Kidde KN-COPP-3-UK User manual

AC Powered with Battery Backup
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
User’s Guide
with Peak Level Memory, and Battery Backup
Model: KN-COPP-3-UK(900 0191)
Please have the followinginformation
ready when calling:
Alarm Model number (located on front of alarm):
Alarm Assembly number (located on back of alarm):
Date of Manufacture (located on the back of the alarm):
Date of Purchase:
Where Purchased:
For questions concerning your Alarm, please
call Kidde Safety Europe on 01753 685148
Attention: Please take a few minutes to thoroughly read this manual, which should be saved for future
reference and passed on to any subsequent owner. If you have any questions about the operation or instal-
lation of your alarm, please call
Kidde Safety Europe on 01753 685148
KM 98848
EN50291:2001
Includes a
9 Volt Battery
820-1134 REV. A
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Quick Set Up Guide
Introduction
• Carbon Monoxide
Features
• Your CO alarm
• What CO alarms can and cannot do
Installation
• Where to install your alarm
• Where not to install your alarm
• How to install your alarm
Normal Operation
• Normal operating characteristics
• How to test the electronics
• How to know if your alarm is malfunctioning
• How to care for your alarm
What You Should Know Before the Alarm Sounds
• The effects of CO exposure
• Your family can be at risk for CO poisoning
• Where CO comes from
• What you can do to protect your family
• Home safety tips
• Determine if anyone in the household is at high risk for CO poisoning
The Effects of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
• Understand the effects of carbon monoxide exposure
What to Do When the Unit Alarms
• How to respond to the alarm
• Who you should call if you suspect you have CO in your home
• Sometimes it is difficult to find the source of CO
Technical Information
• Product Specifications
• How the unit determines when to alarm
Warranty
• 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.
Table of Contents
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1
IMPORTANT
THIS CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM IS DESIGNED TO
DETECT CARBON MONOXIDE GAS FROM ANY SOURCE
OF IMPROPER OR MALFUNCTIONING APPLIANCES. IT
WILL NOT SENSE SMOKE, FIRE, OR ANY POISONOUS
GAS OTHER THAN CARBON MONOXIDE. FOR THIS REA-
SON 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 UNIT IS NOT A SMOKE ALARM. IT WILL NOT SENSE
SMOKE OR FIRE. IT IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR
INSTALLING AND MAINTAINING AN APPROPRIATE NUM-
BER OF SMOKE ALARMS IN YOUR HOME. FOR EARLY
WARNING OF FIRE, YOU MUST INSTALL SMOKE ALARMS
EVEN THOUGH CARBON MONOXIDE CAN BE GENERAT-
ED BY FIRE.
THIS PRODUCT IS INTENDED FOR USE IN ORDINARY
INDOOR RESIDENTIAL AREAS. IT IS NOT DESIGNED TO
MEASURE COMPLIANCE WITH COMMERCIAL AND INDUS-
TRIAL STANDARDS.
THE INSTALLATION OF THIS DEVICE SHOULD NOT BE
USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROPER INSTALLATION,
USE AND MAINTENANCE OF FUEL-BURNING APPLI-
ANCES, INCLUDING APPROPRIATE VENTILATION AND
EXHAUST SYSTEMS.
INDIVIDUALS WITH MEDICAL PROBLEMS MAY CONSIDER
USING WARNING DEVICES WHICH PROVIDE AUDIBLE AND
VISUAL SIGNALS FOR CARBON MONOXIDE CONCENTRA-
TIONS UNDER 30 PPM.
THIS ALARM WILL NOT WORK WITHOUT POWER. THIS
ALARM REQUIRES A CONTINUOUS SUPPLY OF POWER.
DURING A POWER OUTAGE, UNIT WILL OPERATE FOR AT
LEAST 20 HOURS ON A 9 VOLT BATTERY WITH FULL
CAPACITY.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR MALFUNCTION MAY OCCUR IF
TAMPERED WITH, OR NOT INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS.
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2
Quick Set Up Guide
Listed below are five easy steps for setting up your Kidde CO Alarm. Please read
this entire guide for complete information.
Note: This CO alarm must be installed by a competent person.
Step 1 - Determine the best location for your CO alarm(s). Refer to
Installation, Where to Install Your Alarm for complete information.
