15-95% RH
2.8Horn (Sounder) Loudness:85 db @ 10 ft (3.3 meters)
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Listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. to the
Category Gas and Vapor Detectors and Sensors
(FTAM). UL Standard 2075
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Carbon monoxide (CO) is an insidious poison. It is a colorless,
odorless and tasteless gas. It is a cumulative poison. Even low
levels of CO have been shown to cause brain and other vital
organ damage in unborn infants with no effect on the mother.
The following symptoms are related to CARBON MONOXIDE
POISONING and should be discussed with ALL members of the
household:
MILD EXPOSURE
Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (often described as
“flu–like” symptoms)
MEDIUM EXPOSURE
Severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate
EXTREME EXPOSURE
Unconsciousness, convulsions, cardio respiratory failure, death.
Many cases of reported CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
indicate that while victims are aware they are not well, they become
so disoriented they are unable to save themselves by either exiting
the building or calling for assistance. Also, young children and
household pets may be the first affected.
Your CO alarm is designed to detect the toxic CO gas that result
from incomplete combustion, such as those emitted from appliances,
furnaces, fireplaces and auto exhaust.
A CO Alarm is NOT A SUBSTITUTE for other combustible gas,
fire or smoke alarms. This carbon monoxide alarm is designed to
detect carbon monoxide gas from ANY source of combustion.
CAUTION:This alarm will only indicate the presence of carbon
monoxide gas at the sensor. Carbon monoxide gas may be pres-
ent in other areas.
WARNING: This product is intended for use in ordinary indoor
locations of family living units. It is not designed to comply with
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) commer-
cial or industrial standards. Individuals with medical problems
may consider using warning devices that provide audible and
visual signals for carbon monoxide concentrations under 30 ppm.
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WARNING: Activation of this device indicates the pres-
ence of carbon monoxide (CO), which can KILL YOU. If
alarm sounds:
1) Operate reset/silence button;
2) Call your emergency services (__________________) [fire
department or 911];
3) Immediately move to fresh air – outdoors or by an open
door/window. Then, do a head count to check that all persons
are accounted for. Do not reenter the premises nor move away
from the open door/window until the emergency services
responders have arrived, the premises have been aired out, and
your alarm remains in its normal condition.
4) After following steps 1-3, if your alarm reactivates within a
24-hour period, repeat steps 1-3 and call a qualified technician
(_________________) to investigate for sources of CO from fuel
burning equipment and appliances, and inspect for proper oper-
ation of this equipment. If problems are identified during this
inspection, have the equipment serviced immediately. Note any
combustion equipment not inspected by the technician and con-
sult the manufacturers’ instructions or contact the manufactur-
ers 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 resi-
dence.
5.1 IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS The 12SIR has been designed
and is warranted to operate for six years.
5.2 The alarm will automatically sense when the level of CO in the air
falls below the danger level. You should stay outside the resi-
dence in fresh air until the alarm is silenced. When the alarm
sounds, do not stand too close to the alarm. The sound pro-
duced by the alarm is loud because it is designed to awaken a
person in an emergency. Prolonged exposure to the alarm at a
close distance may be harmful to your hearing.
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This CO alarm can quickly alert you to the presence of CO but it
cannot prevent toxic CO emissions. Please note that there are haz-
ards against which CO detection may not be effective, such as gas
leaks or explosions. The ultimate responsibility for protection
against toxic CO gas rests solely on you. Installing CO alarms is just
the first step in protecting your family from toxic CO poisoning. We
also suggest that you create an effective, comprehensive safety pro-
gram as outlined below.
6.1Install CO alarms properly following the instructions in this
manual
6.2Develop a family escape plan and practice it with your entire
family, especially small children.
– Draw a floor plan of your home/ residence and find two ways to
exit from each room. There should be one way to get out of each
bedroom without opening the door.
– Make sure that all occupants know what the CO alarm signal
means and how they must be prepared to leave the residence by
themselves if necessary.
– Decide on a meeting place a safe distance from your house and
make sure all occupants understand where they should go and
wait if there is a dangerous CO condition.
– Conduct CO safety drills at least every 6 months to make sure
that every one, even small children, know what to do in order to
escape safely.
– Know where to go to call the Fire Department from outside your
residence.
This unit is designed to detect carbon monoxide (CO) entering its
sensing chamber. It does not sense combustible gas (such as natural
gas, propane or butane), heat, smoke or flames.
