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Printed in Mexico M08-0121-014
K1 10/15
BRK Electronics
®
is a registered trademark of BRK Brands, Inc.
First Alert
®
is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust.
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WEEKLY TESTING
• NEVER use an open flame of any kind to test this unit. You
might accidentally damage or set fire to the unit or to your
home. The built-in test switch accurately tests the unit’s
operation as required by Underwriters Laboratories of
Canada
(ULC).
NEVER use vehicle exhaust! Exhaust may
cause permanent damage and voids your warranty.
• DO NOT stand close to the Alarm when the horn is sounding.
Exposure at close range may be harmful to your hearing.
When testing, step away when horn starts sounding.
It is important to test this unit every week to make sure it is working
properly. Using the test button is the recommended way to test this
Smoke/CO Alarm.
1. Push and hold the Test/Silence button on the cover until you hear a
“chirp.” The “chirp” marks the start of the self-test sequence.
2. During testing, you will hear a loud, repeating horn pattern:
3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps while the red smoke LED flashes. Then
you will hear a loud, repeating horn pattern: 4 beeps, pause, 4
beeps, pause, while the red CO LED flashes.
3. When testing a series of interconnected units you must test each
unit individually. Make sure all units alarm when each one is tested.
If the Smoke/CO Alarm does not test properly:
1. Make sure the AC power is applied and battery is fresh and installed
correctly.
2. Be sure the alarm is clean and dust-free.
3. Test the unit again.
4. If a Latch is set, the first TEST switch activation may be interpreted
as a "Clear Latch" signal.
If the Smoke/CO Alarm is still not working properly, replace it immediately.
Refer to the “Limited Warranty” at the end of this manual.
If there is still a problem, do not try to fix the Alarm yourself.
This will void your warranty!
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
Use only the replacement batteries listed below. The unit may not
operate properly with other batteries. Never use rechargeable
batteries since they may not provide a constant charge.
This unit has been designed to be as maintenance-free as possible, but
there are a few simple things you must do to keep it working properly:
• Test it at least once a week.
• Clean the Smoke/CO Alarm at least once a month; gently vacuum
the outside of the Smoke/CO Alarm using your household vacuum’s
soft brush attachment. Test the Smoke/CO Alarm. Never use water,
cleaners or solvents since they may damage the unit.
• If the Smoke/CO Alarm becomes contaminated by excessive dirt,
dust and/or grime, and cannot be cleaned to avoid unwanted
alarms, replace the unit immediately.
• Relocate the unit if it sounds frequent unwanted alarms. See “Where
This Alarm Should Not Be Installed” for details.
• When the battery back-up becomes weak, the Alarm will “chirp”
about once a minute (the low battery warning). This warning should
last 7 days, but you should replace the battery immediately to
continue your protection.
This Alarm must have AC or battery
power to operate. If AC power fails, and the battery is dead
or missing, the Alarm cannot operate.
DO NOT spray cleaning chemicals or insect sprays directly on or near
the Alarm. DO NOT paint over the Alarm. Doing so may permanently
damage the Alarm.
CHOOSING A REPLACEMENT BATTERY:
This Smoke/CO Alarm requires one standard 9V alkaline battery. The
following alkaline batteries are acceptable as replacements: Duracell
#MN1604 or MX1604; Eveready “Energizer” 522. You can also use an
Ultralife 9V lithium battery #U9VL for longer service life between battery
changes.
These batteries are available at many local retail stores.
All the batteries specified above are acceptable replacement batteries
for this unit. Regardless of the manufacturer’s suggested battery life,
you MUST replace the battery immediately once the unit starts “chirp-
ing” (the “low battery warning”). For any device employing a battery,
constant exposure to high or low humidity may reduce battery life.
Actual battery service life depends on the Alarm and the environment in
which it is installed. All the batteries specified above are acceptable
replacement batteries for this unit. Regardless of the manufacturer’s
suggested battery life, you MUST replace the battery immediately once
the unit starts “chirping” (the “low battery warning”).