Step 2 - Install the 9 volt backup battery. To install the battery, open the back
cover and snap the battery connector onto the battery. You will hear the alarm
sound briefly to indicate the unit is receiving power. At power up, you will see the
the green power LED flash every 15 seconds until the unit is plugged into the
mains socket after which the power light will light continuously. It may take up to
30 seconds before remaining on continuously. Approximately 20 seconds the unit
receives power it will start sampling for CO. See “Normal Operating
Characteristics” for complete information on operating characteristics.
Place the battery into the battery compartment and replace the back cover.
Step 3 - Determine how you want to mount the alarm. Your CO alarm is
equipped to be mounted as a corded, a direct plug, or a table top unit. Refer to
Installation, How to Install your Alarm for complete instructions about how to
configure your alarm for installation.
Step 4 - Install the alarm. Plug the alarm into a standard un-switched 230 volt
AC electrical outlet in one of the alarm configurations listed in step 3. Wait 2 to 3
minutes after power up and make sure the power light is on.
Step 5 -Test the unit’s operation by pressing and releasing the Test/Reset
button. The unit will beep once to acknowledge the button was pressed. After a
short pause the unit will produce a quick beeping pattern for 8 seconds
While testing the alarm, have someone else check that the alarm can be heard
easily from the sleeping areas. The unit should be located where it can wake you
if it alarms at night.
Your alarm is now monitoring for the presence of CO gas.
For complete testing information, refer to How to Test Your CO Alarm” section.
Caution: Continuous exposure to the loud 85 decibel alarm at close range over
an extended period of time may cause hearing loss. We recommend that you
cover the front of the unit while testing the alarm with the palm of your hand.
We urge you to read this entire manual in the sequence it is presented.
IMPORTANT!
A small screwdriver or similar tool may be required to remove the back cover. The back
cover should be levered up from the centre recess at the bottom of the alarm. The cover is
designed this way to discourage the removal of batteries, or tampering, by young children.
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This Kidde Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm is an important part of your family’s
home safety plan. As a new owner of a CO alarm, here are some basic facts
you should know for your protection and convenience
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is invisible, odourless, tasteless, nonirritating, poisonous
gas that is completely undetectable to your senses. It is created when any fuel
is burned. When oxygen is limited during combustion, more CO is produced.
Serious problems can develop when combustion by-products are not properly
vented outside the house. That’s why it’s so important to your safety that
you have a CO alarm.
Please take the time to read this guide to familiarize yourself with the facts
about CO. Know how your new unit works, and what to do if it alarms. Find a
handy place to keep the guide so it will be readily available when you have a
question.
Thank you for making Kidde a part of your complete home safety program.
With proper installation and use, your new Kidde CO Alarm should provide
you with years of dependable service.
3
Features
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4
Features
Test/Reset
Button
Front view
Peak Level
Button
Rear view
Removable
Adapter
Back Door
Key Holes
Rear view with back door removed
Power
Cord
Adapter
Cord Strain
Relief
Battery
Connector
9 volt
Backup
Battery
Fault
Power
Alarm
Cord
Recess
Your CO Alarm
This Kidde alarm is the only CO alarm that gives you the choice of a
direct-plug unit, a wall mount unit, or tabletop unit all in one.
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Features
5
Kidde CO Alarm Unique Features
Test/Reset Button
This button has two functions. First, this is the button you press when
you test the unit weekly (see “How to test your CO alarm” section). It’s
also used when resetting the peak level memory.
Peak Level Button
If the CO sensor has detected a CO level of 50 PPM or higher, pressing
the Peak level button will produce 8 beeps to inform you of a CO inci-
dent. The memory must be cleared after each incident, see “The Peak
Level Memory Button” section for details
Sensors
The CO sensor is a highly sensitive, electrochemical sensor that is CO
specific to help avoid false alarms.
Sounder Alarm
This is the loud 85 decibel pulsing alarm that will sound to alert you to a
potential problem.
Pullout Transformer/Adapter
This unique Kidde alarm feature enables the alarm to be used as a
direct plug unit, a wall mounted unit or a tabletop unit.