When properly located, installed, and maintained, this CO alarm
is designed to provide early warning of developing poisonous CO
conditions at a reasonable cost. This alarm monitors the air, and
when it senses CO, it activates its built-in alarm. It can provide pre-
cious time for you and your family to escape from your residence
before CO can seriously injure or kill. However, such an early
warning is possible only if the alarm is located, installed, and main-
tained as specified in the Owner’s Manual.
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If bedroom doors are usually closed at night, alarms should be
placed in each bedroom as well as in the common hallway between
them. CO alarms may not sense CO on a different level of a resi-
dence or building. For example, a second floor alarm may not sense
a CO leak on the first floor or in the basement.
Therefore, alarms should be placed on every level of a residence
or building. If the alarm is located outside of a bedroom, it may not
wake up a sound sleeper, especially if the bedroom door is closed or
only partly open. If the alarm is located on a different level of the
residence than the bedrooms, it is even less likely to wake up people
sleeping in the bedroom. Installing CO alarms may qualify you for
lower homeowner’s insurance rates, but CO alarms are not a substi-
tute for insurance. Homeowners and renters should continue to
insure their lives and property.
WARNING: The COSTAR® Model 12SIR CO Alarm is not
designed for marine, RV, or aeronautical use.
NOTE: This unit contains no batteries and will not operate with-
out power.
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8.1RECOMMENDATIONS
One of the most important considerations in any CO alarm sys-
tem is the location of the alarms. Statistics of the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) show that most of the fatal CO
occurrences happen at night while people are sleeping. Early warn-
ing of CO is best achieved by the correct installation of CO alarms.
Placement of an alarm in a garage may cause an alarm due to CO
from automotive exhaust.
8.2RECOMMENDED MOUNTING LOCATIONS
Put a CO alarm inside each bedroom where the occupant closes
the door while sleeping. A closed door can block particulate smoke,
but CO gas is likely to get through.
Figure 1: Recommended CO alarm
placement for single floor residence.
Figure 2: Recommended CO
alarm placement for multi-level
residence.
8.3 This CO alarm must be mounted on the wall or ceiling.
8.4 WALL LOCATION: Locate top of the alarm 5 - 6 feet from the
floor.
Figure 3: Recommended CO alarm mounting location is 5 to 6 feet
from floor.
8.5 CEILING LOCATION:
Alarm should be mounted as close as possible to the center of a
hallway or room. If this is not possible, the edge of the alarm
should be at least 4 inches from any wall.
8.6 LOCATIONS TO AVOID
Placing units where they will not operate properly causes nui-
sance alarms.To avoid nuisance alarms, do not place units:
– Within 5 feet (1.5m) of any cooking appliance or furnace.
– Near an open window or door, because the fresh air entering
the opening may delay CO from reaching the alarm.
– In damp or very humid areas or next to bathrooms with show-
ers. Install detectors at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from bath-
rooms.
– In very cold or very hot environments or in unheated buildings or
outdoor rooms where the temperature can go below or above the
operating range of the alarm. Temperature limits for proper opera-
tion are 4.4° C to 37.8° C (40° F to 100° F).
– Good ventilation is recommended when household cleaning
supplies or similar contaminants are stored or frequently used.
8.7 CONDITIONS WHICH CAN RESULT IN TEMPORARY CO SIT-
UATIONS:
8.7.1Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel burning appliances
caused by outdoor ambient conditions, such as:
i) Wind direction and/or velocity, including high gusts of wind.
Heavy air in the vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods
between cycles).
ii) Negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust
fans.
iii) Simultaneous operation of several fuel burning appliances
competing for limited internal air.
iv) Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes dryers, fur-
naces, or water heaters.
v) Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs which can
amplify the above situations.
8.7.2Extended operation of unvented fuel burning devices (range,
oven, fireplace, etc.)
8.7.3Temperature inversions, which can trap exhaust gasses near
the ground.
8.7.4Car idling in an open or closed area garage, or near a home.
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9.1 Select proper location
9.2 A mounting plate is provided on the back of the alarm. Remove
the mounting plate from the back of the alarm by holding the
mounting plate and twisting the alarm in the direction indicated by
the “OFF” arrow on the alarm cover.
9.3 To insure aesthetic alignment of the alarm with the hallway or
wall, the UP ARROW on the mounting plate must be :
A.)Parallel with the hallway walls when ceiling mounting
B.)Pointed upward when wall mounting
9.4 Attach the mounting plate on the wall. Be sure the UP text and
arrow are facing up. Use the screws and anchors provided to
secure the mounting plate.
