Kidde KN-COPP-3 User manual

Model KN-COPP-3
900-0099
P/N 820-1028 Rev. A
SINGLE STATION
CARBON MONOXIDE
ALARM
120 V AC and Self-recharging Battery Backup
CARBON MONOXIDE
ALARM
with Digital Display, Test, and Peak Level Memory
Alarm Manual
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 installation
of your alarm, please call
our toll-free hotline at
1-800-880-6788.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Quick Set-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–3
Illustration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–6
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–14
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15–19
Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Carbon Monoxide Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21–27
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28–29
Display Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30–32
Li-Ion Battery Handling Precautions . . . . . 32–33
Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Contents
IMPORTANT: THIS CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM IS DESIGNED TO
DETECT CARBON MONOXIDE FROM ANY SOURCE OF IMPROPER OR
MALFUNCTIONING APPLIANCES. IT IS NOT DESIGNED TO DETECT
SMOKE, FIRE, OR ANY OTHER GAS.
WARNING: THIS CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE
FOR INSTALLING AND MAINTAINING AN APPROPRIATE NUMBER OF
SMOKE ALARMS IN YOUR HOME.
WARNING: THIS CARBON MONOXIDE 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. NOT SUITABLE
FOR INSTALLATION IN HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS.
DURING A POWER OUTAGE, UNIT WILL OPERATE FOR A PERIOD OF
AT LEAST TWENTY HOURS ON A FULLY CHARGED KIDDE
RECHARGEABLE BATTERY PACK.
WARNING: THIS PRODUCT IS INTENDED FOR USE IN ORDINARY
INDOOR RESIDENTIAL AREAS. IT IS NOT DESIGNED TO MEASURE
COMPLIANCE WITH COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL STANDARDS.
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.

This Kidde carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is an important part of
your family’s home safety plan. Because CO alarms for the home
haven’t been available until recently, most people haven’t had
much experience using them. As a new owner of a CO alarm,
there are some basic facts you should know for your protection
and convenience.
Many people think that CO alarms operate like smoke alarms. And
in some basic ways, this is true. Like smoke alarms, CO alarms
monitor the air in your home and sound a loud alarm to warn
you of trouble.
But, the similarities end here. The way you respond to a CO alarm
is quite different than that of a smoke alarm. That’s because a
house fire and a carbon monoxide problem are two distinctly
different situations. If your smoke alarm were to alarm, you would
quickly be able to judge the level of danger you were in (if any)
with your five senses: you could see and smell the smoke, you
could feel the heat, you could see and even hear the fire burning.
You could also readily see if your smoke alarm were alarming in
a non-emergency situation, say if someone smoked up the kitchen
with some seriously burnt toast. Because your sense of sight,
smell, hearing and touch give you so much information, you
could almost instantly judge what action to take if you heard your
smoke alarm.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is invisible, odorless, tasteless and non-
irritating–completely undetectable to your five senses. That’s why
it’s so important to your safety that you have a carbon monoxide
alarm. But, how do you know what to do if your unit alarms?
You have to learn what to do, because your five senses won’t tell
you. That’s why this user’s guide is so important. Please take the
time to read this guide from cover to cover, to familiarize yourself
with the facts about carbon monoxide, how your new unit works,
and what to do if it alarms. Then, find a handy place to keep the
guide so it will be readily available in the future when you have a
question. For more information on this product call our toll-free
customer service hotline at 1-800-880-6788.
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.
Introduction
1

Quick Set-Up
2
We urge you to read this entire manual in the sequence it
is presented. But, if you only read one part of this guide
initially, read this page! Listed below are seven easy steps
for setting up your unit. Please read the entire guide for
complete information.
Step 1
Determine the best location for your CO alarm(s). Refer to
Page 7 for complete information.
Step 2
Your CO alarm is equipped to be mounted as a corded unit,
a direct plug unit, or a tabletop unit. In the “as shipped”
configuration, the unit can be plugged directly into a wall
socket (if your outlets are mounted horizontally, please
refer to page 10). If the transformer / adaptor is taken out
of the unit, the alarm can be mounted on the wall at eye
level, while the transformer is plugged into a wall socket.
The unit can also be set on a table if the support at the
bottom of the unit is pulled out (see “rear view” illustration
on page 4). Refer to page 11 for further information on
installing your alarm.
Step 3
A rechargeable battery pack is provided for backup in the
event of a power outage. To install the battery pack, open
the back door and align the connector with the slot in the
battery. Insure the orientation of the two alignment ribs
align with the slot in the battery. Press the connector in
until it is fully seated. Depending on the charge state of the
battery pack (the battery packs can have different amounts
of energy stored in them due to storage time), you may
hear the alarm sound briefly to indicate the alarm is
receiving power. Place battery pack into battery
compartment and replace back door.
Note: Battery backup will be limited until the battery has
fully charged. It may take up to 24 hours for the battery
back up to fully charge.

