Kidde 900-0259 User manual

CO Alarm Model Number:
CO Alarm Assembly Number:
Date of Manufacture:
Date of Purchase:
Where Purchased:
Battery Operated
Carbon Monoxide
Alarm
User’s Guide
ASSEMBLY: 900-0260
ASSEMBLY: 900-0259
For questions concerning your Carbon Monoxide Alarm,
please call Kidde Safety Europe on 01753 685148
Please have the following information ready when calling:
Battery operated CO alarm
with Digital Display and
Peak Level memory
THIS OWNER’S MANUAL SHOULD BE READ, IN FULL AND RETAINED FOR
THE LIFE OF THE PRODUCT. IT SHOULD ALSO BE PASSED ON TO ANY
SUBSEQUENT OWNER.
Battery operated CO alarm
without Digital display
KM 98848
EN50291:2001 820-1732 REV A 04/09

Contents
CONTENTS OF THIS MANUAL
1 -- CARBON MONOXIDE OVERVIEW
2 -- QUICK SET-UP
3 -- INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
4 -- FEATURES AND OPERATION
5 -- BATTERY INSTALLATION
6 -- WHAT TO DO IF THE ALARM SOUNDS
7 -- CARING FOR YOUR KIDDE CO ALARM
8 -- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
9 -- WARRANTY
Environmental Protection
Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with
household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist.
Check with Local Authority or retailer for recycling advice.
All gas appliances should be checked for safety annually.
2
WARNING: THIS CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR INSTALLING
AND MAINTAINING AN APPROPRIATE NUMBER OF SMOKE ALARMS IN YOUR HOME.
THIS ALARM WILL NOT SENSE SMOKE, FIRE, OR ANY POISONOUS GAS OTHER THAN
CARBON MONOXIDE. FOR THIS REASON YOU MUST INSTALL SMOKE ALARMS TO
PROVIDE EARLY WARNING OF FIRE AND TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FROM
FIRE AND ITS RELATED HAZARDS.
WARNING: THIS PRODUCT IS INTENDED FOR USE IN ORDINARY INDOOR RESIDEN-
TIAL AREAS. IT IS NOT DESIGNED TO MEASURE COMPLIANCE WITH COMMERCIAL
AND INDUSTRIAL STANDARDS. THIS ALARM IS NOT SUITABLE FOR INSTALLATION IN
HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS AS DEFINED IN THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE. INDIVID-
UALS WITH MEDICAL PROBLEMS MAY CONSIDER USING WARNING DEVICES WHICH
PROVIDE AUDIBLE AND VISUAL SIGNALS FOR CARBON MONOXIDE CONCENTRATIONS
UNDER 30 PPM.
IMPORTANT: THIS CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM IS DESIGNED TO DETECT CARBON
MONOXIDE FROM ANY SOURCE OF IMPROPER OR MALFUNCTIONING APPLIANCES.
THE INSTALLATION OF THIS DEVICE SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR
PROPER INSTALLATION, USE AND MAINTENANCE OF FUEL BURNING APPLIANCES
INCLUDING APPROPRIATE VENTILATION AND EXHAUST SYSTEMS
WARNING: THIS ALARM WILL NOT WORK WITHOUT POWER. THIS ALARM
REQUIRES A CONTINUOUS SUPPLY OF POWER.
WARNING: THIS UNIT IS NOT A SMOKE ALARM. IT WILL NOT SENSE SMOKE OR FIRE.
FOR EARLY WARNING OF FIRE YOU MUST INSTALL SMOKE ALARMS, EVEN THOUGH
CARBON MONOXIDE CAN BE GENERATED BY FIRE.
IMPORTANT: IF ANY FAULT SIGNALS OCCUR, CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER OR
SUPPLIER AND DO NOT CONTINUE USING THE ALARM.
Thank you for the purchase of your new Kidde carbon monoxide alarm.
If you have any questions about the operation or setup of your CO
alarm, feel free to call us on 01753 685148