9 Volt Backup Battery
This CO alarm is not battery operated. The 9 volt battery is to supply a
short-term backup power during a power cut. In the event of a power cut,
a fully charged 9 volt battery will continue operating the alarm for at least
20 hours.
When installing a fresh battery, use either an Energizer 522, Duracell MX1604
or MN1604, or for extended battery life an Ultralife lithium power cell model
U9VL. Any of these batteries can usually be purchased where you bought the
alarm or at your local hardware store.
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Features
6
What Carbon Monoxide Alarms Can and Cannot Do
This unit is designed to sense certain levels of CO from malfunctioning
furnaces, appliances, gas engines or other sources. This unit will pro-
vide early warning of the presence of carbon monoxide, usually before
a healthy adult would experience symptoms.
This early warning is possible only if your Kidde CO Alarm is located,
installed and maintained as described in this user’s guide.
This unit is designed to act as a continuous 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 a limited operational life. You must test your alarm
weekly, because it could fail to operate at any time. If it does fail to test
properly, or if its self-diagnostic test reveals a malfunction, immediately
have the unit replaced. See the back page for warranty information.
CO alarms can only sense CO that reaches the unit’s sensor. CO may
be present in other areas without reaching the alarm. Doors or other
obstructions may affect the rate at which CO reaches the unit. In addi-
tion, fresh air from a vent or open window or any other source may pre-
vent CO from reaching the sensor. Please observe cautions in the
“Where to install your alarm” section.
CO could be present on one level of the home and not reach the 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 this rea-
son, we recommend you provide complete coverage by placing a CO
alarm on every level of the home.
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 a fire can
generate carbon monoxide.
CO alarms are not a substitute for property, disability, life or other insur-
ance of any kind. Appropriate insurance coverage is your responsibility.
Consult your insurance company.
Where to Install Your CO Alarm
WHEN CHOOSING YOUR INSTALLATION LOCATIONS, MAKE SURE
YOU CAN HEAR THE ALARM FROM ALL SLEEPING AREAS.
DINING KITCHEN BEDROOM BEDROOM
BEDROOMLIVING ROOM
RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS
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Installation
7
Mounting Configuration
LOCATION
Your Kidde CO Alarm should be mounted in or near bedrooms and liv-
ing areas or wherever you suspect a CO exposure to be likely. It is rec-
ommended that you install a Kidde CO Alarm on each level of a multi-
level home.
CAUTION: This alarm will only indicate the presence of CO at the sen-
sor. Carbon monoxide may be present in other areas.
IMPORTANT: Improper location can affect the sensitive electronic com-
ponents in this alarm. Please see the next section describing where
NOT to install this alarm.
Where Not to Install Your CO Alarm
To avoid causing damage to the unit, to provide optimum protection,
and to prevent unnecessary alarms, follow the directions below where
NOT to install this alarm:
It is not recommended that you install this CO alarm in garages or
kitchens. Installation in these areas could lead to nuisance alarms, may
expose the sensor to substances that could damage or contaminate it,
or the alarm may not be heard by persons in other areas of the home,
especially if they are sleeping.
In the garage, vehicle exhaust can contain some CO. These levels are
higher when the engine is first started. Within hours of starting a vehicle
and backing it out of the garage, the level of remaining CO present can
activate the alarm and cause a nuisance alarm.
In the kitchen, some gas appliances can emit a short burst of CO upon
start-up. This is normal. If your CO alarm is mounted too close to these
appliances, it may alarm often and become a nuisance.
If you must install a Kidde CO Alarm near a cooking or heating appli-
ance, install AT LEAST 1.8 metres (7 feet) away from the appliance.
Do not install the alarm in excessively dusty, dirty or greasy areas such
as boiler rooms. Dust, grease, or household chemicals can contaminate
or coat the alarm’s sensors, causing the alarm not to operate properly.
Do not install within 1.8 meters (7 feet ) of a steam/moisture source,
e.g., bathroom or kitchen sink.
Do not obstruct the vents on the alarm. Place the alarm where drapes,
furniture or other objects do not block the flow of air to the vents.
Do not install in dead air spaces, such as peaks of vaulted ceilings, a
gabled roof or within 15.2 cm (6”) of ceiling, where CO may not reach
the sensor in time to provide early warning.
