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IMPORTANT:
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.
What Levels of CO Cause an Alarm?
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Standard UL2034 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).
UL2034 Required Alarm Points*:
•
If the alarm is exposed to 400 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM BETWEEN 4 & 15 MINUTES.
•
If the alarm is exposed to 150 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM BETWEEN 10 & 50 MINUTES.
•
If the alarm is exposed to 70 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM BETWEEN 60 & 240 MINUTES.
*Approximately 10% of COHb exposure at levels of 10% to 95% Relative Humidity (RH).
This unit is designed not to alarm when exposed to a constant level of 30 ppm for 30 days.
Standards
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Single and Multiple Station carbon monoxide alarms UL2034. According to
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. UL2034, Section 1-1.2: “Carbon monoxide alarms covered by these requirements
are intended to respond to the presence of carbon monoxide from sources such as, but not limited to, exhaust
from internal-combustion engines, abnormal operation of fuel-fired appliances, and fireplaces. CO alarms
are intended to alarm at carbon monoxide levels below those that could cause a loss of ability to react to the
dangers of carbon monoxide exposure.” This CO alarm monitors the air at the alarm, and is designed to alarm
before CO levels become life threatening. This allows you precious time to leave the house and correct the
problem. This is only possible if alarms are located, installed, and maintained as described in this manual.
Gas Detection at Typical Temperature and Humidity Ranges
The CO alarm is not formulated to detect CO levels below 30 ppm typically. Tested for false alarm resistance to
Methane (500 ppm), Butane (300 ppm), Heptane (500 ppm), Ethyl Acetate (200 ppm), Isopropyl Alcohol (200
ppm) and Carbon Dioxide (5000 ppm). Values measure gas and vapor concentrations in parts per million.
Audible Alarm
85 dB minimum at 10 feet (3 meters).
Regulatory Information for CO Alarms
