Ei Electronics Carbon Monoxide Alarm Ei206D User manual

Model Ei206D
Read and retain carefully for as long as the product is being used. It contains vital information on the
operation and installation. The leaflet should be regarded as part of the product.
If you are just installing the unit, the leaflet must be given to the householder. The leaflet is to be given to
any subsequent user.
BATTERY POWERED
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM
WITH DIGITAL DISPLAY
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READ THIS FIRST
CARBON MONOXIDE - THE SILENT KILLER!
WHERE TO PLACE CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
INSTALLING YOUR CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
TESTING & MAINTAINING YOUR CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
MAINTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
LIMITATIONS OF CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
GETTING YOUR CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS SERVICED
GUARANTEE
TROUBLESHOOTING
Page
CONTENTS
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1. READ THIS FIRST
Install the Carbon Monoxide Alarm (CO Alarm) in every room that contains a fuel burning
appliance, particularly rooms where people spend a lot of time e.g. bedrooms, kitchens and sitting
rooms.
In rooms with an appliance install (preferably) on the ceiling (300mm from walls) and between 1m
to 3m horizontally from appliance. In rooms remote from the appliance install at breath level, where
the light indicators can be seen.
Test the unit weekly by pressing the test/hush button - the horn will sound.
Replace the battery yearly or when the unit beeps every 40 seconds or when CP is on the display.
Replace sensor module after 5 years operation (see page 18).
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What to do when the alarm sounds:
(1) Open the doors and windows to ventilate the area.
(2) Turn off all fuel appliances where possible and stop using them. (The alarm can be
silenced immediately by pushing the test/hush button).
(3) Evacuate the property leaving the doors and windows open.
(4) Get medical help immediately for anyone suffering the effects of Carbon Monoxide
poisoning (headache, nausea), and advise that Carbon Monoxide poisoning is suspected.
(5) Ring your gas or other fuel supplier on their emergency number. Keep the number in a
prominent place.
(6) Do not re-enter the property until the alarm has stopped. (If the alarm has been silenced
by pressing the test/hush button, wait at least 5 minutes so the alarm can check that the CO
has cleared).
(7) Do not use the fuel appliances again until they have been checked by an expert. In the
case of gas appliances in the UK this must be a CORGI registered installer.
When the CO Alarm detects abnormal levels of CO (above 50ppm CO) the red light starts to flash
and the horn will sound within 90 minutes. At higher levels of CO the alarm will turn on sooner (see
table B - page 6). The display shows levels above 30ppm CO.
?
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The CO Alarm will automatically reset
once the CO has cleared. Pressing the
test/hush button resets the CO Alarm
immediately (below 300ppm CO). If CO
is still present the red light and horn will
turn on again after about 4 minutes.
The CO Alarm is no substitute for
keeping chimneys and flues clear and in
good condition, and having all of your
appliances serviced regularly according
to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not fit alarm until all building work
is completed to avoid contamination.
2. CARBON MONOXIDE
- THE SILENT KILLER!
2.1 What is Carbon Monoxide ?
Congratulations on becoming the owner of
an Ei Carbon Monoxide Alarm. This will help
protect you and your household from the
dangerous effects of Carbon Monoxide - the
silent killer. (CO is the chemical symbol,
indicating the molecule has one carbon
atom and one oxygen atom).
?
?
MOUNTING PLATE
GAS ENTRY HOLES
Figure 1 - Alarm Installation
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Many are killed each year, and many more suffer ill health from Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is
an invisible, odourless, tasteless and extremely toxic gas. It is produced by appliances and vehicles
burning fuels, such as coal, oil, natural/bottled gas, paraffin, wood, petrol, diesel, charcoal etc. CO is
absorbed by red blood cells in the lungs in preference to oxygen - this results in rapid damage to the heart
and brain from oxygen starvation.
High levels of CO in a house can be caused by:
•Incorrectly or poorly installed fuel-burning appliances.
•Blocked or cracked chimneys/flues.
•Blocked vents or draught-proofing which makes areas with fuel burning appliances or fireplaces airtight.
•Engines of cars, lawnmowers etc. left running in confined spaces.
•Portable paraffin or gas heaters in badly ventilated rooms.
2.2 Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Most people know that high levels of CO are harmful, however the period of exposure is also important.
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, cardiorespiratory failure, death.