Do not install in turbulent air from ceiling fans. Do not install near doors
and windows that open to the outside, near fresh air vents, or anywhere
that is drafty. Rapid air circulation from fans or fresh air from outside
may cause the sensors to display an inaccurate reading.
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Do not install this alarm to a switch- or dimmer-controlled outlet if pos-
sible
Do not install in areas where the temperature is colder than 4.4°C
(40°F) or hotter than 37.8°C (100°F). These areas include uncondi-
tioned crawl spaces, attics, porches and garages. Extreme tempera-
tures will affect the sensitivity of the alarm.
Do not install this unit near deep cell large batteries. Large batteries
have emissions that can cause the alarm to perform at less than opti-
mum performance.
Avoid the following:
• Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel burning appliances
caused by outdoor ambient conditions, such as:
1) Wind direction and/or velocity, including high gusts of wind.
Heavy air in the vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods
between cycles).
2) Negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust
fans.
3) Simultaneous operation of several fuel burning appliances com-
peting for limited internal air.
4) Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from a clothes drier, fur-
nace or water heater.
5) 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 that can trap exhaust gasses near the
ground.
• Car idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near a home.
How to Install Your CO Alarm
Your Kidde CO Alarm with its removable adapter allows you to install
the alarm as a wall mounted unit, a direct plug unit, or as a table top
unit.
Refer to Where to Install Your CO Alarm for general guidelines.
Direct Plug Alarm
In its “as shipped” configuration, your Kidde CO Alarm is ready to be
plugged directly into a wall-mains socket.
To install:
1.) Choose a standard unswitched 230V electrical outlet to plug the
alarm into.
2.) Plug the alarm in.
Note: Do not cover the alarm with a curtain or other obstruction.
Installation
8
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Wall Mounted Alarm
For a wall-mount, you will need to pull out the removable adapter and
power cord. This simple process is described on the following pages.
Installation tips for power cord models:
The power cord option provides more flexibility in mounting locations
and allows the alarm to be easily installed at eye level.
Note: If you mount the alarm high on a wall, make sure it is at least
15.2 cm (6") from the ceiling. Any higher than this, it will be in “dead air
space” and CO may not reach the sensors.
To remove the adapter and install:
1. With the bottom of the unit facing you
(adapter at top), use a small screw-
driver or similar tool to pry the back
cover up to release it.
2. Remove the back cover.
3. Next, place your thumb on the adapter
thumb release and pull the adapter
thumb release out slightly. Pull the
adapter out of the alarm with your other hand.
4. With the adapter removed, pull the power cord out of the cord
recess, remove the twist tie, and extend the power cord.
5. With the power cord extended, tuck the last few inches of the power
cord into the cord recess (See the illustration on page 4). Gently
pull the cord at the bottom of the cord recess until the cord
becomes taught and lays flat in cord recess.
6. Using the back cover, mark the location for the two mounting holes
on the wall.
7. If you are mounting the alarm in plaster board or
drywall, drill a 4.8 mm (3/16") hole into the wall
and insert the plastic anchors provided. Install the
two screws provided into the wall or wall anchors
until the screw head is approximately 3 mm (1/8")
from the wall.
8. Hook the keyhole in the back cover over the
screw head before or after replacing the back cover on the unit.
9. Plug the adapter into an unswitched wall socket.
Table Top Alarm
You can also use your Kidde CO Alarm as a table top unit. Simply fol-
low the steps for removing adapter, then instead of mounting the alarm
to a wall, replace the back cover and stand the unit on a table, bed-
side stand, or chest of drawers.
Installation
9
Adapter Release
WALL
1/8"
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Normal Operating Characteristics
When you first power up the unit, the alarm will sound briefly to let you
know the unit is receiving power and that the alarm circuit is function-
ing.
You should see the green power light blink every 15 seconds when the
unit is on battery only power and on continuously when powered by
AC.
Within 20 seconds, your CO alarm will start monitoring for CO and will
continue to do so as long as it receives power.
When the alarm is unplugged or loses power and you have a good 9
volt battery installed, the alarm will automatically switch to its battery
backup mode and you will notice the following:
• The green power light will switch from being lit continuously to blink
every 15 seconds.