9.5 WIRING INSTALLATION
Internal terminal block for 14-22 AWG wires. 8 screw terminals at
0.2” (5 mm) spacing.
9.5.1Drill hole in wall or ceiling at center of plate, and pull system
wires through the hole.
9.5.2Remove alarm cover by using the special tool provided on the
three locking tabs on the alarm base. (see figure 4)
Figure 4
9.5.3Pull wires through hole at center of alarm base and connect to
the internal terminal block as shown on the following wiring dia-
grams. (see figure 5)
Figure 5
NOTE:The form ‘C’ relay contacts may be wired either N.O. or N.C.
according to system panel requirements. These alarms are not
designed to drive auxiliary devices
9.5.4The 12SIR alarms do not include power supervision. This may
be accomplished by installing a power supervision relay at the
end of the alarm power circuit (see Figure 6 ). There is no inter-
nal backup battery.
9.6 After installing the mounting plate, place the alarm on the mount-
ing plate. Twist the alarm in the direction indicated by the “ON”
arrow on the alarm cover until it locks in place.
Family Room
Bedroom
Living Room
Kitchen Dining Room Bedroom
Bedroom
= Carbon Monoxide alarm location
= Carbon Monoxide alarm
location for multi-level residence
Bedroom
Bedroom Bedroom
Garage
Kitchen
Living Room
Basement
= Carbon Monoxide alarm mounting location
Inside wall location
Height 5' - 6' from floor

SYSTEM PANEL   POWER 12VDC     ALARM ZONE 1     TROUBLE ZONE 2 (OPTIONAL)
+
-
-+
NC CNO NC CNO
POWER
12VDC
-+
POWER
12VDC
ALARM
RELAY
NC CNO
ALARM
RELAY
TROUBLE
RELAY
NC CNO
TROUBLE
RELAY
COSTAR MODEL 12SIR
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM
COSTAR MODEL 12SIR
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM
COSTAR MODEL 12SIR
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM
-+
POWER
12VDC
NC CNO
ALARM
RELAY
NC CNO
TROUBLE
RELAY
END-OF-LINE rRESISTOR
(OPTIONAL)
+
POWER SUPERVISION
RELAY
(OPTIONAL)
COIL
(OPTIONAL)
(OPTIONAL)
(OPTIONAL)
Figure 6. 12VDC System Multiple Alarms: Installation Wiring Diagram

9.7 To make your carbon monoxide alarm tamper resistant, a locking
pin has been provided in the bag with the screws and anchors.
Using this pin will deter children and others from removing the
alarm from the mounting plate. To use the pin insert it into the
hole in the side of the alarm after the alarm has been installed on
the mounting plate (see Figure 7). To
remove the alarm, use long nose pliers
pull the pin out of the hole; it is now
possible to remove the alarm from the
mounting plate. Test alarm immediately
following installation and weekly for
proper operation by pushing the test
button until a short beep is heard
(approximately three seconds).
Release the button. The alarm will then test itself for proper
operation and the RED LED will flash 4-6 times. At completion of
the self-test, the alarm will sound 2 alarm patterns. The alarm
then resumes normal operation.
9.8 This box contains two self-adhesive labels. You should write the
telephone numbers of the emergency service provider and a
qualified technician in the space provided on the labels. Place
one label next to the alarm, and the other label near a source of
fresh air where you plan to gather after the alarm indicates the
presence of carbon monoxide.
9.9 Attention Installer: Please leave this manual at residence for
user’s information
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10.1 NORMAL OPERATION
RED L.E.D. flashes once every 30 seconds, indicating that the
alarm is powered and active.
10.2 ALARM CONDITION
RED LED turns “on” for 2 seconds and “off” for 4 seconds with 4
short beeps for 1 second and 5 seconds of silence. The RED
LED will illuminate and the alarm relay will be energized (N.O. or
N.C.). Pushing and holding the test/reset button for 3 seconds will
silence the alarm for about 4 minutes. After 4 minutes, the alarm
will once again sound until the unsafe CO concentration is
reduced.
10.2.1 Connected zone should be programmed for 24 hour monitor-
ing and immediate response for hazardous levels of carbon
monoxide.