Always use the exact batteries specified by this User’s Manual. DO
NOT use rechargeable batteries. Clean the battery contacts and also
those of the device prior to battery installation. Install batteries correctly
with regard to polarity (+ and -).
Please dispose of or recycle used batteries properly, following any local
regulations. Consult your local waste management authority or recy-
cling organization to find an electronics recycling facility in your area.
DO NOT DISPOSE OF BATTERIES IN FIRE. BATTERIES MAY
EXPLODE OR LEAK.
Keep battery out of reach of children. In the event a battery is swal-
lowed, immediately contact your poison control center, your physician,
or the Canadian Battery Ingestion hotline at 1-416-813-5900 as serious
injury may occur.
POTENTIAL
SOURCES OF CO
IN THE HOME
Fuel-burning appli-
ances like:
portable
heater, gas or wood burn-
ing fireplace, gas kitchen
range or cooktop, gas
clothes dryer.
Damaged or insufficient
venting:
corroded or
disconnected water
heater vent pipe, leaking
chimney pipe or flue, or
cracked heat exchanger, blocked or clogged chimney opening.
Improper use of appliance/device:
operating a barbecue grill or
vehicle in an enclosed area (like a garage or screened porch).
Transient CO Problems:
“transient” or on-again-off-again CO problems
can be caused by outdoor conditions and other special circumstances.
The following conditions can result in transient CO situations:
1. Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel appliances caused by
outdoor conditions such as:
• Wind direction and/or velocity, including high, gusty winds. Heavy
air in the vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods
between cycles).
• Negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust
fans.
• Several appliances running at the same time competing for limited
fresh 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.
2. Extended operation of unvented fuel burning devices (range, oven,
fireplace).
3. Temperature inversions, which can trap exhaust close to the ground.
4. Car idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near a home.
These conditions are dangerous because they can trap exhaust in your
home. Since these conditions can come and go, they are also hard to
recreate during a CO investigation.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MY FAMILY FROM CO
POISONING?
A CO Alarm is an excellent means of protection. It monitors the air
and sounds a loud alarm before Carbon Monoxide levels become
threatening for average, healthy adults.
A CO Alarm is not a substitute for proper maintenance of home
appliances.
To help prevent CO problems and reduce the risk of CO poisoning:
• Clean chimneys and flues yearly. Keep them free of debris, leaves,
and nests for proper air flow. Also, have a professional check for
rust and corrosion, cracks, or separations. These conditions can
prevent proper air movement and cause backdrafting. Never “cap”
or cover a chimney in any way that would block air flow.
• Test and maintain all fuel-burning equipment annually. Many local
gas or oil companies and HVAC companies offer appliance
inspections for a nominal fee.
• Make regular visual inspections of all fuel-burning appliances.
Check appliances for excessive rust and scaling. Also check the
flame on the burner and pilot lights. The flame should be blue.
A yellow flame means fuel is not being burned completely and
CO may be present. Keep the blower door on the furnace closed.
Use vents or fans when they are available on all fuel-burning
appliances. Make sure appliances are vented to the outside. Do
not grill or barbecue indoors, or in garages or on screen porches.
• Check for exhaust backflow from CO sources. Check the draft
hood on an operating furnace for a backdraft. Look for cracks on
furnace heat exchangers.
• Check the house or garage on the other side of shared wall.
• Keep windows and doors open slightly. If you suspect that CO
is escaping into your home, open a window or a door. Opening
windows and doors can significantly decrease CO levels.
In addition, familiarize yourself with all enclosed materials. Read
this manual in its entirety, and make sure you understand what to
do if your CO Alarm sounds.
ABOUT SMOKE ALARMS
Battery (DC) operated Smoke Alarms:
Provide protection even when
electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed.
Units are easy to install, and do not require professional installation.
However, they do not provide interconnected functionality.
AC powered Smoke Alarms:
Can be interconnected so if one unit
senses smoke, all units alarm. They do not operate if electricity fails.
AC with battery (DC) back-up:
will operate if electricity fails, provided
the batteries are fresh and correctly installed. AC and AC/DC units
must be installed by a qualified electrician.