• If CO is detected while on battery backup, the alarm will produce a
pattern is continuous quick beeps for as long as the CO is present
or until the battery is depleted.
Note: When AC power is restored, the alarm will automatically switch
back to normal operating mode.
Low Battery Warning
If the 9 volt battery is missing, or if the battery’s power is low, the alarm
will beep as well as the red and yellow lights blinking once every 15
seconds. If this happens, you need to replace the battery.
When you have a low battery installed, you will notice the following:
• Red light blinks in unison with the alarm beeping every 15 seconds.
• The yellow light will blink once every 15 seconds.
When battery is depleted and the unit is not receiving AC mains power:
• Red light blinks in unison with the alarm beeping every 30-45 sec-
onds.
• The yellow light will flash approximately every 30-45 seconds.
• The green power light will not blink.
• Pressing the test button will not elicit any response.
The alarm will not detect CO if the battery is depleted. Replace the bat-
tery and plug the unit back into the AC outlet.
Constant exposures to high or low humidity may reduce battery life.
We recommend you replace your 9 volt battery at least every six
months.
Normal Operation
10
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How to Test Your CO Alarm
You should test the alarm once a week, following the directions listed
below. If at any time you test the alarm and it does not perform as
described, have it replaced immediately.
Turn to “How to know if your alarm is malfunctioning” section for a
description of the characteristics of a malfunctioning alarm and what
you should do if a malfunction occurs.
Observe the alarm weekly to make sure the green power light is lit con-
tinuously indicating normal operation.
If the green light is not on or the unit does not respond to pressing the
Test button, unplug the alarm for three minutes, and then plug it in
again. This will clear the alarm for restart. If the unit still does not
respond, your alarm may be malfunctioning.
To test the alarm, press the Test/Reset button. If the unit is operating
properly, you should notice the following:
The unit will beep and the yellow LED will flash acknowledging the but-
ton was pressed and the self test has started. After a short pause, you
should then hear 8 seconds of quick beeps. It will then return to moni-
toring for CO.
Familiarize yourself and household members with the alarm pattern
described above a CO event.
While on AC power, in the event of a CO incident, the alarm pattern will
continue to repeat as long as CO is present.
NOTE: Pressing the Test/Reset button tests the functions of the alarm’s
internal components, circuitry and micro-computer.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO PRESS THE TEST BUTTON TO TAKE A CO
READING.
CO readings are taken every 15 seconds automatically.
How to Know If Your Alarm is Malfunctioning
Your alarm performs an internal self-diagnosis every 15 seconds to
make sure that it is functioning properly. The alarm is designed to alert
you in the unusual event of a malfunction.
If the alarm malfunctions
In the rare event that your alarm malfunctions, it will alert you with one
of these signal groups (depending upon the type of malfunction that
occurs):
Malfunction Signal Group 1 - Component Failure
– An intermittent “chirping” alarm will sound every 30 seconds.
– The yellow LED will light continuously, and
– The unit does not respond to pressing the Test button.
Normal Operation
11
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Normal Operation
12
OR,
Malfunction Signal Group 2 - Microprocessor Failure
– The alarm will sound continuously,
– The yellow LED will light continuously
– The alarm cannot be shut off by pushing “Test/Reset” button, and,
– The unit is receiving sufficient power from the 230 volt outlet or
fresh battery.
Unplug the alarm immediately and return for warranty exchange (see
“Warranty” on back page).
What to do if you’re not sure...
PLEASE familiarize yourself with the malfunction alert, Do not confuse
these signals with an alarm. After reading the information above, if you
are still unsure whether your alarm is operating properly, call the Kidde
Freephone Customer Hotline at 0800 917 0722 to do a quick diagnostic
check of the alarm over the phone. The customer service representa-
tive will be able to assist you and answer your questions.
If your alarm sounder is beeping, and you are not sure if it is a CO
alarm or a malfunction alert, reset the alarm, open windows for ventila-
tion and evacuate the premises immediately. Then call the Kidde
Freephone Customer Hotline at 0800 917 0722 for assistance.
Never ignore an alarm. A true alarm is an indication of potentially dan-
gerous levels of CO.
How to Care for Your Alarm
To keep your alarm in good working order, you must follow these simple
steps:
• Test the alarm once a week by pressing the Test/Reset button.
