SPECIFICATIONS
Detection type
Electrochemical
Power source
9V DC battery
Standby current
<10uA
Alarm current
<10mA
Alarm level (ppm)*
50ppm – in 60-90 minutes
100ppm – in 10-40 minutes
300ppm – within 3 minutes
(*ppm = parts per million)
Alarm sound level
85 decibels at 3 metres
Operation temperature
0°C to 49°C
Ambient humidity
30% to 90% relative humidity
Compliant to standard
EN50291:2001
FEATURES
DC-operated carbon monoxide alarm
Test and hush button
Quick-fix mounting bracket for easy installation
LED operation indicator
Low-battery warning indicator
Auto-reset after the carbon monoxide is clear
INFORMATION ABOUT CARBON
MONOXIDE
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless
poisonous gas that can be fatal when inhaled. CO binds to the
hemoglobin in the blood and inhibits its capacity to carry
oxygen. It is difficult to be detected with the human senses.
In high concentrations, CO can kill in minutes.
Sources of carbon monoxide
Inside your home, appliances used for heating and cooking
are the most likely sources of CO. Vehicles running in
attached garages can also produce dangerous levels of CO.
CO can be produced when burning any fossil fuel, such as
gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil and wood. It can be
produced by any fuel-burning appliance that is malfunctioning,
improperly installed, or not ventilated correctly, such as:
Automobiles, furnaces, gas ranges/stoves, gas clothes
dryers, water heaters, portable fuel burning space heaters
and generators, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and
certain swimming pool heaters.
Blocked chimneys or flues, back drafts and changes in air
pressure, corroded or disconnected vent pipes, loose or
cracked furnace exchangers.
Vehicles and other combustion engines running in an open
or closed garage, attached or near a home.
Burning charcoal or fuel in grills and hibachis in an
enclosed area.
Conditions that can result in transient carbon monoxide
situation in the home
Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel-burning
appliances caused by outdoor ambient conditions, such as
wind direction and/or velocity, including high gusts of wind,
heavy air in the vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended
periods between cycles).
Negative pressure resulting from the use of exhaust fans.
Simultaneous operation of several fuel-burning appliances
competing for limited internal air.
Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes dryers,
furnaces, or water heaters.
Obstructions in, or unconventional, vent pipe designs which
can amplify the above situations.
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM
FFCM9VH
PRODUCT MANUAL
MULTI-STOREY RESIDENCE
Minimum required CO alarm locations
Recommended additional CO alarm locations
BEDROOM
HALL
BEDROOM
LIVING ROOM
KITCHEN
BASEMENT
DINING ROOM
LIVING ROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
KITCHEN
SINGLE-STOREY RESIDENCE, APARTMENT, MOBILE HOME
Extended operation of unvented fuel-burning devices
(range, oven, fireplace, etc.).
Temperature inversions which can trap exhaust gases near
the ground.
Vehicle idling in an open or closed garage, or near a home.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
To be safe, know the possible sources of CO in your home.
Keep fuel-burning appliances and their chimneys and vents in
good working condition. Learn the early symptoms of
exposure, and if you suspect CO poisoning, move outside to
fresh air and get emergency help. Your first line of defence is
installing CO alarms and having an annual inspection and
regular maintenance of your appliances. Contact a licensed
contractor or call your local utility company for assistance.
35ppm:
The maximum allowable concentration for continuous
exposure for healthy adults in any 8 hour period.
200ppm:
Slight headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea after
2-3 hours.
400ppm:
Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life-threatening
after 3 hours.
800ppm:
Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45 minutes,
unconsciousness within 2 hours and death within 3 hours.
1600 ppm:
Headache, dizziness and nausea within 20
minutes and death within 1 hour.
6400 ppm:
Headache dizziness and nausea within 1-2 minutes.
The following symptoms are related to carbon monoxide
poisoning and should be discussed with all members of your
household:
Mild exposure:
Slight headache, nausea, vomiting and
fatigue – often described as ‘flu-like’ symptoms.
Medium exposure:
Severe throbbing headache, drowsiness,
confusion and fast heart rate.
Extreme exposure:
Unconsciousness, convulsions, cardio
respiratory failure and death.
Many cases of reported carbon monoxide poisoning indicate
that, while victims are aware they are not well, they become
so disoriented that they are unable to save themselves by
either exiting the building or calling for assistance. Young
children and household pets are typically the first affected.
Important safeguards
The installation of your CO alarms is only one step in your
safety plan. Educate yourself and your family to the sources
and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to use
the CO alarms:
Test them weekly by only pressing the test button.
Replace battery yearly and immediately once depleted.