Carbon Monoxide Overview
Your new Kidde Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm is a sophisticated instru-
ment that has been carefully designed and tested to detect CO build up
in a residential environments. Your alarm is for use specically in the
home.
CO cannot be seen, smelled or tasted and can be fatal. The build up of
CO in the blood is called the carboxyhemoglobin level and interferes
with the body’s ability to supply itself with oxygen. Depending on the
concentration, carbon monoxide can kill in minutes.
The most common sources of CO are malfunctioning, or misuse of, gas
appliances used for heating and cooking, vehicles engines, electric gen-
erators, blocked chimneys or ues, portable fuel burning heaters, re-
places, fuel powered tools and operating a grill in an enclosed space.
Indications of CO poisoning include symptoms similar to the u, but
with no fever. Other symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, weakness,
headache, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness and confusion. Everyone is sus-
ceptible to the danger of CO, but unborn babies, small children, preg-
nant women, senior citizens and people with heart or respiratory prob-
lems may experience symptoms sooner. Each year a qualied
(gas) or Hetas (solid fuel) engineer should inspect and clean your heat-
ing system, vents, chimney, and ues.
Your new Kidde CO alarm has a ve year warranty. Please take a few
minutes to thoroughly read the user’s guide and familiarize yourself and
your family with its operation. Your Kidde CO alarm was designed to
detect carbon monoxide gas from ANY source of combustion. It is NOT
designed to detect smoke, re or any other gases. If you have any ques-
tions please call us on 01753 685148.
This manual and the products described are copyrighted, with all rights
reserved. Under these copyright laws, no part of this manual may be
copied for use without the written consent of Kidde.
If you require further information, contact our Consumer Hotline, or
write to us at:
Kidde Safety Europe Ltd
Mathisen Way, Poyle Road,
Colnbrook, Berkshire
SL3 0HB
Customer Hotline: [phone]
www.kiddesafetyeurope.co.uk
3

Test/
Reset
Operate
Peak Level
KM 98848
EN 50291:2001
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM
Alarm
PPM of Carbon Monoxide Displayed
Lb = Low Battery
Err = Error Condition
Backlight
Model No. 900-0260
4
900-0260 digital display model
Kidde Product View

5
900-0259 non-digital model
Kidde Product View
900-0259

Quick Set Up
NOTE: This CO alarm must be installed by a competent person.
Remove the three enclosed AA batteries and install them into
the battery well. Carefully place the red battery warning ags into
the battery well. Observe the battery polarity markings at the bot-
tom of the battery well. After approximately 30 seconds, your CO
alarm will begin monitoring for CO.
Your Kidde CO Alarm is now operational.
6
IMPORTANT
A small screwdriver or similar tool may be required when open-
ing the battery compartment cover. This should be levered from
the lip at the bottom of the cover.
The cover is designed this way to discourage the removal of
batteries, or tampering, by young children.

DINING KITCHEN BEDROOM BEDROOM
BEDROOMLIVING ROOM
Installation Instructions
Installation Location
When choosing your installation locations, make sure you can hear the
alarm from all sleeping areas. If you install only one carbon monoxide
alarm in your home, install the alarm near bedrooms, not in the celler or
boiler room.
If you have only one alarm, place it near sleeping areas.
Recommended Locations
Upper Levels of the Home
7