• Vacuum the alarm cover once a month to remove accumulated dust.
Unplug the alarm from the electrical outlet and use the soft brush
attachment of your vacuum cleaner.
• Instruct children never to touch, unplug, or otherwise interfere with the
alarm.
• Never use detergents or solvents to clean the alarm. Chemicals can
permanently damage or temporarily contaminate the sensor.
• Avoid spraying air freshener, hair spray, paint or other aerosols near
the alarm.
• Do not paint the alarm. Paint will seal the vents and interfere with
proper sensor operation.
• Do not mount the alarm directly above or near a nappy pail.
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Note: If you will be staining or stripping wood floors or furniture, paint-
ing, wall-papering, or using aerosols or adhesives for a do-it-yourself
project or hobby, before you begin:
Remove the alarm to a remote location to prevent possible damage to
or contamination of the sensor. You may wish to unplug the alarm and
store in a plastic bag during the project.
The following is a list of substances that at high levels can affect the
sensor and cause an alarm.
Methane, propane, iso-butane, ethylene, ethanol, alcohol, carbon
monoxide, iso-propanol, benzene, toluene, ethyl acetate, hydrogen,
hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxides.
Most aerosol sprays, alcohol based products, fresh paint, thinner, sol-
vent, adhesive, hair spray, aftershave, perfume, auto exhaust (cold
start) and some cleaning agents.
The Peak Level Memory Button
This feature alerts you to possible CO events in your absence. If the
CO sensor has detected a CO level of 50 PPM or higher since it was
last reset, it will be recorded by the Peak Level Memory function. To
access the Peak Level Memory press the Peak button. If a reading of
50 PPM or higher has been recorded, the unit will beep 8 times. If
you’ve been away from home this feature allows you to check if there
was a CO incident during your absence. Push and hold the Peak but-
ton while pressing the Test button to reset the memory. It is also reset
when the power is removed.
Once the source is located, correcting the problem may be as easy as
opening a window, venting an appliance, backing a car out of the
garage a safe distance from living quarters, closing the garage door,
and letting the car warm up outside. It could be possible that a weather
condition caused the reading and the condition may or may not happen
again. DO NOT ignore an alarm. Refer to “Part 4- What to Do When
the Alarm Sounds for Carbon Monoxide” for more details.
To Reset the Peak Level Memory…
Step 1. Press and hold the peak level button.
Step 2. With the peak level button still pressed, press the test/reset but-
ton for two seconds and release.
The memory has now been cleared and the alarm will return to moni-
toring for CO within a few minutes.
Normal Operation
13
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The Effects of CO Exposure
When you breathe carbon monoxide, it enters your bloodstream
through your lungs and attaches to red blood cells. These red blood
cells, called haemoglobin, carry oxygen throughout your body. CO mol-
ecules attach to the red blood cells 200 times faster than oxygen, pre-
venting the flow of oxygen to your heart, brain and vital organs. As CO
accumulates in your bloodstream, your body becomes starved for oxy-
gen. The amount of CO in a person’s body can be measured by a sim-
ple blood test, called a “carboxyhaemoglobin level” test .
The early symptoms of CO poisoning are often mistaken for the flu –
headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and
confusion. Breathing very high concentrations of CO can be lethal in
minutes.
Your Family at Risk for CO Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths. While
anyone is susceptible, experts agree that unborn babies, small chil-
dren, senior citizens and people with heart or respiratory problems are
especially vulnerable to CO and are at the greatest risk for death or
serious injury.
Where CO Comes From
Inside your home, fuel burning appliances used for heating and cooking
are the most likely sources of CO. Vehicles running in attached
garages can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
A by-product of combustion, CO can be a potential problem from a
number of common sources such as – a running automobile, a furnace
or water heater leak or misuse of a fireplace, wood stove, charcoal grill,
a gas range and space heater leak or misuse, and running portable
generators where exhaust can enter the home.
When appliances are in good working condition and with proper ventila-
tion, lethal CO gas is vented outdoors where it quickly disperses. Even
the slightest malfunction or misuse of any of the above sources can
lead to a build-up of CO in your home that can become deadly before
you even know it’s there.
You don’t have to have ancient appliances to have a CO problem.