10.2.2 Alarm RELAY output 1 form ‘C’ dry contacts (non-latching) cur-
rent capacity is 0.1A-30Vdc
10.3 TROUBLE CONDITION
The detector self-tests every 10 minutes. The detector will beep
and the Indicator/Test button will flash twice every 30 seconds if a
fault is detected. This is an indication of a malfunction and that the
detector requires immediate servicing.
10.3.1 Trouble RELAY output
1 form ‘C’ dry contacts (non-latching) current capacity is 0.1A-
30Vdc Trouble relay connection to panel is optional.
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CLEANING YOUR ALARM:
11.1Keep your CO alarms clean–do not wash.
11.2 To clean your alarm first remove he tamper resistant locking pin
(section 9.7), then remove the alarm from the mounting bracket
as outlined in section 9.2.
11.3You can clean the interior of your alarm by using your vacuum
cleaner hose and vacuuming through the openings around the
perimeter of the alarm.
11.4The outside can be wiped with a cloth.
11.5After cleaning, reinstall your alarm and test your alarm by using
the TEST button.
11.6Test your alarms weekly and repair or replace them when they
no longer function. As with any electronic product, alarms have
a limited life and alarms that do not work cannot warn you.
WARNING: Do not use any household cleaning agents, paints,
varnishes or any other chemical on your 12SIR alarm.
NOTE: REGULAR TESTING IS RECOMMENDED.
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Test the alarm weekly for proper operation by pushing the test
button until a short beep is heard (approximately three seconds).
Release the button. The alarm will then test itself for proper opera-
tion and the RED LED light will flash 4-6 times. At completion of
the test, the alarm will sound 2 patterns. The alarm then resumes
normal operation.
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If after reviewing this manual you feel that your CO Alarm is
defective in any way, do not tamper with the unit. Before returning
the device, call Quantum Group’s customer service line at 1-800-
432-5599 to receive a return merchandise authorization (RMA)
number. Once an RMA number has been issued, return the product
along with a note describing the problem and send it to:
7737 Kenamar Court
San Diego, CA 92121-
2425
LIMITED WARRANTY
COSTAR®Model 12SIR
Quantum Group Inc. offers you this limited warranty on your new
carbon monoxide alarm, including all of its component parts. This
limited warranty extends solely to the original end-user purchaser of
this product, provided your purchase was made from an authorized
vendor. Transfer or resale of this product will automatically termi-
nate warranty coverage.
Quantum Group Inc. warrants the enclosed carbon monoxide
alarm to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under
authorized use and service, as specified in the owner’s manual, for a
period of six (6) years from the date of manufacture. During the ini-
tial two (2) year period commencing with the date of manufacture,
any repair or replacement shall be made without charge. During the
latter four (4) years of the warranty period, any repair or replace-
ment shall be made at a charge to the purchaser not to exceed the
manufacturer’s cost of repair or replacement. All replaced items
become the property of Quantum Group Inc.
QUANTUM GROUP INC. MAKES NO OTHER WAR-
RANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, EXCEPT AS REQUIRED BY
LAW, AND IN NO CASE FOR A DURATION LONGER THAN
THAT OF THIS WRITTEN WARRANTY, EXCEPT AS
REQUIRED BY LAW, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR AGAINST INFRINGEMENT, OR
ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ARISING OUT OF
TRADE USAGE OR OUT OF A COURSE OF DEALING OR
COURSE OF PERFORMANCE. Quantum Group Inc. has not
authorized any other party to extend any other warranties in connec-
tion with the sale of the product, and will not accept responsibility
for any statements, representations, or warranties made by any other
person.
This limited warranty does not cover: (1) 9 volt alkaline battery
(when applicable); (2) products which have been improperly
installed, repaired, maintained, modified, or which have been sub-
jected to misuse, abuse, accident, neglect, exposure to fire, water, or
excessive changes in climate or temperature, or combined with non-
Quantum Group Inc.-approved accessories; (3) physical damage
caused from use other than normal and proper operation or handling,
as specified in the owner’s manual; (4) cosmetic damage; (5) prod-
ucts on which warranty stickers or product serial numbers have been
removed, altered, or rendered illegible; (6) the cost of installation,
removal or reinstallation.
QUANTUM GROUP INC. SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS LIA-
BILITY FOR ANY AND ALL DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
GENERAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS OR
ANTICIPATED PROFITS ARISING OUT OF USE OF OR
INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT.
TAMPER RESISTANT LOCKING PIN 

 Figure 7