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A high level of CO for a short period (e.g. 350 ppm CO for 30 minutes) will cause the same symptoms,
a slight headache, as a lower level for a longer time (e.g. 150 ppm for 90 minutes). Table A shows how
exposure to different concentrations of CO generally affects people.
Many cases of reported Carbon Monoxide poisoning indicate that while victims are aware they are not
well, they become so disorientated they are unable to save themselves by either leaving the building or
calling for assistance. Young children and household pets may be the first affected.
Table A: Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
35 The maximum allowable concentration for continuous exposure in any 8 hour period according to OSHA *.
150 Slight headache after 1.5 hours.
200 Slight headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea after 2-3 hours.
400 Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life threatening after 3 hours, also maximum parts per million in flue gas (on an
air free basis) according to US Environmental Protection Agency.
800 Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45 minutes. Unconsciousness within 2 hours. Death within 2-3 hours.
1,600 Headache, dizziness and nausea within 20 minutes. Death within 1 hour.
3,200 Headache, dizziness and nausea within 5-10 minutes. Death within 25-30 minutes.
6,400 Headache, dizziness and nausea within 1-2 minutes. Death within 10-15 minutes.
12,800 Death within 1-3 minutes.
ppm
Concentration
of CO in Air Inhalation Time (approx) and Symptoms Developed
ppm = parts per million
*OSHA Occupational Safety & Health Association
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2.3 What happens when your CO Alarm detects Carbon Monoxide ?
When the Alarm detects potentally dangerous levels of CO, it flashes the red alarm light and then sounds
a loud alarm if the CO persists. The digital display indicates the CO level in parts per million, ppm CO.
Table B below shows how the CO Alarm reacts to different levels of CO gas and exposure time. At higher
levels of CO the alarm turns on sooner. The rate of flashing of the red light indicates the level of CO.
Table B: CO Alarm Response
* unless it has been in alarm (see CO Alarm Memory below)
If your CO Alarm sounds follow the instructions on page 2.
When ventilation is provided by leaving the window and doors open, the CO build up may have
dissipated by the time help arrives and the alarm may have stopped sounding. Although your problem
may appear temporarily solved it is crucial that the source of the CO is determined and appropriate
repairs made.
NEVER IGNORE THE ALARM.
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CO Level
ppm
0
30+
50
100
300
Off
Off
1 Flash / 2 Seconds
2 Flashes / Second
4 Flashes / Second
Off
Off
60 to 90 minutes
10 to 40 minutes
3 minutes
Off
Shows
CO level
in
ppm CO
Red
Alarm Light
Horn On
within
Digital
Display
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Pre-Alarm: The digital display shows Carbon Monoxide levels above 30 parts per million (30ppm CO).
This helps locate CO leaks as the unit gives an indication straight away. When the alarm detects over
50ppm CO the red light flashes every 2 seconds. Note the Pre-Alarm signal may be triggered by CO
coming for example, from cooking with gas, from car engines or from nearby barbecues. This is usually
not a concern unless the Pre-Alarm signal persists until the alarm sounds and the CO source is unknown.
NOTE: The CO Alarm may sound if cigarette smoke is blown into it, or aerosols are released nearby.
CO ALARM MEMORY.
When the test button is held the display shows the previous peak reading. This tells you if the unit has
detected CO in your absence and helps to detect and locate leaks, monitor premises etc.
Also when the test button is pressed the horn will sound, and the red light will only flash if the unit has
previously detected CO and been in alarm. The flash rate indicates the level of CO detected as below:-
- Red light is Off – No CO detected since reset or power up.
- Red light flashes 2 times (in 4 seconds) every 40 seconds, 50 ppm CO detected for about 90 minutes
since reset or power-up.
- Red light flashes 8 times (in 4 seconds) every 40 seconds, 100 ppm CO detected for about 40
minutes since reset or power-up.
- Red light flashes 16 times (in 4 seconds) every 40 seconds, 300 ppm CO detected for about 3 minutes.
Reset Memory by holding down the test button for over 20 seconds until the red light stops flashing and
display shows 000. Cover the horn with a cloth to muffle the alarm during this time.
