Kidde KN-COEG-3 (900-01 13) User manual

Manual P/N 820-1557 Rev. B 01/10 2509-7214-01
ATTENTION: Please take a few minutes to thoroughly read this
user’s guide which should be saved for future reference and
passed on to any subsequent owner.
Carbon Monoxide and
Explosive Gas Alarm
User’s Guide
Model: KN-COEG-3 (900-0113)
• 120V AC • 9V Battery Backup • Peak Level Memory
KN-COEG-3
with Digital Display
SINGLE STATION CARBON MONOXIDE
ALARM ALSO SUITABLE FOR USE AS A
RESIDENTIAL GAS DETECTOR
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Carbon Monoxide Alarm Procedure
1) Operate the Test/Reset button;
2) Call your emergency services (Fire Department or 911);
3) Immediately move to fresh air - outdoors or by an open
door/window. 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 the alarm reactivates within a 24
hour period, repeat steps 1-3 and call a qualified appliance
technician to investigate sources of CO from fuel burning
equipment and appliances, and to inspect for proper operation
of equipment.
If problems are identified during this inspection, have the equip-
ment serviced immediately. Note any combustion equipment not
inspected by the technician and consult the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions, or contact the manufacturer’s directly for more information
about CO safety and the equipment. Make sure that motor vehicles
are not, or have not been, operating in a garage attached or adja-
cent to the residence.
Never restart the source of a CO problem until it has been
corrected. Never ignore the sound of the alarm!
If the alarm is sounding, pressing the test/reset button will
terminate the alarm. If the CO condition that caused the alert
in the first place continues, the alarm will reactivate. If the
unit alarms again within six minutes, it is sensing high levels
of CO which can quickly become a dangerous situation.
WARNING: Activation of the CO
Alarm indicates the presence of Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which can kill you.
PHONE NUMBER:
PHONE NUMBER:
What to do When the Alarm Sounds!
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Gas Alarm Procedure
When the unit senses either natural gas or propane, the display will
show “GAS” and emit a loud alarm pattern. The alarm pattern for gas
is a 1/2 second beep followed by a 1/2 second of silence then repeat-
ing. Know how to respond to a CO or gas emergency.
If the unit alarms for gas:
1) Evacuate the premises;
2) Do not activate any electrical switch or telephone;
3) Contact your fire department.
NOTE: If Gas is present the unit will continue to alarm even if
the “Test/Reset” button is pressed. Unit will stop alarming if
gas is removed.
WARNING: Activation of the Gas
Alarm indicates the presence of an
explosive gas which can cause an
explosion and/or fire.
PHONE NUMBER:
What to do When the Alarm Sounds!
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Welcome
Note: Many times throughout this User’s Guide, we will refer to
Carbon Monoxide as “CO”. The words “Gas” or “Explosive Gas”
will refer to Natural Gas or Propane.
This Kidde carbon monoxide (CO) and gas alarm is an important part of
your family’s home safety plan. This alarm has been designed and tested
to detect CO and gas buildup in a residential environment. Your alarm is
for use specifically in the home. As an owner of a CO and gas alarm,
there are some basic facts you should know about for your protection.
Many people think that CO and gas alarms operate like smoke alarms.
Like smoke alarms, CO and gas alarms monitor the air in your home and
sound a loud alarm to warn you of trouble. The way you respond to a
CO and gas alarm is quite different than a smoke alarm. That’s because
a house fire and a CO or gas problem are distinctly different situations. If
your smoke alarm were to alarm, you would quickly be able to judge the
level of danger you were in with your senses. You can see and smell the
smoke, feel the heat, see, and possibly hear the fire burning. You can
also readily see if your smoke alarm is alarming in a non-emergency situ-
ation. Because your sense of sight, smell, hearing and touch give you
information, you can almost instantly judge what action to take if you
hear your smoke alarm.
CO is an invisible, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating gas – completely
undetectable to your senses. That’s why it is important to your safety
that you have a CO alarm.
Note: Refer to Section 1 for information about natural gas and propane.
Important Warning Statements
IMPORTANT: This carbon monoxide and gas alarm is designed to
detect carbon monoxide from ANY source of combustion. This
alarm will also detect the presence of natural gas or propane. It is
NOT designed to detect smoke or fire.
WARNING: Carbon monoxide alarms are not smoke alarms. This
carbon monoxide alarm is not a substitute for installing and
maintaining an appropriate number of smoke alarms in your
home.
This carbon monoxide and gas alarm will not sense smoke or fire,
even though carbon monoxide can be generated by fire. 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.