Wireless Interconnected Alarms:
Offer the same interconnected
functionality as with hardwired alarms, without wires. Units are easy
to install and do not require professional installation. They provide
protection even when electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh
and correctly installed.
Smoke Alarms for Solar or Wind Energy users and battery backup
power systems:
AC powered Smoke Alarms should only be operated
with true or pure sine wave inverters. Operating this Smoke Alarm with
most battery-powered UPS (uninterruptible power supply) products or
square wave or “quasi sine wave” inverters
will damage the Alarm
.
If you are not sure about your inverter or UPS type, please consult with
the manufacturer to verify.
Smoke Alarms for the hearing impaired:
Special purpose Smoke
Alarms should be installed for the hearing impaired. They include a
visual alarm and an audible alarm horn, and meet the requirements of
the Americans With Disabilities Act. These units can be interconnected
so if one unit senses smoke, all units alarm.
Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards
unless the
combination has been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.
All these Smoke Alarms are designed to provide early warning of fires if
located, installed and cared for as described in the user’s manual, and if
smoke reaches the Alarm. If you are unsure which type of unit to install,
refer to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 72 (National Fire
Alarm Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code). National Fire Protection
Association, One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101 U.S.A.
Local building codes may also require specific units in new construction
or in different areas of the home.
SPECIAL COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS
This unit alone is not a suitable substitute for complete fire
detection systems in places housing many people—like apartment
buildings, condominiums, hotels, motels, dormitories, hospitals,
long-term health care facilities, nursing homes, day care facilities,
or group homes of any kind—even if they were once single-family
homes. It is not a suitable substitute for complete fire detection
systems in warehouses, industrial facilities, commercial buildings,
and special-purpose non-residential buildings which require special
fire detection and alarm systems. Depending on the building codes
in your area, this unit may be used to provide additional protection
in these facilities.
The following information applies to all four types of buildings listed
below:
In new construction, most building codes require the use of AC or
AC/DC powered Smoke Alarms only. AC, AC/DC, or DC powered
Smoke Alarms can be used in existing construction as specified by local
building codes. Refer to NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm Code) and NFPA
101 (Life Safety Code), local building codes, or consult your Fire
Department for detailed fire protection requirements in buildings not
defined as “households.”
1. Single-Family Residence:
Single family home, townhouse. It is recommended this unit be installed
on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and in each bedroom
hallway.
2. Multi-Family or Mixed Occupant Residence:
Apartment building, condominium. This unit is suitable for use in individual
apartments or condos, provided a primary fire detection system already
exists to meet fire detection requirements in common areas like lobbies,
hallways, or porches. Using this unit in common areas may not provide
sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection ordinances/
regulations.
3. Institutions:
Hospitals, day care facilities, long-term health care facilities. This unit is
suitable for use in individual patient sleeping/resident rooms, provided a
primary fire detection system already exists to meet fire detection
requirements in common areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches.
Using this unit in common areas may not provide sufficient warning
to all residents or meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.
4. Hotels and Motels:
Also boarding houses and dormitories. This unit is suitable for use inside
individual sleeping/resident rooms, provided a primary fire detection sys-
tem already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common areas
like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this unit in common areas may
not provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protec-
tion ordinances/regulations.
GENERAL LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE/CO ALARMS
LIMITED WARRANTY
BRK Brands, Inc., ("BRK") the maker of BRK
®
brand and First Alert
®
brand products, warrants that for a period of ten years from the date of purchase,
this product will be free from defects in material and workmanship. BRK, at its option, will repair or replace this product or any component of the product
found to be defective during the warranty period. Replacement will be made with a new or remanufactured product or component. If the product is no
longer available, replacement may be made with a similar product of equal or greater value. This is your exclusive warranty.
This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser from the date of initial retail purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales receipt.
Proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty performance. BRK dealers, service centers, or retail stores selling BRK products do not have the right to
alter, modify or any way change the terms and conditions of this warranty.