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3. WHERE TO PLACE CO ALARMS
3.1 Ideally a Carbon Monoxide Alarm should be installed in:
- Every room containing a fuel burning appliance, and
- Remote rooms where occupants spend a considerable amount of time
- Every bedroom
However if the number of Carbon Monoxide Alarms is limited the following points should be considered
when deciding where best to fit the alarm(s)
- If there is an appliance in a room where people sleep, place a CO Alarm in this room and
- Locate a CO alarm in a room containing a flueless or open-flued appliance, and
- Locate an alarm in a room where the occupant(s) spend most of their time (e.g. sitting room) and
- In a bedsit, the CO alarm should be placed as far away from the cooking appliance as possible, but near
to where the person sleeps and
- If the appliance is in a room not normally used, such as a boiler room, the CO alarm should be placed
just outside the room so that the alarm will be heard more easily.
3.2 Unsuitable Locations
Do not place the CO Alarm in any of the following areas.
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(1) In the immediate vicinity of a cooking appliance (keep it at least 1 metre horizontally from it).
(2) Outside the building.
(3) In an enclosed space (e.g. in or below a cupboard).
(4) In a damp or humid area.
(5) Directly above a sink or cooker.
(6) Next to a door, window, air vent or anywhere that it would be affected by draughts.
(7) Next to an extractor fan.
(8) Where it would be obstructed, e.g. by curtains or furniture.
(9) In an area where the temperature could drop below –10°C or rise above 40°C.
(10) Where dirt or dust could block the sensor.
(11) Where it could be easily knocked or damaged, or where it could be accidentally turned off or
removed.
(12) In a bathroom or other areas where the CO alarm may be exposed to water splashes, dripping or
condensation (e.g. above an electric kettle).
(13) Near paint, thinners, solvent fumes or air fresheners.
3.3 If locating the CO alarm in a room with a fuel burning appliance (see figure 2)
• If it is mounted on a wall, it should be located at a height greater than the height of any door or window
but still be at least 150mm from the ceiling.
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• If it is mounted on the ceiling it should be at least 300mm from any wall or light fitting.
• The CO alarm should be a horizontal distance of between 1m and 3m from the potential CO source.
• If there is a partition in the room, the CO alarm should be located on the same side of the partition as
the potential source.
• In rooms with sloped ceilings, the CO alarm should be located at the high side of the room (see fig 3).
3.4 If locating the CO alarm in a bedroom or in rooms remote from a fuel burning appliance
(see figure 4)
• Mount the CO alarm relatively close to the breathing zone of the occupants.
Whatever position is chosen make sure it is possible to view the three light indicators, when in the
vicinity of the alarm.
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300mm
150mm
1 to 3 m
1 to 3 m
DEAD AIR
DON'T LOCATE
HERE
CO Alarm
Figure 2. Location in room with a fuel burning appliance
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300mm
CO Alarm
CO Alarm
about
1 to 2m
Figure 4. Location in bedroom & rooms remote
from the appliance
(i.e. at breathing level)
Figure 3. Location in rooms with sloped
ceilings, the CO alarm should be located
at the high side of the room
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4. INSTALLING YOUR CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Select a suitable location based on the above advice.
2. Remove the CO Alarm from the mounting plate, as shown in figure 5, by holding the plate and sliding
the unit in the direction shown.
3. Connect the battery firmly to the battery snaps (see figure 6). The green, red and amber lights will
flash in sequence. (Note the red light may also flash intermittently for the first 70 seconds – this
is normal).
4. Carefully align the mounting plate to the wall or ceiling selected. Mark the position of the
two mounting holes using the mounting plate as a template. Drill two holes with a 5mm
drill for the plastic plugs supplied (See figure 7)
(Caution: Ensure there is no wiring where the screws are being installed).
5. Slide CO Alarm on to the mounting plate.
(Note: The unit may be tamper proofed further by removing the knockout on the sidewall of the
mounting plate as shown in figure 8 and inserting the self tapping screw (3mm diameter, 12mm long)
after the unit is on the mounting plate).
5. TESTING YOUR CO ALARM
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MOUNTING PLATE
Figure 5. Removing the CO Alarm from
the mounting plate
BASE
OF UNIT
9V Battery
SENSOR
MODULE
Ei261MEN
REPLACEABLE
SENSOR MODULE
BATTERY
SNAPS
BATTERY
Figure 6. Connect the battery to the
battery snaps
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5. TESTING & MONITORING YOUR CO ALARM
Button Test
It is recommended that you test your CO Alarm after installation and then once a week to make sure the
unit is working. It will also help you and your family to become familiar with the sound of the alarm.
Press and hold the test button until the alarm sounds (it may take up to 5 seconds). The alarm will stop
sounding shortly after the button is released. If there is a problem follow the checklist below. (The red light
will flash if it has detected CO and been in alarm memory since CO was recorded. The display will show
the highest reading since memory was reset).