Where To Install Your Kidde CO Alarm
The following suggestions are intended to help you with the
placement and installation of your Kidde CO Alarm.
• Place out of the reach of children. Under no circumstance should chil-
dren be allowed to handle or install the CO alarm.
• Install in a bedroom or hallway located close to the sleeping area. Take
special care to verify the alarm can be heard in sleeping areas.
• It is recommended that a CO alarm be installed on each level of a multi-
level home.
• Locate at least [but no closer than] 2 metres away from all fuel burning
appliances.
• Placing at eye level allows for optimum monitoring of the red and green
indicator lights, or, as a guide, 1.5 metres from the oor.
• Ensure that all vents of the unit are unobstructed.
• Do not install in dead air spaces such as peaks of vaulted ceilings, or
gabled roofs.
• Do not install in turbulent air from ceiling fans.
• Do not place near fresh air vents or close to doors and windows that
open to the outside.
• Keep the CO alarm away from excessively dusty, dirty, or greasy areas
such as kitchens, garages and boiler or utility rooms. Dust, grease and
household chemicals can aect the sensor.
• Keep out of damp and humid areas such as the bathroom. Avoid spray-
ing aerosols near the CO alarm.
• Do not install in areas where the temperature is below 40˚F (4.4˚C) or
hotter than 100˚F (37.8˚C).
• Do not place behind curtains or furniture. CO must be able to reach the
sensor for the unit to accurately detect carbon monoxide. NEVER place
the CO alarm at on a table top or similar surface.
• Be aware that certain conditions can result in transient CO situations,
such as:
1) Excessive spillage or reverse venting o uel 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).
Installation Instructions
8

ii) negative pressure dierential resulting from the use of exhaust fans.
iii) Simultaneous operation of several fuel burning appliances compet-
ing for limited internal air.
iv) Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes dryers, boilers or
water heaters.
v) Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs which can
amplify the above situations.
2) Extended operation of unvented fuel burning devices (cooker, oven, re
place, etc.).
3) Temperature inversions which can trap exhaust near the ground.
4) Car idling in open or closed garage, or near
the home.
Mounting
This CO alarm can be either wall mounted or
placed on a tabletop.
For wall mounting, follow these steps:
1. Mark the location of the two holes
needed on the wall spaced
2-3/8”apart.
2. Insert the two screws provided until the
screw heads are protruding approximately
1/8”from the wall. (If mounting in a
plasterboard or drywall, drill a 3/16”hole
in the wall and use the plastic anchors
provided.)
3. Hook the CO alarm over the screws and
onto the keyholes in the back of the
alarm.
Your CO alarm may also be placed on a
tabletop. Simply fold out the stand located
on the back of the unit and place in a
location that is easily visible. Be sure the
alarm is no more than three feet from the
floor.
Wall Mount
Tabletop Stand
Screw Head Distance
from Wall

Your new Kidde Battery Powered CO Alarm utilizes sophisticated
electronic components to protect you and your family from the
dangers of CO.
Unique features include a digital display capable of displaying CO
concentrations in (PPM) Parts Per Million and the highest levels
of CO detected. Familiarize yourself with these features:
Digital Display Backlight Feature
To help see the displayed reading in the dark, a backlight appears
when the peak level button is pressed.
Digital Display - Shows CO level in PPM
Your Kidde CO alarm continuously displays a digi-
tal readout of the CO level in Parts Per Million
(PPM). The digital display is capable of detecting
and displaying readings between 30 and 999 (PPM).
A reading of 0 PPM is expected under normal conditions
You will become accustomed to glancing at the display in much
the same manner as you look at a thermometer or clock. The
unit will not automatically display a reading below 30 PPM.
However, readings between 11 and 999 PPM will be stored in the
Peak Level Memory.
Other Possible Displays and Their Meanings
The following symbols will appear on the display during normal
or error operations, and are explained below.
Normal Operation
Normal operation with a full battery. The dot in the
lower right corner cycles on and o every 5 sec-
onds. If CO is present the display will indicate the
reading in Parts Per Million (PPM).
Normal Operation following Power-up or Reset
The gure at the right shows the normal display
immediately after installing batteries or after the
test/reset button is pressed. The display will
change to the normal display approximately 30
seconds after pressing the test/reset button.
Features and Operation of Digital Display Model
10