This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or damage resulting from any of the following: negligent use or misuse of the product, use on improper
voltage or current, use contrary to the operating instructions, disassembly, repair or alteration by anyone other than BRK or an authorized service center.
Further, the warranty does not cover Acts of God, such as fire, flood, hurricanes and tornadoes or any batteries that are included with this unit.
BRK shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages caused by the breach of any express or implied warranty. Except to the extent
prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration to the duration of the above
warranty. Some states, provinces or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long an
implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights that vary from state to state or province to province.
How to Obtain Warranty Service
Service:
If service is required, do not return the product to your retailer. In order to obtain warranty service, contact the Consumer Affairs Division at
1-800-323-9005, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday. To assist us in serving you, please have the model number and
date of purchase available when calling.
For Warranty Service return to:
BRK Brands, Inc., 1301 Joe Battle, El Paso, TX 79936 U.S.A.
Battery:
BRK Brands, Inc. make no warranty, express or implied, written or oral, including that of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose
with respect to battery.
Once a minute, the alarm sounds 3 “chirps”, and
the green light flashes quickly three times.
MALFUNCTION SIGNAL.
Unit needs to be
replaced. Based on self-diagnostic tests, the unit
has detected a fault.
Units under warranty should be returned to
manufacturer for replacement. See “Limited
Warranty” for details.
The light flashes (GREEN) and the horn sounds
3 “chirps” every minute.
END OF LIFE SIGNAL.
CO Alarm needs to be replaced.
Immediately replace the CO Alarm.
Horn "chirps" about once per minute;
Green
"Power/Smoke"
LED flashes Green On
for 2 seconds/Off for 2 seconds. (Low Battery
Latch is engaged.)
Low battery warning. Battery is low or missing.
Replace the battery, avoid interrupting AC
power.
If your Alarm does this...
It means...
You should...
Green Power/Smoke LED is OFF. Unit will not
alarm when you press the Test/Silence button.
Unit may not be receiving any power.
Check the AC power supply. Make sure the
power connector is securely attached to the
alarm. Make sure a fresh 9V battery is installed
to power the battery back-up
*
.
Green light flashes ON, once a minute (horn is
silent).
Alarm is not receiving AC power.
Unit is operating on battery back-up.
Check the AC power supply.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Alarm goes back into alarm after you pressed
the Test/Silence button to silence an alarm.
Smoke and/or CO levels are still potentially
dangerous.
Refer to “If Your Smoke/CO Alarm Sounds” for
details on how to respond to an alarm. If anyone
is feeling ill, EVACUATE your home immediately
and call 911.
If you have any questions that cannot be answered by reading this manual, call Consumer Affairs: 1-800-323-9005.
*
For a list of acceptable replacement batteries, see “Regular Maintenance.”
Alarm sounds frequently even though no high
levels of smoke or CO are revealed in an
investigation.
The Alarm may be improperly located. Refer to
“Where to Install This Alarm.”
Relocate your alarm. If frequent alarms continue,
have home rechecked for potential problems.
You may be experiencing an intermittent smoke
or CO problem.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Turn off the power to the area where the Alarm is installed BEFORE removing it from the mounting bracket or
checking any electrical connections! Failure to turn off the power first may result in serious electrical shock, injury or death.
For your records, please record:
Date Purchased: _______________________________
Where Purchased:
__________________________________________
Date Installed: ____________/____________Month/Year
Replace alarm 10 years after installation since the alarm may no
longer accurately detect carbon monoxide. Please write the date
in the space provided:
_____________/____________Month/Year
The alarm will also provide an audible End-of-Life Signal
approximately 10 years after installation to remind you to
replace the unit.
The End-of-Life Signal can be silenced for up to 2 days.
Do not unplug the alarm or remove the batteries until you get
replacement.
This Smoke/CO Alarm is intended for residential use. It is not intended
for use in industrial applications where Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) requirements for Carbon Monoxide Alarms must
be met. The Smoke Alarm portion of this device is not intended to alert
hearing impaired residents. Special purpose Smoke Alarms should be
installed for hearing impaired residents (CO Alarms are not yet available
for the hearing impaired).