Quick Set-Up
3
Step 4
Plug the alarm into a standard, unswitched 120 volt AC
electric outlet in one of the configurations listed in step 2.
Step 5
If the battery pack has a full charge when first powered
up, you will see three eights in the digital display
indicating the alarm is warming up. After approximately 20
seconds, the first reading will be displayed. The number
on the display should be “0”. If the battery pack is partially
charged,“Lb”(Low battery) will flash every second alternating
with a “0” until the battery is charged.
Step 6
Make sure the red dot in the digital display is blinking.
Then test the unit’s operation by pressing and releasing
the Test / Reset button. Within 15 seconds you will hear 4
quick “chirps”–followed by 5 seconds of silence–followed
by 4 quick “chirps”.
Step 7
While testing the alarm, have someone else check that the
alarm can be heard easily from the sleeping areas. The
alarm should be located where it can wake you if it
alarms at night. See page 7 for complete information on
the best locations for your alarm.
Caution: Continuous exposure to the loud 85 decibel (db)
alarm at close range over an extended period of time may
cause hearing loss.
Your Kidde CO alarm is now monitoring for the presence
of carbon monoxide.

Illustration
4
Digital Display
Blinking Red Dot
Test/Reset Button
Peak Level Button
Front View
Rear View
Adaptor Release
Removable Adaptor
Door Latch (4 corners)
Back Door
Cord Recess
Key Hole
Slide Support for Table-Top
Grip for Back Door
Removal (Slide Down)
Power Cord
Adaptor Cord
Strain Relief
Rechargeable Backup
Battery (shown
installed)
Install Backup Battery
For correct installation,
refer to Quick Set-Up
and refer to Installation
on page 12.
Rear View - Back Door Removed
Sounder Alarm

Digital Display
The continuous digital display shows you the level of carbon
monoxide (if any) the unit is sensing. The unit updates this
reading every 15 seconds so you can watch levels rise or fall.
Test/Reset Button
This button has three functions. First, this is the button you
press when you test the unit weekly. Secondly, you press this
button if the unit alarms and you want to silence the alarm.
This will reset the unit and it will then again start monitoring
for CO. Finally the Test / Reset button is used to reset the peak
level memory.
Peak Level Button
By pressing this button, you can see the peak CO level
recorded by the alarm since it was last cleared or unplugged.
Sensor
The CO sensor is a highly sensitive, electrochemical sensor
that is CO-specific to help avoid false alarms.
Sounder Alarm
The sounder alarm is the loud 85 decibel (db) pulsing alarm
that will sound to alert you to a potential problem.
Keyholes
The keyholes located on the back of the alarm slide onto the
screws located in the wall.
Pull-Out Transformer/Adaptor
This unique feature enables the alarm to be used as a direct
plug unit, a wall-mounted unit or a tabletop unit.
Rechargeable Backup Battery
The rechargeable battery pack is to supply a short-term
backup during a power outage. In the event of a power
outage, the rechargeable battery pack will continue operating
the alarm for at least 20 hours.
Features
5

What This Alarm Can and Cannot Do
CO alarms designed to sense unacceptable levels of CO
from malfunctioning furnaces, appliances, gasoline engines
or other sources.
CO alarms provide early warning of the presence of
carbon monoxide, usually before a healthy adult would
experience symptoms.
This early warning is possible, however, only if your alarm
is located, installed and maintained as described in this
alarm manual.
When on AC power, this unit 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.
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 alarm weekly, because it could fail to operate at any
time. If your alarm fails to test properly, or if its self-
diagnostic test reveals a malfunction, immediately have the
unit replaced.
CO alarms can only sense CO that reaches the unit’s sensor.
CO may be present in other areas without reaching the alarm.
The rate at which CO reaches the unit may be affected by
doors or other obstructions. In addition, fresh air from a vent
or open window or any other source may prevent CO from
reaching the sensor.
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 reason, we recommend you
provide complete coverage by placing a CO alarm on every
level of the home.
CO alarms should not be used to detect the presence of natural
gas (methane), propane, butane, or other combustible fuels.
CO alarms are not a substitute for property, disability, life
or other insurance of any kind. Appropriate insurance
coverage is your responsibility. Consult your insurance
agent.
Features
6