Buy appliances accepted by a recognized testing laboratory.
Install the appliances properly, following the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Have installations performed by professionals.
Have your appliances checked regularly by a qualified
service technician.
Clean chimneys and flues yearly.
Make regular visual inspections of all fuel-burning
appliances.
Check appliances for excessive rust and scaling.
Open windows when a fireplace or wood-burning stove is
in use.
Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms.
For your safety, do not:
Burn charcoal inside your home, RV, camper, tent or cabin.
Install, convert or service fuel burning appliances without
proper knowledge, skill and expertise.
Use a gas range, oven or clothes dryer for heating.
Operate unvented gas burning appliances using kerosene
or natural gas in closed room.
Operate gasoline-powered engines indoors or in confined
areas.
Ignore a safety device when it shuts an appliance.
Ignore any warning from your CO alarms.
Barbecue indoors or in an attached garage.
Typical multi-storey or split level home
For minimum protection, fit at least one CO alarm on each
floor, especally in hallways and as near to sleeping areas as
possible, and ensure the CO alarms are audible when
bedrooms are occupied.
NOTE:
For maximum protection, CO alarms should be fitted
in or near every room that contains a fuel-burning appliance
such as any central heating boilers, gas fires, room heaters,
water heaters, cookers, grills, etc.
CAUTION:
CO alarms can only sense carbon monoxide that
reaches the unit’s sensor. It’s possible that CO may be
present in other areas without reaching the CO alarm. This
CO alarm is designed to detect carbon monoxide gas from
ANY source of combustion. It is NOT designed to detect
smoke, fire or any other gas.
Where not to install carbon monoxide alarms
Improper location can affect the sensitive electronic
components in this CO alarm. To avoid causing damage to
the unit, provide optimum performance, and prevent
unnecessary nuisance alarms:
1. The CO alarms are not to be located within 1.5 metres of
any cooking appliance.
2. Situations where the temperature may fall below 0°C or
rise above 49°C, or where humidity may fall below 30% or
rise above 90%.
3. In damp or humid areas such as near bathrooms or in
shower areas.
4. Any area where high levels of dusty, dirty or greasy
emissions could contaminate or clog the sensor.
5. Behind drapes or furniture.
6. In the path of air discharged from a furnace,
air-conditioning vent or ceiling fan.
7. Outside the building.
8. Directly above a sink or cooker.
WARNING:
This CO alarm is designed for indoor use only.
DO NOT expose to rain or moisture. It will not protect against
the risk of CO poisoning when the battery has drained or been
removed. DO NOT open or tamper with the CO alarm as this
could cause malfunction.
INSTALLATION AND MOUNTING
INFORMATION
This CO alarm is powered by a 9V DC battery and requires no
wiring. It can be installed either on a wall or the ceiling.
WARNING:
This CO alarm installation must be by a
competent person.
1. From the back of CO alarm, remove the mounting plate by
turning it counter-clockwise.
2. Secure the plate to the wall or ceiling with the mounting
plugs and screws, appropriate to the surface on which the
CO alarm is to be installed.
3. Connect the 9V DC battery to the connector (make sure
polar connections match). The RED LED indicator will flash
rapidly for a brief period, until it enters normal operation.
4. Fit the battery into the compartment. Then mount the CO
alarm back to the mounting bracket (ensure the CO alarm
is secured in place).
5. Test the CO alarm to ensure the correct operation of the
unit by pressing the test button for 10 seconds then release
it (this should sound the CO alarm).
OPERATION
Normal operation
When no carbon monoxide is present, the RED LED Indicator
will flash ONCE every 30 seconds which is an indication that
the CO alarm is powered and functional.
Alarm mode
When the unit detects dangerous levels of CO, the RED LED
indicator will flash rapidly and the alarm will sound
approximately 3 times every 4 seconds. This will continue as
long as there is a dangerous level of CO present. Should the
CO level returns to normal, the unit will stop beeping.
CO level (ppm)
Response time
50
within 90 minutes
100
within 40 minutes
300
within 3 minutes
WARNING:
This product may not sound the alarm at low
carbon monoxide levels. Individuals with medical problems
may consider using warning devices which provide audible
alarms for concentrations under 30 ppm.
Hush mode
IMPORTANT:
Read ‘Take action when the CO alarm sounds’
(further below) which provides information about the
necessary procedures taken when the CO alarm sounds.
Hush mode is intended to temporarily silence false alarms.
When the CO alarm sounds, immediately follow steps in ‘Take
action when the CO alarm sounds’. To hush the CO alarm
press the test button (when the alarm is sounding) and the CO
alarm will enter hush mode for approximately 8 minutes. After
this period, the CO alarm will return to normal operation.
