Ei Electronics Carbon Monoxide Alarm Ei220EN User manual

BS EN 50291: 2001
MAINS
MAINS
POWERED
POWERED
Model Ei 225EN
Model Ei 220EN
- HARD WIRED TO MAINS
- WITH POWER CORD
MAINS POWERED
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM
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.
INSTRUCTIONS
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READ THIS FIRST
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE CO ALARM SOUNDS
CARBON MONOXIDE - THE SILENT KILLER!
WHERE TO PLACE CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
INSTALLING YOUR CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
TESTING 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
CONTENTS Page
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1. READ THIS FIRST
WARNING: The Ei225EN Alarm should be permanently wired to the mains by a
qualified electrician in accordance with IEE wiring regulations (BS7671).
The Ei220EN is just plugged in to the mains.
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.
Regularly check that the green power light is on. Important: The CO Alarm will
not work if the mains supply is off.
Test the unit weekly by pressing the test/hush button-the horn will sound.
Open the unit by sliding the cover up as shown in figure 1. Then remove the
terminal block screw. (Ei225EN only).
Immediately the unit is powered the green light will turn on & the red & amber
lights will flash once to show they are operational.
Replace unit after up to 6 years operation (see ‘Replace by’ date on sidewall
label).
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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 9).
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 all of your appliances serviced regularly according to the
manufacturers’ instructions.
Do not fit alarm until all building work is completed to avoid contamination.
2. 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.
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(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 this must be a CORGI registered installer.
3. 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).
Many are killed each year, and many more
suffer ill health from Carbon Monoxide
PRESS HERE
FIRST AND
SLIDE UP
TERMINAL
BLOCK
COVER
SCREW
(Ei225EN only)
MOUNTING
HOLES
GAS
ENTRY
HOLES
Figure 1 - Alarm Installation
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(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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
8
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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Table B 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 4.
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.
Pre-Alarm: When the alarm detects over 50ppm CO the red light flashes every 2
seconds. This helps locate CO leaks, as the unit gives an indication straight away.
9
CO Level
ppm
Horn On
within
Red
Alarm Light
0 ppm
50ppm
100 ppm
300 ppm
Off
60 to 90 minutes
10 to 40 minutes
3 minutes
Off *
1 Flash / 2 Seconds
4 Flashes / 2 Second
8 Flashes / 2 Second
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(Without this feature the CO level would need to be at 50ppm CO for 90 minutes for
an indication to be given). 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
- Red light is Off – No CO detected since reset or power up.
- Red light flashes 2 times (in 2 seconds) every 40 seconds, 50 ppm CO detected
for least about 90 minutes.
- Red light flashes 4 times (in 2 seconds) every 40 seconds, 100 ppm CO detected
for least about 40 minutes.
- Red light flashes 8 times (in 2 seconds) every 40 seconds, 300 ppm CO detected
for at least about 3 minutes.
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 in table B.
Reset Memory by holding down the test button for over 20 seconds until the red light
stops flashing. Cover the horn with a cloth to muffle the alarm during this time.
Please note that the memory will also be reset when the unit is unpowered.
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4. 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.
(1) In the immediate vicinity of a cooking appliance (keep it at least 1 metre
horizontally from it).
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(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.
• If it is mounted on the ceiling it should be at least 300mm from any wall or light fitting.
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• 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).
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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3.31 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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CO Alarm
about
1 to 2m
Figure 4. Location in bedroom &
rooms remote
from the appliance
(i.e. at breathing level)
300mm
CO Alarm
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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5. INSTALLING YOUR CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
The Alarm is designed to be permanently mounted. The unit can be screwed directly
to the wall or ceiling and connected to the mains. It requires a current of 60mA. The
Alarm must not be exposed to dripping or splashing. There are important markings on
the underside of the alarm.
IMPORTANT PRECAUTION: Do not install the actual alarm itself in new or
renovated buildings until all work is completed (including floor coverings) and
the building has been fully cleaned. The wiring can be installed when
appropriate. (Excessive dust and debris from building work can contaminate the
sensor and cause problems, it will also invalidate the guarantee). If it must be
installed, cover it completely, particularly around the edges, with a dust cover,
until all cleaning is finished.
The Ei225EN Alarm must not be connected when the house wiring insulation is being
checked with high voltages i.e. don’t use an insulation tester on the alarm.