Installation
7
Recommended Installation Locations
Your Kidde CO alarm should be mounted in or near bedrooms
and living areas. It is recommended that you install a Kidde
CO alarm on each level of a multi-level home. You may use
the number and location of smoke alarms installed in your
home according to current building code requirements as a
guide to the location of your Kidde CO alarm(s).
When choosing your installation locations or the number of
alarms that may be required, make sure that 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 basement or furnace room.
Two labels have been provided with important information
on what to do in case of an alarm. Add the phone number
of your emergency service provider in the space provided.
Place one label next to the alarm after it is mounted, and
one label near a fresh air source such as a door or window.
CAUTION:This alarm will only indicate the presence of
carbon monoxide at the sensor. Carbon monoxide may be
present in other areas.
IMPORTANT: Improper location can affect the sensitive
electronic components in this alarm. Please see the next
section describing where NOT to install this alarm.
DINING KITCHEN BEDROOM BEDROOM
BEDROOMLIVING ROOM
Recommended Locations

Installation
8
Locations To Avoid
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 recommended that you DO NOT install this CO alarm
in garages, kitchens or furnace rooms. 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 carbon
monoxide. These levels are higher when the engine is first
started. Within hours of starting a vehicle and backing it
out of the garage, the levels present over time can activate
the alarm and become a nuisance.
In the kitchen and furnace room, some gas appliances can
emit a short burst of carbon monoxide 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 the unit near a cooking or heating
appliance, install AT LEAST 1.5 m (5') away from the
appliance.
Do not install in excessively dusty, dirty or greasy areas
such as kitchens, garages and furnace rooms. Dust grease
or household chemicals can contaminate or coat the
alarm’s sensors, causing the alarm not to operate properly.
Do not obstruct the vents located at the top and bottom of
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 or gabled roofs, where carbon monoxide may not
reach the sensor in time to provide early warning.

Installation
9
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 in the
presence of CO.
Do not install this alarm in a switch or dimmer-controlled
outlet.
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 unconditioned crawl spaces, attics, porches and
garages. Extreme temperatures 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 optimum performance.
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:
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 resulting from the use of exhaust
fans.
3) Simultaneous operation of several fuel-burning
appliances competing for limited internal air.
4) Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes
dryers, furnaces, or water heaters.
5) Obstructions in, or unconventional, vent pipe
designs which can amplify the above situations.
6) Extended operation of unvented fuel-burning
devices (range, oven, fireplace, etc.).
7) Temperature inversions which can trap exhaust
gasses near the ground.
8) Car idling in an open or closed attached garage, or
near a home.

Installation
10
This alarm has an adaptor that allows you to install the
alarm as a wall mounted unit, as a direct plug unit, or as a
tabletop unit.
Direct Plug
In its “as shipped” configuration, the unit is ready to be
plugged directly into a wall socket.
To install:
• Choose a standard, unswitched 120 V outlet to plug
alarm into.
• Pull the slide support out approximately 6 mm (1/4")
until slide snaps in place (this will help support unit in
wall outlet).
• Plug the alarm into an electrical outlet.
Mounted horizontally (sideways):
If you are going to use your alarm as a direct plug and you
are going to plug in to an outlet that is mounted
horizontally (sideways), you will need to rotate the
adaptor 90˚. To rotate the adaptor:
• With back of unit facing you (adaptor at the top), place
your thumbs on the thumb grips.
• With your thumbs, push down in the direction of the
arrows on the thumb grips and slide back door off.
Back of unit when
used as direct plug.
Back of unit when
used as direct plug
for sideways outlet.
Back of
unit when
used as a wall mount.