Should carbon monoxide particles continue to be detected
after the hush period, the CO alarm will activate again until the
area is cleared from carbon monoxide. If there are frequent
false alarms, refer to the ‘Troubleshooting’ section.
Low battery indication
The CO alarm will sound a short ‘chirp’ ONCE every minute.
This warning should last for at least 7 days. The battery
should be replaced immediately. Through normal use the
battery should last for approximately one year. However,
battery life may be reduced if either a fault occurs with the
battery or the CO alarm remains in alarm for long periods of
time. It is important to test the CO alarm weekly to ensure the
battery is operational.
Fault indication
The alarm will sound a short chirp TWICE every 30 seconds.
Should the CO alarm indicate a fault, refer to the
‘Troubleshooting’ section.
TESTING
Test your CO alarms weekly and whenever their batteries are
replaced to ensure correct operation. If the CO alarms ever
fail to test correctly, refer to the ‘Troubleshooting’ section. If
the CO alarms are not working properly, they can not alert you
to a problem. Test the CO alarms by pressing their test
buttons for 10 seconds and then releasing it. Weekly testing of
your CO alarms will ensure that all electronic circuitry, horn
and battery are operating correctly.
WARNING:
DO NOT use any other method when testing the
CO alarm other than by pressing the test button.
MAINTENANCE
It is important to regularly maintain your CO alarms by:
Pressing the test buttons weekly to check the units’ alarms
sound.
Using a vacuum cleaner at least monthly to remove dust.
Avoid using air-fresheners, hair sprays or other aerosols
near the alarms.
Do not paint the alarms. If painting, decorating, using
adhesives close to the alarms, or staining floors, remove
the alarms temporarily.
Normally, this alarm can be operated up to 5 years without
replacement. To see the date of replacement, refer to the
back of each CO alarm.
NOTE:
Never use detergents or solvents near or on the CO
alarms. Chemicals can permanently damage or temporarily
contaminate the sensors. Avoid spraying air-fresheners, hair
spray or other aerosols near the CO alarm. The following
substances can affect the sensor and cause false alarms:
Methane, Propane, Iso-butane, Iso-propanol, Ethylene,
Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl acetate, Hydrogen Sulphide,
Hydrogen, Sulphur Dioxide, alcohol based products, paints,
thinners, solvents, adhesives, hair sprays, aftershaves or
perfumes, auto exhaust (cold start) and some cleaning agents.
When painting or staining, remove the CO alarm from the
bracket and the room, and only return once it is safe to do so.
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
This unit requires one standard 9V battery. The following
battery types are acceptable as replacements: 9V 6F22 or
6LR61. Replace the battery yearly, or immediately when the low
battery indicator sounds a short chirp ONCE every minute. This
low voltage warning will be given for at least 7 days. Test your
CO alarms weekly to check if their batteries are operational.
1. Turn the CO alarm counter-clockwise to detach it from the
mounting plate.
2. Remove the existing battery from the compartment and
disconnect the battery from connector.
3. Connect the new battery to the connector – ensure polar
connections match. The RED LED indicator will flash
rapidly for a few seconds until it returns to normal operation.
4. Fit the new battery into the compartment, then reattach the
CO alarm back to the mounting bracket.
5. Test the CO alarm to ensure correct operation of the unit
by pressing the test button.
WARNING:
Do not use rechargeable batteries. Incorrectly
fitted batteries may cause an explosion.
TAKE ACTION WHEN THE CO ALARM
SOUNDS
WARNING:
Activation of the CO alarm indicates the presence
of poisonous carbon monoxide gas which requires your
immediate attention.
1. When the CO alarm is sounding, press the test button to
hush the alarm (it will hush for approximately 8 minutes).
2. Immediately move to fresh air outdoors or by an open door
or window, and make sure that all persons are alerted and
pets included. Do not re-enter the premises nor move away
from the open door or window until emergency services
responders have arrived, the premises has been aired out,
and the CO alarm reverts to and remains in its normal
operation.
3. Call the emergency services (Fire Brigade and/or
Ambulance) – in Australia dial 000; in New Zealand dial 111.
4. After following steps 1-3, if your CO alarm reactivates
within a 24 hour period repeat steps 1-3 and call a qualified
appliance technician to investigate for sources of CO from
fuel-burning equipment and appliances, and inspect for
proper operation of this equipment. If problems are
identified during this inspection have the equipment
serviced immediately.