Smoke/CO Alarms may not waken all individuals.
Practice the
escape plan at least twice a year, making sure that everyone is involved
– from kids to grandparents. Allow children to master fire escape
planning and practice before holding a fire drill at night when they are
sleeping. If children or others do not readily waken to the sound of the
Smoke/CO Alarm, or if there are infants or family members with mobility
limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in fire
drill and in the event of an emergency. It is recommended that you hold
a fire drill while family members are sleeping in order to determine their
response to the sound of the Smoke/CO Alarm while sleeping and
to determine whether they may need assistance in the event of an
emergency.
Smoke/CO Alarms cannot work without power.
Battery operated units
cannot work if the batteries are missing, disconnected or dead, if the wrong
type of batteries are used, or if the batteries are not installed correctly.
AC units cannot work if the AC power is cut off for any reason (open fuse
or circuit breaker, failure along a power line or at a power station, electrical
fire that burns the electrical wires, etc.). If you are concerned about the
limitations of battery or AC power, install both types of units.
This Smoke/CO Alarm will not sense smoke or CO that does not
reach the sensors.
It will only sense smoke or CO at the sensor. Smoke
or CO may be present in other areas. Doors or other obstructions may
affect the rate at which CO or smoke reaches the sensors. If bedroom
doors are usually closed at night, we recommend you install an alarm
device (Combination CO and Smoke Alarm, or separate CO Alarms and
Smoke Alarms) in each bedroom and in the hallway between them.
This Smoke/CO Alarm may not sense smoke or CO on another
level of the home.
Example: This alarm device, installed on the second
floor, may not sense smoke or CO in the basement. For this reason,
one alarm device may not give adequate early warning. Recommended
minimum protection is one alarm device in every sleeping area, every
bedroom, and on every level of your home. Some experts recommend
battery powered Smoke and CO Alarms be used in conjunction with
interconnected AC powered Smoke Alarms. For details, see “About
Smoke Alarms” for details.
This carbon monoxide alarming device is designed to detect car-
bon monoxide gas
from ANY source of combustion. It is NOT designed
to detect smoke, fire, or any other gases.
Smoke/CO Alarms may not be heard.
The alarm horn loudness
meets or exceeds current standards of 85 dB at 3 meters (10 feet).
However, if the Smoke/CO Alarm is installed outside the bedroom, it
may not wake up a sound sleeper or one who has recently used drugs
or has been drinking alcoholic beverages. This is especially true if the
door is closed or only partly open. Even persons who are awake may
not hear the alarm horn if the sound is blocked by distance or closed
doors. Noise from traffic, stereo, radio, television, air conditioner, or
other appliances may also prevent alert persons from hearing the alarm
horn. This Smoke/CO Alarm is not intended for people who are hearing
impaired.
The Alarm may not have time to alarm before the fire itself causes
damage, injury, or death, since smoke from some fires may not
reach the unit immediately. Examples of this include persons
smoking in bed, children playing with matches, or fires caused
by violent explosions resulting from escaping gas.
This Smoke/CO Alarm is not a substitute for life insurance.
Though this Smoke/CO Alarm warns against increasing CO levels or the
presence of smoke, BRK Brands, Inc. does not warrant or imply in any
way that they will protect lives. Homeowners and renters must still
insure their lives.
This Smoke/CO Alarm has a limited life.
Although this Smoke/CO
Alarm and all of its parts have passed many stringent tests and are
designed to be as reliable as possible, any of these parts could fail at
any time. Therefore, you must test this device weekly. The unit should
be replaced immediately if it is not operating properly.
This Smoke/CO Alarm is not foolproof.
Like all other electronic
devices, this Smoke/CO Alarm has limitations. It can only detect smoke
or CO that reaches the sensors. It may not give early warning of the
source of smoke or CO is in a remote part of the home, away from the
alarm device.
