1. Information About Carbon Monoxide
Dangerous Levels:
When someone is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning and CO
readings are generally above 100 PPM. Anytime someone is experiencing
the symptoms of CO poisoning this should be treated as an emergency.
See “What to do When the Alarm Sounds” (inside front cover).
High Levels:
Generally above 100 PPM, with no one experiencing symptoms. This
should be treated as an urgent situation. See “What to do When the
Alarm Sounds” (inside front cover).
Mid Levels:
Generally between 50 PPM to 100 PPM. This should be cause for
concern and should not be ignored or dismissed. See “What to do
When the Alarm Sounds” (inside front cover).
Low Levels:
Generally below 50 PPM. Kidde recommends you take action to
eliminate the source of CO. See “What to do When the Alarm Sounds”
(inside front cover).
Possible 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.
1. Information About Carbon Monoxide
Conditions That Can Produce Carbon Monoxide
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, wind direction and/or veloci-
ty, 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.
• 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.
To be safe, know the possible sources of CO in your home. Keep fuel-
burning appliances and their chimneys and vents in good working condi-
tion. Learn the early symptoms of exposure, and if you suspect CO poi-
soning, move outside to fresh air and get emergency help. Your first line
of defense is an annual inspection and regular maintenance of your
appliances. Contact a licensed contractor or call your local utility compa-
ny for assistance.
Information About Carbon Monoxide Alarms –
What They Can and Cannot Do:
CO alarms provide early warning of the presence of CO, usually before a
healthy adult would experience symptoms. This early warning is possible,
however, only if your CO alarm is located, installed and maintained as
described in this guide.
Because carbon monoxide is a cumulative poison, long-term exposures
to low levels may cause symptoms, as well as short-term exposures to
high levels. This Kidde unit has a time-weighted alarm – the higher the
level of CO present, the sooner the alarm will be triggered.