Installation
11
• Place your index finger into the small opening along
the bottom of the adaptor. Catch the edge of the door
with your finger or finger nail and lift the door out.
• Next, place your thumbs on the adaptor thumb releases.
• Spread adaptor thumb releases out and carefully turn
alarm over. This will allow adaptor to slide out.
• Rotate the adaptor 90˚ to the right (clockwise), and snap
firmly back into place.
• Carefully replace the door. Make sure the “latches” on
all four corners of door are lined up, then firmly press
the door into place.
• Plug the alarm into an electrical outlet.
Wall Mounted
Installation tips for power cord models:
The power cord option provides more flexibility in
mounting locations.
Note: If you mount the alarm high on a wall, make sure it
is at least 15 cm (6") from the ceiling. Any higher than
this, it will be in “dead air space” and carbon monoxide
may not reach the sensors.
For a wall-mount, you will need to pull out the removable
adaptor and power cord.
• Follow the steps outlined previously in the Mounted
horizontally section to remove the adaptor.
• With the adaptor removed, pull the power cord out of
the cord recess, remove the twist tie and extend the
power cord.
• With the cord extended, press last few centimetres into
of the power cord back into the cord recess. Gently pull
the cord at the bottom of the cord recess until cord
becomes taught and lies flat in the cord recess.
• Carefully replace the door by making sure the “latches”
on all four corners of the door are lined up, then firmly
press the door into place.
• Mark the location for the two mounting holes on the
wall spaced vertically 67 mm (2 5/8") apart.

Installation
12
• If you are mounting the alarm in plaster board or drywall,
drill a 5 mm (3/16") hole into the wall and insert the
plastic anchors provided into the wall or wall anchors
until the screw head is approximately 3 mm (1/8") from
the wall.
• Hook the unit over the screw head and into the keyhole
in back of the unit.
• Plug the cord into an electrical outlet.
Tabletop
You can also use your alarm as a tabletop unit. Simply follow
the above steps for removing adaptor, then instead of
mounting to a wall, simply pull out slide support and stand
on table, bedside stand, chest of drawers, etc. (refer to
diagram on Page 4).
Battery Installation
Install the battery by first removing the battery door and the
battery pack. Align the connector with the slot in the
battery. Insure the orientation of the two alignment ribs
align with the slot in the battery. (Red dot on battery will
align with red wire). Press the connector in until it is fully
seated. See drawing below. Be sure to correctly insert
battery into the battery compartment, as shown in drawing
below. After inserting battery, replace back door.
Warning: Do not use any other type of rechargeable battery
in your alarm or attempt to recharge the battery pack
yourself. Improper charging may even cause the battery
pack to overheat or leak, thus posing possible injury to the
user.
Connector
Alignment
Ribs
Battery
Red Wire
Red
Dot
Battery
Compartment
Battery

Upon initial power up or after the alarm has operated on
battery backup and depending on the charge state of the
battery, it could take up to 20 hours to FULLY charge the
battery.
During the first 10-hour initial charge period or, until the
battery has charged, “Lb” will be displayed along with the
CO level (usually “0”) and without an audible “chirp”.
When the initial charge is complete, the “Lb” will
disappear. If however, after 10 hours the battery is not
charging properly, “Lb” may continue to flash AND there
will be an audible “chirp” once every 15 seconds
indicating the battery is not charging. If this occurs, make
sure the connection between the battery and the alarm is
correctly oriented and fully seated. If not, disconnect the
battery and reconnect insuring the alignment ribs match
the slot in the battery. If it is properly connected and fully
seated and “Lb” is still displayed along with an audible
“chirp”, contact customer service.
Battery Backup Operation
When the alarm is unplugged or loses AC power and the
battery pack is fully charged, the alarm will automatically
switch to battery backup operation and you will notice the
following:
• For the first five minutes of operation on battery, the
alarm will operate as if on AC power.
• However, after five minutes of operation, to conserve
battery capacity, the display will flash the CO level
(usually “0”) once every 60 seconds.
Installation
13