LATCHING FEATURES
Alarm Latch
is activated after an Alarm is exposed to alarm levels of
smoke or carbon monoxide. After smoke or CO levels drop below alarm
levels, the
“Smoke/Power”
or
“CO”
Red LED will begin to flash On 2
seconds/Off 2 seconds. It will continue to flash or “latch” until you clear
it by testing the alarm.
This feature helps emergency responders, investigators, or service
technicians identify which unit(s) in your home were exposed to alarm
levels of smoke or carbon monoxide. This can help investigators
pinpoint the source of smoke or CO.
Interconnected Alarms.
Latching Alarm Indicator shows which Alarm(s)
in the series were exposed to alarm levels of smoke or carbon monoxide.
The Latching Alarm Indicator stays ON until you clear it, so it can alert
you to an alarm that occurred while you were away from home, even
though smoke or CO present in the air has dropped below alarm levels.
Low Battery Latch
is activated when the Alarm is in the "low battery
condition". When this occurs, the
Smoke/Power
LED flashes Green On
for 2 seconds/Off for 2 seconds. This feature is designed to help you
identify which Alarm needs to have the battery replaced. Although, the
Alarm will sound the low battery chirp approximately once every minute,
sometimes during the initial stages of "low battery", the Alarm will chirp
in greater intervals than one minute, sometimes up to several hours, until
the battery reaches a steady low battery level. This innovative feature
eliminates the frustration of waiting for and/or identifying which unit is
chirping.
Latching Features Note: Without AC Power and running on battery
only, Low Battery Latch or Alarm Latch are only engaged for about
15 minutes to conserve power. Low Battery Latch and Alarm Latch
do not operate with a missing battery and no AC Power.
IF YOUR SMOKE/CO ALARM SOUNDS, Continued
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CO
WHAT IS CO?
CO is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas produced when fossil fuels
do not burn completely, or are exposed to heat (usually fire). Electrical
appliances typically do not produce CO.
These fuels include:
Wood, coal, charcoal, oil, natural gas, gasoline,
kerosene, and propane.
Common appliances are often sources of CO. If they are not properly
maintained, are improperly ventilated, or malfunction, CO levels can rise
quickly. CO is a real danger now that homes are more energy efficient.
“Air-tight” homes with added insulation, sealed windows, and other
weatherproofing can “trap” CO inside.
SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING
The following symptoms may be related to CARBON MONOXIDE
POISONING and should be discussed with ALL members of the
household:
Mild Exposure:
Headaches, running nose, sore eyes, often described as
“flu”-like symptoms.
Medium Exposure:
Dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting.
Extreme Exposure:
Unconsciousness, brain damage, 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.
This CO Alarm measures exposure to CO over time. It alarms if CO
levels are extremely high in a short period of time, or if CO levels reach
a certain minimum over a long period of time. The CO Alarm generally
sounds an alarm before the onset of symptoms in average, healthy
adults.
Why is this important? Because you need to be warned of a potential
CO problem while you can still react in time. In many reported cases of
CO exposure, victims may be aware that they are not feeling well, but
become disoriented and can no longer react well enough to exit the
building or get help. Also, young children and pets may be the first
affected. The average healthy adult might not feel any symptoms when
the CO Alarm sounds. However, people with cardiac or respiratory
problems, infants, unborn babies, pregnant mothers, or elderly people
can be more quickly and severely affected by CO. If you experience
even mild symptoms of CO poisoning, consult your doctor immediately!
This device is designed to protect individuals from the acute effects of
carbon monoxide exposure. It will not fully safeguard individuals with
specific medical conditions. If in doubt consult a medical practitioner.
FINDING THE SOURCE OF CO AFTER AN ALARM
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas, which often makes it
difficult to locate the source of CO after an alarm. These are a few of
the factors that can make it difficult to locate sources of CO:
• House well ventilated before the investigator arrives.
• Problem caused by “backdrafting.”
• Transient CO problem caused by special circumstances.
Because CO may dissipate by the time an investigator arrives, it may
be difficult to locate the source of CO.