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MOUNTING
PLATE
RECOMMENDED
SCREW HOLES
LOCATION FOR TAMPERPROOF SCREW
(see page 13)
SIDE VIEW
Figure 7. Mounting the Unit Figure 8. Tamperproofing the Unit
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Power On Indicator
Regularly check that the green power light flashes every 45 seconds - the unit cannot work without a
good battery, properly connected.
Low Battery Indicator
If the unit beeps every 45 seconds and CP is on the display, then the battery is depleted. Remove from
the mounting plate (see figures 5&6). Replace the battery. Use only the following 9V Alkaline batteries:
Duracell MN1604 or Energizer 9V. (See page 13, if the tamperproof screw has been fitted). Attach the new
battery to the battery snaps firmly with the correct orientation. Button test the alarm to check the battery
is installed correctly and that it is not depleted.
(The battery will usually last over 1 year in standby under normal conditions. An undepleted battery can
power a unit in alarm for over 10 hours. The life will be reduced if the unit regularly goes into alarm or if
it is exposed to excessive temperatures for long periods).
Amber Fault Indicator
If the unit beeps and the amber light flashes simultaneously every 45 seconds and SF is on the display,
the self-checking circuitry may have detected a fault. Follow the checklist to confirm that the unit is
actually defective.
Checklist in the event of problems
1. Remove from mounting plate and check that the battery is connected and firmly snapped on to the
connectors.
2. Disconnect the battery for 1 minute and re-connect (this resets the unit).
3. If the problem persists replace the battery.
If none of the above solve the problem the unit is probably defective and must be replaced. See “Getting
the CO Alarm Serviced Page 24)”.
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Testing with Carbon Monoxide
The unit can be tested with CO by using one of the kits that comes with CO either in a glass phial or
aerosol can. Follow the instructions on the kit. It is best if possible to inject the CO gas into the gas entry
holes, see Figure 1. When it senses the CO, it flashes the red light (as per Table B) and the display shows
the level in ppm of CO, to confirm that is detecting CO gas.
How to distinguish between CO Alarm and Smoke Alarm warnings
The CO Alarm has a distinctive on-off sound of 3 pulses, followed by a pause as compared with a typical
Smoke Alarm which has a rapid pulsing sound.
In addition, when your CO Alarm detects CO the red light will be flashing.
Testing both your CO Alarm and Smoke Alarms weekly will help you and your family to clearly distinguish
between them in an emergency.
6. MAINTAINING YOUR CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM
Clean the outside case by occasionally wiping with a clean damp cloth. Do not use any cleaning agents,
bleaches, detergents or polishes, including those in aerosol cans. Avoid spraying air fresheners, hair
spray, paint or other aerosols near the CO Alarm. Do not place air fresheners near the unit.
Use the narrow nozzle of a vacuum cleaner to remove fluff and other contamination from the cover slots
to ensure CO gas can reach the sensor - see Gas Sensor positioning shown in figure 1.
Caution: Do not paint the CO Alarm.
Remove the CO Alarm when decorating. Do not allow water or dust to contaminate the alarm.
Warning: Do not open or tamper with the CO Alarm. There are no user serviceable parts inside This can
damage the unit.
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SENSOR MODULE REPLACEMENT
Replace the sensor module after 5 years operation (or by the date on the ‘REPLACE SENSOR BY’
label on the side of the unit).
After 5 years operation, the amber light will flash once every 40 seconds (without a beep) to indicate the
sensor should be replaced.
(1) Remove the alarm from the mounting plate as described previously.
(2) Pull out the sensor module from the rear (see figure 6).
(3) Replace with a new sensor module (Model No. Ei261MEN - Contact Ei Electronics, for your nearest
module supplier).
(4) Carefully align the module including the connector pins and push firmly home.
(5) Remove the ‘REPLACE SENSOR BY’ label on the side of the alarm.
(6) Slide the alarm back on to the mounting plate.
(7) Wait 4 minutes for the new sensor to stabilise and then press the Test/Hush button - the horn should
sound.
END OF LIFE
Note: When the second sensor has completed its 5 years of operation the amber light will flash every 40
seconds. The sensor module can only be replaced once. The entire unit must then be replaced after 10
years. The date for replacing the entire unit is given on the ‘REPLACE UNIT BY’ label on the alarm.
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