WARNING: Do not use the CO Alarm on an intermittent basis, or as a portable detec-
tor for the spillage of combustion products from fuel burning appliances or chimneys.
WARNING: The Alarm must be continuously powered 24 hours a day so it is
important that it is not on a circuit that can be turned off by a switch.
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INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
Ei225EN (Only)
Warning: The CO alarm should be installed by a qualified electrican in accordance with
the IEE wiring regulations (BS 7671). Failure to install this alarm correctly may expose
the user to shock or fire hazards.
Procedure:
1. Select a location complying with the above advice.
2. Disconnect the AC mains supply from the circuit to be used.
3. Slide off the cover as shown in fig 1. Press gently in the centre to release the catches
before sliding upwards.
4. Remove the terminal cover screw and expose the connecting terminals.
5. (a) If the wires are coming directly out from the ceiling/wall locate the wire entry
slot over the wires and mark the two mounting screw locations. Screw the unit to the
ceiling/wall (ensure screws do not penetrate buried wires. The unit can also be
screwed on to a standard recessed junction box if required. Seal the wire exit holes
(with silicone or similar) to prevent air draughts preventing the carbon monoxide from
reaching the sensor.
(b) If surface wiring is being used, bring the wiring in from either of the vertical sides
or the bottom as shown in figure 5. Note surface wiring cannot be brought in from the
top as it would be in the way of the cover sliding off and also might allow water to
penetrate. Screw the unit to the wall.
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6. The Brown wire (terminal 3) must be connected to the house wiring coloured
brown or to a house terminal marked “L”. The Blue wire (terminal 4) must be
connected to the house wiring coloured blue or to a house terminal marked “N”.
The alarm does not need to be earthed, however for convenience a spare terminal
(no. 5) is provided to hold an earth wire if present.
7. Turn on the mains power to the CO Alarm circuit.
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Figure 6 - Recessed WiringFigure 5 - Surface Wiring
Conduit
Not Suitable
Locations for
Surface Wiring
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Ei220EN (Only)
1. Slide the cover off as shown in Figure 7 to expose the mounting screw holes.
2. Cut a notch in the back sidewall (on the centre of either side or at the bottom, for
the power cord) to allow the unit to lie flush against the ceiling/wall.
3. Mark the two screw locations. Drill suitable holes (6mm drill) then insert the
plastic anchors and screw the unit to the ceiling/wall.
4. Insert the plug into a suitable socket.
Warning: Do not open (apart
from the cover shown in fig-
ure 7) or tamper with the CO
Alarm. There are no user
serviceable parts inside.
This can damage the unit
and may expose the user to
shock or fire hazards.
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Figure 7
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6. TESTING YOUR CO ALARM
(1) Regularly check that the green mains power light is on. The unit cannot detect CO
if the mains power is not on. (If it is off check circuit breakers, fuses, wiring etc).
(2) Test the unit weekly by pressing the test/hush button. Hold the test button (for up
to 10 seconds) until the horn sounds for over 5 seconds. This will help to familiarise
you and your family with the distinctive on-off sound of the CO Alarm. This test checks
that the electronics and horn are working correctly. (If the red alarm light flashes when
the button is pressed - see CO Alarm Memory section on page 10.
(3) If the CO Alarm gives a short beep and the amber fault light flashes every 40
seconds it means the self-checking circuit has detected a fault. Press and hold the
test/hush button. If the amber light flashes without the horn sounding, the sensor is
faulty.
(4) If the Alarm fails to operate when the test/hush button is pressed, disconnect the
mains supply at the distribution fuse board for 3 minutes. Re-connect the mains and
try again. (This procedure resets the microprocessor in the unit).
(5) If the CO Alarm fails any of the above tests it must be replaced immediately (see
section 11 “Getting the CO Alarm Serviced” on page 28).
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
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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) 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 is sounding, the red alarm light in the centre of the
cover will be flashing.
Testing both your CO Alarms and Smoke Alarms weekly will help you and your family
to clearly distinguish between them in an emergency.
7. MAINTAINING YOUR CO ALARM
Clean the outside case by occasionally wiping with a clean damp cloth, (after first
disconnecting the mains supply on an Ei225EN unit at the distribution/fuse board or by
unplugging the Ei220EN unit). 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.
Caution: Do not paint the CO Alarm.
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