BRK Brands, Inc. shall not be
obligated to pay for any carbon monoxide investigation or service
call.
REGULATORY INFORMATION FOR SMOKE/CO
ALARMS
REGULATORY INFORMATION FOR CO ALARMS
CANADIAN STANDARDS ASSOCIATION
What Levels of CO Cause an Alarm?
CSA 6.19 requires residential CO Alarms to sound when exposed to
levels of CO and exposure times as described below. They are measured
in parts per million (ppm) of CO over time (in minutes).
CSA 6.19 Required Alarm Points*:
• If the alarm is exposed to 400 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM
BETWEEN 4 and 15 MINUTES.
• If the alarm is exposed to 150 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM
BETWEEN 10 and 50 MINUTES.
• If the alarm is exposed to 70 ppm if CO, IT MUST ALARM
BETWEEN 60 and 240 MINUTES.
*
Approximately 10% COHb exposure at levels of 10% to 95% Relative
Humidity (RH).
The unit is designed not to alarm when exposed to a constant level
of 30 ppm for 30 days.
CO Alarms are designed to alarm before there is an immediate life threat.
Since you cannot see or smell CO, never assume it’s not present.
• An exposure to 100 ppm of CO for 20 minutes may not affect
average, healthy adults, but after 4 hours the same level may
cause headaches.
• An exposure to 400 ppm of CO may cause headaches in average,
healthy adults after 35 minutes, but can cause death after 2 hours.
Standards:
CSA 6.19
Audible Alarm:
85 dB minimum at 3 meters (10 feet).
RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR SMOKE ALARMS
Installing Smoke Alarms in Single-Family Residences
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), recommends one
Smoke Alarm on every floor, in every sleeping area, and in every bed-
room. In new construction, the Smoke Alarms must be AC powered and
interconnected. See “Agency Placement Recommendations” for details.
For additional coverage, it is recommended that you install a Smoke
Alarm in all rooms, halls, storage areas, finished attics, and basements,
where temperatures normally remain between 4
o
C (40
o
F) and 38
o
C
(100
o
F). Make sure no door or other obstruction could keep smoke from
reaching the Smoke Alarms.
More specifically, install Smoke Alarms:
• On every level of your home, including finished attics and basements.
• Inside every bedroom, especially if people sleep with the door partly
or completely closed.
• In the hall near every sleeping area. If your home has multiple
sleeping areas, install a unit in each. If a hall is more than 12 meters
(40 feet long), install a unit at each end.
• At the top of the first-to-second floor stairway, and at the bottom of
the basement stairway.
Specific requirements for Smoke Alarm installation vary from state to
state and from region to region. Check with your local Fire Department
for current requirements in your area.
It is recommended AC or AC/DC
units be interconnected for added protection.
AGENCY PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
NFPA 72 (National Fire Code) Chapter 11
“For your information, the National Fire Protection Association's
Standard 72, reads as follows:”
“11.5.1 One- and Two-Family Dwelling Units.”
“11.5.1.1 Smoke Detection.
Where required by applicable laws, codes,
or standards for the specified occupancy, approved single- and multiple-
station Smoke Alarms shall be installed as follows: (1) In all sleeping
rooms. Exception: Smoke Alarms shall not be required in sleeping rooms
in existing one- and two-family dwelling units. (2) Outside of each
separate sleeping area, in immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms.
(3) On each level of the dwelling unit, including basements. Exception:
In existing one- and two family dwelling units, approved Smoke Alarms
powered by batteries are permitted.”
“A.11.8.3 Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable?
The required number of Smoke Alarms might not provide reliable early
warning protection for those areas separated by a door from the areas
protected by the required Smoke Alarms. For this reason, it is recom-
mended that the householder consider the use of additional Smoke
Alarms for those areas for increased protection. The additional areas
include the basement, bedrooms, dining room, furnace room, utility
room, and hallways not protected by the required Smoke Alarms. The
installation of Smoke Alarms in kitchens, attics (finished or unfinished), or
garages is not normally recommended, as these locations occasionally
experience conditions that can result in improper operation.”
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