2 / 4 P/N 3102074-EN • REV 02 • ISS 09MAY13
CO sources
The CO sensor in this detector is designed to detect carbon
monoxide gas from any source of combustion. It is not
intended to detect fire, smoke, or any other gas. Potential CO
sources include fuel-fired appliances (e.g., space heater,
furnace, water heater, range, oven, clothes dryer); other
sources of combustion (e.g., kerosene-burning stove or heater,
or gas log fireplace); or internal combustion engines.
In addition, excessive exhaust spillage or reverse venting of
fuel-burning appliances can produce dangerous transient
levels of CO. This can be caused by external conditions:
•Wind direction, velocity, or a combination of both,
including high gusts of wind or insufficient draft in vent
pipes
•Temperature inversions that can trap exhaust gases near
the ground
•Negative pressure differential 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 dryers,
furnaces, or water heaters
•Obstructions in vent pipes or unconventional vent pipe
designs which can amplify the above situations
•Poorly designed or maintained chimneys and/or vents
•Extended operation of unvented fossil fuel-burning devices
(range, oven, fireplace, etc.)
•Idling cars in an open or closed attached garage, or near
the premises
General limitations of CO detectors
This detector is designed to protect individuals from the acute
effects of CO exposure. It will not fully safeguard individuals
with specific medical conditions. People with special medical
problems should consider using specialized detection devices
with less than 30 ppm (parts per million) alarming capabilities.
If in doubt, consult a medical practitioner.
If the unit is in trouble or at the end of its life, it may not sense
CO and cannot be relied upon to monitor CO levels. Replace
the CO module every six years from the date of manufacture or
when the control panel indicates a sensor end-of-life condition,
whichever comes first.
A detector installed outside a bedroom may not awaken a
sleeper. Normal noise due to stereos, television, etc. may also
prevent the detector from being heard if distance or closed or
partly closed doors muffle the sounder. This unit is not
designed for the hearing impaired.
CO detectors are not a substitute for life safety. Though these
detectors will warn against increasing CO levels, we do not
warrant or imply in any way that they will protect lives from CO
poisoning. They should only be considered as an integral part
of a comprehensive safety program.
Detector locations
Selecting a suitable location is critical to the operation of CO
detectors. Figure 1 shows appropriate detector locations.
Install detectors according to applicable codes and standards.
Place wall-mounted detectors at least 5 ft. (1.5 m) up from the
floor. For ceiling mounted applications, place detectors at least
1 ft. (0.3 m) from any wall. For combination detectors, follow
the spacing requirements for each sensor. Refer to the control
panel’s application bulletin for the sensor spacing
requirements.
The recommended CO detector locations are:
•Outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate
vicinity of the bedrooms (including areas such as hotel
rooms and dorm rooms)
•On every occupiable level of a dwelling unit, including
basements, but excluding attics and crawl spaces
•Centrally located on every habitable level of the building
and in every HVAC zone based on an engineering
evaluation considering potential sources and migration of
carbon monoxide
•On the ceiling in the same room as permanently installed
fuel-burning appliances
•In any area required by local building codes, legislation, or
the AHJ
•In a suitable environment per the detector specifications
(see “Specifications” on page 4 for details)
•On a firm, permanent surface
Do not install the CO detector:
•Within 5 ft. (1.5 m) of any cooking appliance
•Within 10 ft. (3 m) of a fuel-burning appliance
•Near air conditioners, heating registers, or any other
ventilation source that may interfere with CO gas entering
the detector
•Where furniture or draperies may obstruct the airflow
•In a recessed area
Figure 1: Recommended CO detector locations
Recommended CO detector location
Description
The model V-PCOS Intelligent Photoelectric Smoke Detector
with CO Sensor is an intelligent device that uses an optical
sensing chamber to detect smoke, and a CO sensor to detect
carbon monoxide from any source of combustion. The detector
analyzes the smoke and CO sensors independently to
determine whether to initiate a fire alarm, a life safety CO
alarm, or both.