If the test/reset button is pressed, the alarm will sound. The display
will show a number during the time that the alarm is sounding.
This number is a normal part of the test function, and does
not indicate a CO reading.
Peak Level Display
When the peak level button is pressed and held, the display
shows the highest CO reading taken by the CO
alarm since its last peak level reset or power-
up. The backlight will illuminate for several sec-
onds after the peak level button is pressed to
help you see the reading.
Although the peak level feature will display levels below 30 PPM,
these levels will not result in an alarm no matter how long the
device is exposed to these levels.
The peak level feature is helpful in identifying CO occurrences
below 30 PPM. Although the unit will not automatically display
levels below 30 PPM, it will detect and store these readings in
memory. By pressing the peak level button, concentration levels
as low as 11 and up to 999 PPM will be displayed.
Concentrations of CO between 0 and 30 PPM can often occur in
normal, everyday conditions. Concentrations of CO below 30 PPM may
be an indication of a transient condition that may appear today and
never reappear. Just a few examples of conditions and/or sources
that may cause readings blow 30 PPM are heavy automobile traf-
c, starting a vehicle in an attached garage, an appliance that
emits CO when starting up, a re in a replace or charcoal in a nearby
barbecue. A temperature inversion can trap CO generated by trac
and other fuel burning appliances causing readings of CO.
Some CO conditions may start out below 30 PPM but could
develop into CO concentrations that could become harmful. If this
happens, the CO alarm will detect the dangerous level and alarm,
notifying you and others of the conditions. DO NOT ignore high
concentration readings above 30 PPM or a CO alarming device
that is in alarm.
Features and Operation of Digital Display Model
11

Features and Operation of Digital Display Model
12
Resetting the Peak Level Reading
To reset or clear the peak level reading, press and hold the peak
level button and then press and hold the test/reset button at the
same time. The number on the display will return to 0 PPM. CO
concentrations displayed below 30 PPM in memory are for refer-
ence only and the accuracy of the concentration shown may not
be as accurate as noted in the Product Specication section.
Note: The peak level reading will also be reset when the
batteries are removed.
Unit Replacement
Seven years after initial power up, this unit will "chirp" every
30 seconds to indicate that it is time to replace the alarm.
The unit will not detect CO in this condition. Please replace
immediately.
Note: Your Kidde CO Alarm will NOT monitor CO levels while an
error warning is being displayed.
Unit Malfunction
In the rare event that your alarm malfunctions, it
will alert you with a short “chirp” and the red LED
will ash once every 30 seconds. The digital
model will display “Err” as shown.
Low Battery
If the batteries become “low”, the alarm will alert
you with a short “chirp” and the red LED will
ash once every 30 seconds for up to 7 days.
The digital models will display “Lb” as shown

Features and Operation of Digital Display and
Non-digital Display Models
Test/Reset Button
The test/reset button is used to test the unit’s electronics and to
reset the unit during alarm.
Test the unit:
• Test the unit - To test, press and release the test/reset but-
ton, you should hear one short beep - followed by 5 seconds of
silence – followed by a continuous alarm with a corresponding
red LED ash.
Familiarise yourself and family members with the alarm pattern.
Test the unit weekly! If at any time your unit does not perform as
described replace it immediately.
Note: For Digital Display Models
After the test/reset button is pressed, numbers appear on the
display. These are not CO readings and are part of the internal
testing process. Ignore these numbers !
Due to the loudness of the alarm we suggest you place your ngers
over the sounder opening when testing your Kidde CO Al arm.
Reset
If the alarm is sounding, pressing the test/reset button will terminate
the alarm. If the CO condition that caused the alert in the rst
place continues, the alarm will reactivate. Reactivation times
depend on the amount of CO that caused the CO alarm to initially
alarm and the amount of CO present after resetting the alarm .
If this happens follow What To Do If The Alarm Sounds on pages
17-19
WARNING: Tampering with your alarm may cause a malfunction.
Please follow manufacturer’s instructions at all times.
13