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Important Warning Statements
CAUTION: This alarm will only indicate the presence of carbon
monoxide, natural gas or propane at the sensor. Carbon monox-
ide, natural gas or propane may be present in other areas.
WARNING: This product is intended for use in ordinary indoor
locations of family living units. It is not designed to measure com-
pliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA), commercial or industrial standards. It is not suitable for
installation in hazardous locations as defined in the National
Electric Code.
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 sys-
tems. It does not prevent CO or gas from occurring, nor can it
solve and existing CO or gas problem.
WARNING: This device is designed to protect individuals from
acute effects of carbon monoxide exposure. It may not fully safe-
guard individuals with specific medical conditions. If in doubt,
consult a medical practitioner.
Individuals with medical problems may consider using warning
devices which provide audible and visual signals for carbon
monoxide concentrations under 30 PPM.
This carbon monoxide and gas alarm requires a continuous supply
of electrical power – it will not work without power. Models
without battery backup will not operate during power failure.
The alarm will detect carbon monoxide primarily and explosive
gas secondarily. CO events will take presidence over explosive
gas events.
This alarm has not been investigated for carbon monoxide detec-
tion below 70 PPM.
Contents of This User’s Guide
1. Information About Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas
2. Product Features and Specifications
3. Installation Locations
4. Installation Instructions
5. Alarm Characteristics
6. KN-COEG-3 Operating Characteristics
7. Maintenance
8. Limited Warranty
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General Carbon Monoxide Information
CO is a colorless, odorless and tasteless poison gas that can be fatal
when inhaled. CO inhibits the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen.
Periodically review this alarm manual and discuss your CO alarm emer-
gency procedure with all the members of your family. Never ignore a CO
alarm. A true alarm is an indication of potentially dangerous levels of
CO. CO alarms are designed to alert you to the presence of CO before
an emergency – before most people would experience symptoms of CO
poisoning, giving you time to resolve the problem calmly.
Determine if anyone in the household is experiencing symptoms of CO
poisoning. Many cases of reported CO 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. You should take extra precautions to protect high-risk persons
from CO exposure because they may experience ill effects from CO at
levels that would not ordinarily affect a healthy adult.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
The following common symptoms are related to CO 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.
If you experience even mild symptoms of CO poisoning, consult your
doctor immediately!
Carbon Monoxide PPM Levels
Model KN-COEG-3 is equipped with a digital display that shows levels of
CO (displayed in PPM – parts per million). Learn the difference between
dangerous, high, mid and low levels.
Dangerous Levels:
When someone is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning and CO
readings are generally above 100 PPM. Anytime someone is experiencing
the symptoms of CO poisoning this should be treated as an emergency.
1. Information About Carbon Monoxide
and Explosive Gas
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See “What to do When the Alarm Sounds” (inside front cover).
High Levels:
Generally above 100 PPM, with no one experiencing symptoms. This
should be treated as an urgent situation. See “What to do When the
Alarm Sounds” (inside front cover).
Mid Levels:
Generally between 50 PPM to 100 PPM. This should be cause for
concern and should not be ignored or dismissed. See “What to do
When the Alarm Sounds” (inside front cover).
Low Levels:
Generally below 50 PPM. Kidde recommends you take action to
eliminate the source of CO. See “What to do When the Alarm Sounds”
(inside front cover).
Possible Sources of Carbon Monoxide
Inside your home, appliances used for heating and cooking are the most
likely sources of CO. Vehicles running in attached garages can also
produce dangerous levels of CO.
CO can be produced when burning any fossil fuel, such as gasoline,
propane, natural gas, oil and wood. It can be produced by any fuel-
burning appliance that is malfunctioning, improperly installed, or not
ventilated correctly, such as:
• Automobiles, furnaces, gas ranges/stoves, gas clothes dryers, water
heaters, portable fuel burning space heaters and generators,
fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and certain swimming pool heaters.
• Blocked chimneys or flues, back drafts and changes in air pressure,
corroded or disconnected vent pipes, loose or cracked furnace
exchangers.
• Vehicles and other combustion engines running in an open or closed
garage, attached or near a home.
• Burning charcoal or fuel in grills and hibachis in an enclosed area.
Conditions That Can Produce Carbon Monoxide
The following conditions can result in transient CO situations:
• Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel-burning appliances caused
by outdoor ambient conditions, such as, wind direction and/or veloci-
ty, including high gusts of wind, heavy air in the vent pipes
(cold/humid air with extended periods between cycles).
