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Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm

Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm

Nighthawk’s Unique Features

Digital Display

This continuous digital display shows you the level of carbon monox-
ide (if any) the unit is sensing. The unit updates this reading every 15
seconds so you can watch levels rise or fall.

Note:

If the alarm does not sense any CO, the reading is zero (0). In

most homes, the alarm reads “0” all the time. A reading of “0” is
expected under normal conditions, and is good. The blinking dot
after the number shows you the unit is operating.

Test/Reset Button

This button has two functions. First, this is the button you press when
you test the unit weekly (see pages 1-9,10,11 for further details).
Secondly, you press this button if the unit alarms and you want to
turn it off. This will 

reset

the unit and it will then again start monitor-

ing for CO. If CO concentration is above 70 ppm, the CO alarm will
sound within 60 minutes. (More on this on page 5-2).

Peak Level Button

By depressing this button, you can see the peak CO level recorded
by the alarm since it was last reset or unplugged. This Nighthawk fea-
ture allows you (or heating contractor or fireman) to see exactly how
big a CO problem you have so you can react accordingly. (More on
the peak level memory feature on page 1-14).

Vents

Air (and CO) enters into the alarm at the bottom vent and 
circulates through the sensing chamber, exiting through the top vent.
For proper air circulation, keep vents free of dust, dirt or grease, (see
“How to care for your CO alarm” page 1-13).  Do not obstruct or
block vents, (see “Where to install your CO alarm” on page 1-5).

Sensor

The sensor is a highly sensitive, electrochemical sensor that is CO-spe-
cific to help avoid false alarms. Turn to page 1-13 for more informa-
tion on how to care for and protect the CO alarm.

Sounder Alarm

This is the loud 85 decibel pulsing alarm that will sound to alert you
to a potential problem. Alarm condition is 4 quick beeps – followed
by 5 seconds off – then 4 quick beeps, repeat. 

Caution:

Continuous

exposure to this sound level at close range over an extended period
of time may cause hearing loss. We recommend you cover the sounder
with your finger while testing. More on testing on pages 1-10,11.

Keyholes

When the CO alarm is mounted to the wall, these keyholes slide onto
the screws in the wall. (See “How to install your CO alarm on 
pages 1-7,8).

What Carbon Monoxide Alarms Can and Cannot Do

CO alarms provide early warning of the presence of carbon monox-
ide, usually before a healthy adult would experience symptoms.
This early warning is possible, however, only if your Nighthawk CO
alarm is located, installed and maintained as described in this user’s
guide.
This CO alarm is designed to act as a continuous monitor, it is not
designed for use as a short-term testing device to perform a quick
check for the presence of CO.
CO alarms have limitations. Like any other electronic device, CO
alarms are not fool-proof.
CO alarms have a limited operational life. You must test your CO
alarm weekly, because it could fail to operate at any time. If your
CO alarm fails to test properly, or if its self-diagnostic test reveals a
malfunction, immediately have the CO alarm replaced. See back page
for warranty information.
CO alarms will not work without power.  This CO alarm requires a
continuous supply of electric power.
CO alarms can only sense CO that reaches the alarm’s sensor.
Carbon monoxide may be present in other areas without reaching
the alarm.  The rate at which CO reaches the alarm may be affected
by doors or other obstructions.  In addition, fresh air from a vent or
open window or any other source may prevent CO from reaching
the sensor. Please observe cautions on page 1-5 “Where to install
your CO alarm.”
CO could be present on one level of the home and not reach a CO
alarm installed on a different level.  For example, CO in the base-
ment may not reach a CO alarm on the second level, near the bed-
rooms. For this reason, we recommend you provide complete cover-
age by placing a CO alarm on every level of the home.
CO alarms are not smoke alarms. CO alarms do not sense smoke or
fire. For early warning of fire you must install smoke alarms, even
though carbon monoxide can be generated by a fire. 
CO alarms should not be used to detect the presence of natural gas
(methane), propane, butane, or other combustible fuels.
CO alarms are not a substitute for property, disability, life or other
insurance of any kind. Appropriate insurance coverage is your
responsibility. Consult your insurance agent.