14
What You Should Know Before the Alarm Sounds
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Today’s more energy-efficient, airtight home designs can trap CO pol-
luted air inside where it can quickly build to lethal levels.
What You Can do to Protect Your Family
To be safe, know the possible sources of CO in your home. Keep fuel-
burning appliances, their chimneys, and vents in good working condi-
tion. Learn the early symptoms of CO exposure. If you suspect CO
poisoning, move outside to fresh air and get emergency help. A blood
test can confirm that CO has caused the symptoms of CO poisoning.
Your first line of defence is an annual inspection and regular mainte-
nance of your appliances. Contact a qualified Corgi installer or
Transco (British Gas) for assistance.
Remember, problems can begin after an inspection has been complet-
ed. CO can come from sources such as a crack in a furnace heat
exchanger, or a leak in a water heater vent or a bird’s nest blocking a
flue. Other sources of CO are nearly impossible to detect; even a
change in the air pressure outside can turn a normally safe situation
deadly. That’s why you need the 24-hour protection provided by a CO
alarm.
Home Safety Tips
What You Can Do...
• Buy only appliances approved by a nationally recognized testing
laboratory.
• Choose fuel-burning appliances that can be vented to the outdoors.
• Make sure appliances are installed according to manufacturer’s
instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be
installed by professionals and should be inspected by the proper
authority after installation.
• Have the heating system, vents, chimney and flue inspected and
cleaned by a qualified technician every year.
• Follow manufacturer’s directions for safe operation of all fuel-burn-
ing appliances.
• Examine vents and chimneys regularly for improper connections,
visible rust or stains.
• Open a window when a fireplace or wood-burning stove is in use,
and provide adequate outdoor air for furnace and water heater.
• Notice problems that could indicate improper appliance operation:
– Decreasing hot water supply
– Furnace unable to heat house or runs constantly
– Sooting, especially on appliances
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– Unfamiliar or burning odour
– Yellow or orange flame
• Be aware of the symptoms of CO poisoning:
– headaches, dizziness, weakness, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting,
confusion and disorientation.
• Recognize that CO poisoning may be the cause when family
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members suffer from flu-like symptoms that don’t disappear but
improve when they leave home for extended periods of time.
Be Aware of the Warning Signs of Carbon Monoxide:
Indicators of Possible CO Leaks
• Streaks of carbon or soot around the service door of your fuel-
burning appliances.
• A yellow or orange flame may indicate a problem with natural gas
appliances.
• Excessive rusting on flue pipes or appliance jackets.
• Loose or missing furnace panel.
• Moisture collecting on the windows and walls of furnace rooms.
• Loose or disconnected vent/chimney, fireplace or appliance.
• Small amounts of water leaking from the base of the chimney,
vent or flue pipe.
• Rust on the portion of the vent pipe visible from outside your
home.
• The absence of a draft in your chimney (indicating blockage).
• Fallen soot from the fireplace chimney.
• Loose, damaged or discoloured bricks on your chimney.
Hidden Causes of CO Emission
• Internal appliance damage or malfunctioning components
• Improper burner adjustment
• Hidden blockage or damage in chimneys
Determine if anyone in the household is at high-risk for CO poison-
ing:
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 assis-
tance.
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. Be sure to
check infants or small children in the home for signs of possible CO
poisoning because they might have trouble explaining their symp-
toms. Infants and children are more susceptible to CO poisoning
than a healthy adult.
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Pregnant women should be aware that their unborn fetus could be
harmed by exposure to CO, even when the mother suffers no ill effect.
Any pregnant woman who suspects she may have been exposed to
CO should immediately contact her physician.
What You Should Not Do...
• Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, cabin, mobile home or
caravan.
• Never install, service, or convert fuel-burning appliances from one
type to another without proper knowledge, skills and tools.
• Never use a gas range, oven, or clothes dryer for heating.
• Never operate unvented gas-burning appliances, such as kerosene
or natural gas space heaters, in a closed room.
• Never operate gasoline-powered engines (like vehicles, motorcy-
cles, lawn mowers, yard equipment, or power tools) in confined
areas such as garages or basements, even if an outside door or a
window is open.
• Never ignore a safety device when it shuts off an appliance.
• Never ignore a CO alarm.
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