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ENGLISH

•Operation  •Maintenance 

Effective 5/17/01

LITERATURE NUMBER

MPD 38131

hydro flame

TM

SACO-2 Carbon Monoxide Detector

MONITOR

Owner’s Information Manual

GENERAL INFORMATION

The SACO-2 Carbon Monoxide Detector monitors the presence of CO
(carbon monoxide) with an electrochemical sensor. It is not influenced by
humidity, natural gas or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). It will measure the
concentration of CO between 1-999 PPM (parts per million) with a resolu-
tion of 1 PPM and factors in a small zero float. Typical battery life of this
monitor is 500 hours when used with an alkaline battery. This device can
be used by professional technicians and experts to detect CO build up in
industrial and residential environments. It is able to detect CO in living
areas, garage and around gas burner appliances. The detector will only
indicate the presence of carbon monoxide gas at the sensor. Carbon
monoxide may be present in other areas.

The detector indicates the presence of Carbon Monoxide in two ways:

• By displaying a reading in PPM concentrations of carbon monoxide

on the LCD (liquid crystal display).

• By emitting an audible beep when carbon monoxide is present in

excess of 40 PPM.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CARBON MONOXIDE

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that is formed as a
result of incomplete combustion of carbon based fuels (wood, coal, gaso-
line, LP Gas, etc.). When fuel is burned Carbon (C) and Oxygen (O) will
normally combine to form Carbon Dioxide (CO

2

). If there is insufficient oxy-

gen, due perhaps to a restricted air flow, CO is formed. Internal combus-
tion engines and propane gas fired appliances are typical sources of car-
bon monoxide.

WARNING

Actuation of this device indicates the presence of carbon monoxide
(CO) which can be FATAL.

WHEN MONITOR BEEPS:
If anyone has a headache or an upset stomach call the Fire Department immedi-
ately and move to a location which has fresh air. DO A HEAD COUNT TO CHECK
THAT ALL PERSONS ARE ACCOUNTED FOR. DO NOT RE-ENTER PREMISES
UNTIL IT HAS BEEN AIRED OUT AND THE PROBLEM CORRECTED! 
If no one exhibits symptoms of discomfort associated with CO poisoning, simply:

• Turn off appliances and other sources of combustion - furnace, water heater,

range (wood, coal or kerosene burning) stove, heater or fireplace, RV, genera-
tor, automobile.

• Call a qualified technician and have the problem fixed before restarting appli-

ances, the vehicle, and other sources of combustion.

• Immediately get fresh air into premises, RV or vehicle.

EFFECTS ON HUMANS

CO is absorbed by the lungs and reacts with blood hemoglobin to form
carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), which reduces the oxygen carrying capacity
of the blood. If the concentration of CO in air exceeds 2,000 ppm, which
corresponds to 0.2%, it can be fatal in a matter of minutes. In smaller
quantities carbon monoxide will cause a series of symptoms such as
fatigue, headache, nausea, dizziness, collapse and eventually death. The
progression and intensity of these symptoms depends on the time of
exposure and the concentration of CO present in the environment.

Many cases of reported CO poisoning indicate that while victims are aware
they are not feeling well, they become so disoriented they are unable to
save themselves by either exiting the building or calling for assistance. Also
young children and household pets may be the first affected.

LEARN AND RECOGNIZE THE EFFECTS OF CO POISONING.

CONCENTRATION

OF CO IN AIR 

INSTRUCTIONS

0-1 PPM

Normal background levels.

9 PPM

ASHRAE standard 62-1989 for living areas

50 PPM

OSHA enclosed space 8 hour average level

100 PPM

OSHA exposure limit

200 PPM

Slight headaches, fatigue, dizziness and nausea 
after 2-3 hours.

400 PPM

Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life threatening 
after 3 hours.

800 PPM

Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45 min-
utes. Unconsciousness within 2 hours. 
Death within 2-3 hours.

*PPM = parts per million

U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
Regulation 1917.24: “The CO content in any enclosed space shall be maintained at
not more than 50 PPM (0.005%). Remove employees from enclosed space if the
CO concentration exceeds 100 PPM (0.01%).”

The table above refers to healthy adults. Anyone with a health condition
may find lower levels of CO more dangerous than shown in this chart.

COMMON SOURCES OF CO

Common sources of potential dangerous levels of CO are:

• Poorly maintained furnaces, gas heaters or fireplaces.

• Dirty or plugged chimneys or flue exhausts.

• Poorly maintained gas, oil or kerosene appliances.

• Internal combustion engines (e.g., automobiles, lawn mowers and

blowers).

APPLIANCE

FUEL

TYPICAL PROBLEMS

Ranges

Natural Gas

• Not enough air to burn fuel

Ovens

LP Gas

• Improperly adjusted burner
• Misuse as a room heater
• System not properly vented

Water 

Natural Gas

• Not enough air to burn fuel

Heaters

LP Gas

• Improperly adjusted burner
• Misuse as a room heater
• Systems not properly vented or blocked vent

Stoves

Natural Gas

• Not enough air to burn fuel

Fireplaces

LP Gas

• Improperly adjusted burner

Wood

• Cracked firebox

Coal

• System not properly vented or blocked vent

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