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810-1009 AC Digital  11/13/01  11:22 AM  Page 10

Summary of Contents for KN-COP-C

Page 1: ...oduct Registration Department PO Box 8748 Denver CO 80201 8748 Please send products and all other correspondence to KIDDE Safety Attn Customer Service Department 1394 South Third Street Mebane NC 2730...

Page 2: ...level alarm or reading 4 1 2 3 4 Who you should call if you suspect you have CO in your home 4 2 3 4 Sometimes it is difficult to find the source of CO 4 4 Part Five Technical Information Product Spe...

Page 3: ...t least one carbon monoxide alarm In fact the CPSC chairman has said that CO alarms are as important to home safety as smoke alarms Yet because CO alarms for the home haven t been available until rece...

Page 4: ...digital display should be zero 0 If not see page 1 9 for complete information on normal operating characteristics Step 5 Make sure the red dot in the digital display is blinking Then test the alarm s...

Page 5: ...t parts on Nighthawk CO alarms And Nighthawk is the only CO alarm that gives you the choice of a direct plug a 6 power cord or a hardwire unit Depending on how or where you wish to mount your alarm yo...

Page 6: ...More on testing on pages 1 10 11 Keyholes When the CO alarm is mounted to the wall these keyholes slide onto the screws in the wall See How to install your CO alarm on pages 1 7 8 What Carbon Monoxide...

Page 7: ...of vaulted ceilings or gabled roofs where carbon monoxide may not reach the sensor in time to provide early warning Do not install in turbulent air from ceiling fans Do not install near doors and win...

Page 8: ...h on a wall make sure it is at least 6 from ceil ing Any higher and it will be in dead air space Minimum 6 from ceiling Note KIDDE Safety does not recommend mounting alarm on ceiling as we have not te...

Page 9: ...r information about how the unit alarms turn to page 5 2 For information about alarm s malfunction alert turn to page 1 12 PPM of CO CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM TEST RESET PEAK LEVEL Move to Fresh Air Three...

Page 10: ...e Test Reset button and removing the source of CO Step 5 Extinguish the cigarette or incense stick by pressing the smol dering tip into the ashtray How to Know If Your Alarm is Malfunctioning Your CO...

Page 11: ...matically display levels below 30 PPM it will detect and store these readings in memory By pressing the peak level button concentration levels as low as 11 and up to 999 PPM will be displayed Concentr...

Page 12: ...enior citizens and people with heart or respiratory prob lems are especially vulnerable to CO and are at the greatest risk for death or serious injury Where Does CO Come From Inside your home applianc...

Page 13: ...er Product Safety Commission recommends that every residence with fuel burning appliances be equipped with a UL Listed CO alarm What You Should Not Do Never burn charcoal inside a home garage cabin RV...

Page 14: ...de 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 You should t...

Page 15: ...y 5 seconds of silence followed by 4 short beeps Know how to respond to a CO emergency Periodically review this user s guide and discuss with all members of your family WARNING Actuation of this devic...

Page 16: ...sciousness high pressure oxygen therapy in a special hyperbaric chamber may be used A physician will make this determination and administer treatment if necessary Calling a Qualified Technician to Fin...

Page 17: ...CO alarm to determine the levels of carbon monoxide in the air and to calculate the rate that CO would be absorbed into the human body The microcomputer is calibrated to trigger the unit s alarm befor...

Page 18: ...charcoal a gas oven or unvented space heaters These heat sources can cause extremely dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide Part Six Frequently Asked Questions Q How do I get the CO alarm to show somet...

Page 19: ...y neighbors etc and it read 0 Does that mean everything is OK I m thinking I can return the CO alarm since everything checks out OK A This CO alarm is designed to act as a continuous monitor it is not...

Page 20: ...liability for any personal injury property damage or any special incidental contingent or consequential damage of any kind resulting from gas leakage fire or explosion Some states do not allow limita...

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