1. Information About Carbon Monoxide
and Explosive Gas
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• Negative pressure resulting from the use of exhaust fans.
• Simultaneous operation of several fuel-burning appliances competing
for limited internal air.
• Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes dryers, furnaces, or
water heaters.
• Obstructions in, or unconventional, vent pipe designs which can
amplify the above situations.
• Extended operation of unvented fuel-burning devices (range, oven,
fireplace, etc.).
• Temperature inversions which can trap exhaust gases near the ground.
• Vehicle idling in an open or closed garage, or near a home.
To be safe, know the possible sources of CO in your home. Keep fuel-
burning appliances and their chimneys and vents in good working condi-
tion. Learn the early symptoms of exposure, and if you suspect CO poi-
soning, move outside to fresh air and get emergency help. Your first line
of defense is an annual inspection and regular maintenance of your
appliances. Contact a licensed contractor or call your local utility compa-
ny for assistance.
Information About Carbon Monoxide Alarms –
What They Can and Cannot Do:
CO alarms provide early warning of the presence of CO, usually before a
healthy adult would experience symptoms. This early warning is possible,
however, only if your CO alarm is located, installed and maintained as
described in this guide.
Because carbon monoxide is a cumulative poison, long-term exposures
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 CO 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 ventilation 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.
1. Information About Carbon Monoxide
and Explosive Gas
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This CO alarm is designed to act as a monitor; it is not designed for use
as a short-term testing device to perform a quick check for the presence
of CO.
CO alarms have limitations. Like any other electronic device, CO alarms
are not fool-proof. CO alarms have a limited operational life. You must
test your CO alarm weekly, because it could fail to operate at any time.
If your CO alarm fails to test properly, or if its self-diagnostic test reveals
a malfunction, immediately have the unit replaced. This alarm will not
monitor CO levels while in an error condition.
CO alarms can only sense CO that reaches the unit’s sensor. It’s possible
that CO may be present in other areas without reaching the alarm. The
rate and ability that which CO reaches the alarm may be affected by:
• Doors or other obstructions.
• Fresh air from a vent, an open window or other source.
• CO being present on one level of the home and not reach a CO alarm
installed on a different level. (For example, CO in the basement may
not reach an alarm on the second level, near the bedrooms).
For these reasons, we recommend you provide complete coverage by
placing a CO alarm on every level of the home. Please carefully read all
information on properly installing this CO alarm.
CO alarms should not be used to detect the presence of natural gas
(methane), propane, butane, or other combustible fuels.
Instruct children never to touch, unplug or otherwise interfere with the
alarm. Warn children of the dangers of CO poisoning.
General Information About Explosive Gas:
Natural Gas is typically supplied through a main utility line connected to
your home. If you do not live in a rural area you are likely to be a user of
natural gas. Natural gas is much lighter than air and will rise rapidly. If
you are a user of natural gas, mount your CO and Gas alarm 12 inches
away from the ceiling to ensure the earliest opportunity to detect a leak.
Propane is typically supplied to homes via delivery truck in liquid form
and stored near the home in propane tanks. Propane and LP-gas (lique-
fied petroleum) are often used synonymously. Propane is much heavier
than air and will collect at lower levels. If you are a user of propane,
mount your CO and Gas alarm near the floor to ensure the earliest
opportunity to detect a leak.
1. Information About Carbon Monoxide
and Explosive Gas
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2. Product Features and Specifications
Blinking
Red Dot
Digital
Display
Carbon
Monoxide
ALARM
Explosive
Gas
ALARM
Test/Reset
Button Peak Level
Button
Back
Door
Key
Holes
Slide Support for Table Top
and Direct Plug Use
Adapter
Thumb Release
Removable
AC Adapter
Cord
Recess
Power
Cord
Sounder
Alarm
9V Backup
Battery
(shown installed)
Install Backup
Battery
(as shown)
Model KN-COEG-3
with digital display
Both propane and natural gas are colorless and odorless. For safety rea-
sons, an odorant (Mercaptan) is added so that any leak can be detected
by smell. The common detection threshold for smelling the gases is
around 20% of the lower explosion limit (LEL). This can vary greatly
depending on the individuals’ sense of smell and how long they have
been exposed to either gas. The LEL of each of these gases defines the
bottom range of flammability for the gas. Your CO and Gas alarm is cali-
brated to alarm before 25% of the LEL of either gas detected. Therefore,
it is possible that you may smell gas before the alarm activates.
1. Information About Carbon Monoxide
and Explosive Gas
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