Features and Operation of Digital Display and
Non-Digital Display Models
Lights
Red Alarm Indicator Light
If a dangerous level of carbon monox-
ide is detected by your Kidde alarm,
the red alarm LED will ash on and o
continuously and a loud (85decibel)
alarm will sound.
Green Operate Light
The green light ashing every 30 sec-
onds indicates the unit is functioning
properly. The green light will ash
before a CO reading is taken and when
any button is pressed. If the unit
chirps once every 30 seconds, observe the unit for the following:
A chirp every 30 seconds, with a green LED ash followed by a
red LED ash, indicates the batteries are low. Follow the battery
installation/replacement instructions.
A chirp every 30 seconds, with a red ash and no green LED
ash indicates a unit error.
If the unit does not respond, call Kidde on 01753 685148.
Alarm
MOVE TO
FRESH AIR
TEST
RESET
Operate
14

Battery Installation/Replacement
Installation/Replacement
Since batteries are not installed in the unit at the factory, you will need to
install them.
Your Kidde unit will continue to remind you to change the batteries for up
to seven days after low batteries are detected.
WARNING: Your Kidde CO alarm will not be operational and will not moni-
tor for CO levels without the installation of three charged AA batteries.
Your Kidde CO alarm monitors for battery failure such as bad or corroded
connections, sudden battery failure and other causes. If the alarm senses
any form of battery failure, the unit will start chirping an audible alarm
every 30 seconds, the green and red alarm light will ash. The battery
error warning will continue until new batteries are placed in the unit, or
until the remaining batteries become completely exhausted.
Three AA batteries have been included with your purchase. When replac-
ing the batteries, we recommend use of the following battery types:
• Duracell MN or MX1500 • GoldPeak 15A , GoldPower GLR6A • Energizer E91
Under normal operating conditions, the batteries will last a minimum of
one year. These batteries can be purchased at your local retailer.
Note: Constant exposure to high or low humidity may reduce
battery eciency.
Battery Replacement/Installation Instructions
To install or replace the batteries in your Kidde unit please perform
the following steps:
1. Gently lift open the battery cover to
expose the battery compartment.
Note: You will require a small screw
driver or similar tool for this proce-
dure.
2. Remove the old batteries and properly
dispose of them as recommended by
the battery manufacturer.
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM
TEST
RESET
mralAetarepO
MOVETO
FRESHAIR
15

Battery Installation/Replacement
3. Reinstall the new batteries. Be careful to seat the red
battery warning ags in the recess of the battery well.
Also, note the polarity illustration in the bottom of the
battery compartment. If applicable, the unit will chirp and
display for approximately one minute and return to normal
operation.
4. Gently close the cover.The cover of your CO alarm will
NOT close if all three AA batteries are not properly
installed.
16
NOTE: Ensure that you observe the correct battery polarities
required during battery installation. Incorrect battery inser-
tion will make your CO alarm inoperable.

Part Four – What to do When the
Alarm Sounds
!
WARNING: Actuation of your CO
Alarm indicates the presence of Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which can KILL YOU.
When the CO alarm senses a dangerous level of CO, the unit will emit a
loud alarm pattern.
WARNING! - Actuation of this device indi-
cates the presence of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide!
Carbon monoxide can be fatal! If the alarm sounds:
1) Operate the test/reset button;
2a) Call GasEmergencyServices.
2b) If you believe that the
source of carbon monoxide is not a gas appliance, con-
tact either;
Oftec (oil) - 0845 658 5080
HETAS (solid fuel) - 0845 634 5626
3) Immediately move to fresh air outdoors. Do a head count to
check that all persons are accounted for. Do not re-enter the
premises until gas emergency services have arrived, the
premises has 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 qualied Gas Safe
installer to examine and/or turn o your gas/oil red appli-
ances, such as space heater, boiler, water heater, cooker,
oven, clothes dryer, or other sources of combustion, such as
paran burning stove or heater or gas log replace. If your
car is idling in an attached garage turn o the engine.
PHONE NUMBER
0800 111 999
W
H
A
T
T
O
D
O
17