Caution: If the unit detects CO and enters an alarm state
while in battery back-up condition, the CO level will be
displayed and the audible alarm pattern of four quick beeps
will sound once every 60 seconds.
Battery Back-up Operation in Low Battery “Lb” Condition:
When the battery pack is not fully charged, the unit will
begin displaying “Lb” and “chirp” once every 15 seconds.
This will last approximately 7 hours to warn you the
battery is losing capacity. Apply AC power to charge
battery as soon as possible.
NOTE: While in the low battery “Lb” warning mode, the
unit is sensing for and will alarm if CO is detected.
Battery Back-up Operation in Trouble Alarm Condition:
When the battery pack capacity has been discharged to a
state where it can no longer provide enough power to detect
CO and operate the alarm, it will enter a trouble alarm
condition. The display will go blank and the alarm will give
an audible trouble “chirp” once every 60 seconds. This will
continue for approximately 7 hours after which time the alarm
will no longer “chirp” to warn of a trouble condition.
WARNING:The unit will not detect CO while in the trouble
alarm condition, blank display, and one audible trouble
alarm “chirp” every 60 seconds.Apply AC power to charge
the battery as soon as possible.
When AC power is restored, the alarm will automatically
switch back to normal operating mode and begin charging
the battery pack to full capacity. After continued operation
on battery backup, “Lb” may flash while the battery is
recharging and will continue until fully charged.
Constant exposures to high temperatures or high or low
humidity may reduce battery life.
WARNING: Replace the battery pack only with a Kidde
rechargeable battery pack. Replacement battery packs can
be purchased from Kidde customer service. See page 32 for
additional precautions regarding the rechargeable battery
pack.
Installation
14

Operation
15
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 functioning.
You should see three eights on the digital display,
indicating the alarm is in the start-up mode. The three eights
will remain for approximately 20 seconds. You should see a
blinking red dot to the lower right of the digital display. The
blinking dot shows that the alarm is operating.
Within 20 seconds, your CO alarm will start monitoring for CO.
The number indicates a measurement of carbon monoxide in
parts per million (PPM). Note: The number will probably be
zero (0). This is a normal condition for most households and
shows that no measurable amount of CO has been detected.
The alarm has begun monitoring the air for carbon monoxide
and will continue to do so as long as it receives power.
Testing
Testing the Electronics
Caution: Continuous exposure to the loud 85 decibel (db)
alarm at close range over an extended period of time may
cause hearing loss.We recommend that you cover the
sound holes while testing the 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 below, have it
replaced immediately. Turn to Page 17 “How to know if
your alarm is malfunctioning” for a description of the
characteristics of a malfunctioning alarm and what you
should do if a malfunction occurs.
Blinking Dot

Operation
16
Observe the alarm weekly to make sure the red dot is
blinking, indicating normal operation. If the dot is not
blinking, unplug the alarm, then plug in again. This will
clear the alarm for restart. If the dot does not resume
blinking, your alarm may be malfunctioning.
To test the alarm, press and release the Test / Reset button.
If the unit is operating properly, you should notice the
following:
The display shows three eights , then shows a number
(usually around 200). You should then hear 4 quick
beeps–followed by 5 seconds of silence–followed by 4 quick
beeps repeating until reset stops. The unit will then show
the three eights for several seconds. It will then return to
monitoring for carbon monoxide.
Familiarize yourself and household members with the
alarm pattern described above. In the event of a CO incident,
this 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 automatically shown
on the alarm’s digital display. If the alarm shows zero (0), then
30 PPM of CO or less has been sensed by the alarm within the
last 15 seconds.
Blinking Dot

Operation
17
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, and an “Err” message will appear on the digital
display
OR,
Malfunction Signal Group 2—Microprocessor Failure
• The alarm will sound continuously, and
• The digital display will be blank, and
• The alarm cannot be shut off by pushing “Test / Reset”
button
Unplug the alarm immediately and return it for warranty
exchange.
What to do if you’re not sure:
PLEASE familiarize yourself with the malfunction alert, and
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 toll-free
consumer hotline at 1-800-880-6788.
Never ignore an alarm. A true alarm is an indication of
potentially dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. CO
alarms are designed to alert you to the presence of carbon
monoxide before an emergency, before most people would
experience symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning,
giving you time to resolve the problem calmly.

Operation
18
Peak Level Memory
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 low level
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 low level
readings are heavy automobile traffic, a running vehicle in
an attached garage, an appliance that emits CO when starting
up, a fire in a fireplace or charcoal in a nearby barbecue.
A temperature inversion can trap CO generated by traffic
and other fuel burning appliances causing low level
readings of CO.
Normally, the digital display will read “0” and under certain
conditions you may notice levels of 30 or more for short
periods of time, by using the Peak level memory feature on
the Kidde CO alarm you can view concentrations of CO
between 11 and 30 PPM. Use the low-level concentrations
shown in memory as a tool in identifying the source of the
CO. It may be helpful to purchase additional Kidde CO
Alarms to place in different locations throughout your house
to isolate the CO source. Monitor the CO concentrations
shown in the peak level memory to see if readings occur in
certain areas at certain times of the day, or near a particular
appliance.