NOTE:
Never ignore the sound of the alarm! Never restart the
source of the CO problem until it has been corrected. If the
alarm is sounding, pressing the test/hush button will only hush
the alarm. If the alarm sounds again after the hush period, it is
still detecting poisonous carbon monoxide. Have combustion
equipment inspected by qualified appliance technicians and
consult the manufacturers’ instructions, or contact the
manufacturers directly for more information about CO safety
and the equipment. Make sure that motor vehicles are not, or
have not been, operating in a garage attached or adjacent to
the residence.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem:
The CO alarm does not sound when the test button
is pressed.
Remedy:
When pressing the test button, hold it for at least 10
seconds and then release it. If the CO alarm does not engage
the test mode, ensure that the 9V battery is secured correctly
to the connectors (if the battery has not been replaced, then
replace the battery). Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the CO
alarm by removing any dust build-up or foreign particles
present in the unit. Should the above remedies fail to engage
the CO alarm’s test mode, then return it to the place of
purchase for an exchange or refund only during the warranty
period. Otherwise purchase a new CO alarm.
Problem:
The CO alarm sounds a short chirp once every
minute.
Remedy:
The CO alarm is indicating a low battery. Refer to
‘Battery Replacement’ section for further assistance.
Problem:
The CO alarm sounds two short chirps every 30
seconds.
Remedy:
The CO alarm has detected a fault. Disconnect the
battery from the connector and reconnect after 10 seconds to
reset the unit. If the fault continues, clean the unit according to
the ‘Maintenance’ section. Should the CO alarm continue to
indicate a fault after performing the above remedies, return to
the place of purchase to arrange an exchange or refund (only
during warranty period). Otherwise, purchase a new CO alarm.
Problem:
The CO alarm is sounding and after investigation,
no trace of carbon monoxide has been found.
Remedy:
After following the ‘Take action when the CO alarm
sounds’ section, ensure that the placement of the CO alarm
conforms to the installation instructions (if not move the unit to
a suitable location). However, if the unit has been placed in a
correct location, then clean the unit according to the
‘Maintenance’ section instructions. Should the unit after
cleaning continue to sound false alarms, return to the place of
purchase to arrange an exchange or refund (only during
warranty period). Otherwise, purchase a new CO alarm.
Problem:
The CO alarm’s sound pattern sounds different to
sound pattern during normal operation.
Remedy:
Clean the CO alarm – refer to the ‘Maintenance’
section. If the CO alarm continues to sound different sound
patterns that are not listed within this manual then return to the
place of purchase to arrange an exchange or refund (only
during warranty period). Otherwise, purchase a new CO alarm.
FIVE YEAR WARRANTY
Master Distributors Pty Ltd warrants to the original consumer
purchaser each new CO alarm to be free from defects in
material and workmanship under normal use and services for a
period of five (5) years from the date of purchase. Master
Distributors Pty Ltd agrees to repair or replace, at its option, any
defective CO alarm provided it is returned personally or by
prepaid delivery, with a copy of proof of purchase. This warranty
does not cover damage resulting from accidents, misuse or
abuse or lack of reasonable care of the product.
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under
the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement
or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other
reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to
have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of
acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major
failure.
Subject to those non-excluded rights and provisions and the
above warranty, Master Distributors Pty Ltd will not be liable for
any injury to persons or damage to property or for any special
direct or indirect or consequential loss or damage whatsoever
and whether as a result of negligence or fault on the part of
Master Distributors Pty Ltd or its servants, agents, suppliers and
contractors or otherwise arising out of or resulting from, whether
directly or indirectly, the use, installation or maintenance of the
CO alarm and any warranties or representations are excluded
unless given by Master Distributors Pty Ltd in writing. The 9 volt
battery included with this CO alarm is excluded from the Master
Distributors Pty Ltd, five (5) year warranty. If this CO alarm is
installed for use by others, please leave this document or a copy
for the end user.
For more information and FAQs visit
www.family-first.com.au
Family First Carbon Monoxide Alarm with
test and hush button, operated by a 9 volt battery.
Conforms to standard EN50291:2001.
THIS UNIT IS NOT A SMOKE ALARM
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM
PLACEMENT
As carbon monoxide is of similar density to air and mixes and
moves with it, the optimum placement of a carbon monoxide
alarm is on a wall. If fitted to a wall, it should be at least
1.5 metres above the floor level, and at least 1.85 metres from
fuel-burning appliances to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Typical single-storey home
For minimum protection, you should fit a CO alarm in the
bedrooms or in the hallway of sleeping areas. Place it as near
to sleeping areas as possible, and ensure the CO alarms are
audible when bedrooms are occupied.
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