What To Do If The Alarm Sounds
Caution: This CO alarm will only indicate the presence
of CO at the sensor. CO may be present in other areas.
Familiarisation with the eects of each level is important.
The symptoms described in the chart above are related to
carbon monoxide poisoning and should be discussed with
ALL members of the household.
Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal or
cause permanent damage and disabilities.
If you experience any symptoms of carbon monoxide poi-
soning, consult your doctor immediately! CO poisoning can
be determined by a simple blood test called a carboxy-
haemoglobin test. Severe cases may require treatment in a
hyperbaric chamber. Remember, young children and
household pets may be the rst eected.
If you have additional questions please call
Kidde on 01753 685148
18
Common Mild Exposure Symptoms:
Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (“u-like” symptoms).
Common Medium Exposure Symptoms:
Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
Common Extreme Exposure Symptoms:
Convulsions, unconsciousness, heart and lung failure. It can cause
brain damage and 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 rst aected.
Alarm/Danger Levels

Because carbon monoxide is a cumulative poison, long-term expo-
sures to low levels may cause symptoms, as well as short-term
exposures to high levels. This Kidde unit has a time-weighted
alarm - the higher the level of carbon monoxide present, the sooner
the alarm will be triggered.
This CO alarm can only warn you of the presence of CO. It does
not prevent CO from occurring, nor can it solve an existing CO
problem. If your unit has alarmed and you’ve provided ventila-
tion by leaving your windows and doors open, the CO buildup
may have dissipated by the time help responds. Although your
problem may appear to be temporarily solved, it’s crucial that the
source of the CO is determined and that the appropriate repairs
are made.
Gas appliances should be checked for safety once a year by a
Gas Safe registered installer. Details of local installers can be
obtained by ringing Gas Safe 01256 372300
What To Do If The Alarm Sounds
THIS CO ALARM MEETS THE FOLLOWING ALARM TIME / CONCENTRATIONS
REQUIREMENTS:
At 30 PPM, the unit cannot alarm in less than 120 minutes
At 50 PPM, the unit must alarm within 60-90 minutes
At 100 PPM, the unit must alarm within 10-40 minutes
At 300 PPM, the unit must alarm within 3 minutes
WARNING
This product is intended for use in ordinary indoor locations of
family living units. It is not designed to measure compliance with
Occupational Safety and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).
This device is designed to protect individuals from acute eects
of carbon monoxide exposure. It may not fully safeguard individ-
uals with specic medical conditions. If in doubt, consult a med-
ical practitioner. Individuals with medical problems may consider
using warning devices, which provide audible and visual signals for
carbon monoxide concentrations under 30 ppm.
19

Caring for your Kidde Battery Powered
CO Alarm
To keep your CO alarm in good working order, please
follow these simple steps:
•Verify unit alarm, lights and battery operation by pushing
the test button once a week.
•Vacuum the CO alarm cover with a soft brush attachment
once a month to remove accumulated dust.
•Instruct children never to play with the CO alarm. Warn
children of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
•Never use detergents or other solvents to clean the CO alarm.
•Avoid spraying air freshener, hair spray, paint or other
aerosols near the CO alarm.
•Do not paint the CO alarm.Paint will seal the vents and
interfere with the sensor ability to detect CO.
•Do not place near a nappy bucket.
20
Move the CO alarm and place in another location prior to per-
forming any of the following:
•Staining or stripping wood oors or furniture
•Painting
•Wall papering
•Using adhesives
Storing the unit in a plastic bag during the above projects will
protect the sensor from permanent damage.
WARNING: As soon as possible, place the CO alarm back in its
proper location to assure protection from Carbon Monoxide poi-
soning.
Accommodation spaces should be well ventilated when household
cleaning supplies or similar contaminants are used.
The following substances can aect the sensor and may cause false
readings:
Methane, propane, iso-butane, iso-propanol, ethylene, benzene,
toluene, ethyl acetate, hydrogen sulde, sulfur dioxides, alcohol
based products, paints, thinners, solvents, adhesives, hair sprays,
after shaves, perfumes, and some cleaning agents.