UP
UP
MOUNTING
HOOKS (2)
MOUNTING
HOLES (2)
Red Wire
Red Wire
Yellow Wire
+ 12VDC from RV Engine Starting Battery
+ 12VDC from RV Coach Batteries
Common Ground Connection
+ -
INSTALL
REMOVE
TAMPER RESISTANT LOCKING PIN
OWNER’S MANUAL
Model 12RV-DB
Dear New COSTAR® 12RV-DB Owner,
Congratulations as you have taken steps to help insure the health and life safety of you and your family. We
are proud to offer you our unique, patented CO Sensor technology that detects CO in a manner similar to the human
body’s response. The COSTAR® 12RV-DB is an ideal and low-cost way of warning you of both the acute and chronic
effects of CO poisoning.
Please read this owner’s manual carefully so you will have a better understanding of the effects of CO poison-
ing and the COSTAR® 12RV-DB Alarm, as we work together pursuing a safer, healthier indoor air quality for us all.
To your good health and safety,
Mark Goldstein, Ph.D.
President
Quantum Group Inc.
WARNING: Failure to replace this product by the “REPLACE BY DATE” printed on the alarm
cover may result in death by Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Replace By Date is six (6) years from
date of manufacture.
1.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The model 12RV-DB is designed for installation in Recreational Vehicles. Its dual source power input allows for
connection to both the house battery and to the engine battery. The design is such that the alarm selects the
battery with the highest voltage to draw its power from. The alarm also includes a replaceable 9 volt alkaline
backup battery which will power the alarm when the coach batteries are disconnected.
2.0 PRODUCT DATA
2.1 Sensitivity Setting: Unit will alarm at 150 ppm CO within 50 minutes
2.2 Power: dual source 12 VDC nominal, operating voltage range 10-18 volts,
2.3 Backup battery: 9 volt Alkaline DURACELL MN1604
, GOLD PEAK 1604AU
2.4 Current Draw Standby 20 µa, alarm 50ma.
2.5 Wiring: 18AWG
2.6 Operating Temperature: -40 F to 150 F (-40C to 66 C)
2.7 Operating Humidity: 10-95% RH
2.8 Horn (Sounder) Loudness: 85 db @ 10 ft (3.3 meters)
3.0 APPROVALS
Listed by Underwriters Laboratories to UL standard 2034 and CSA 6.19-01
4.0 WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CO
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an insidious poison. It is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. It is a cumulative
poison. Even low levels of CO have been shown to cause brain and other vital organ damage in unborn
infants with no effect on the mother. The following symptoms may be related to CARBON MONOXIDE
POISONING and should be discussed with ALL members of the household:
MILD EXPOSURE:
Headaches, running nose, sore eyes, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (often described as “flu”-like symptoms)
MEDIUM EXPOSURE:
Severe throbbing headache, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate;
EXTREME EXPOSURE:
Unconsciousness, convulsions, brain damage, cardio respiratory failure, death.
Many cases of reported CARBON MONOXIDE 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. Also, young children and household pets may be the first affected. Your CO alarm is designed to
detect the toxic CO fumes that result from incomplete combustion, such as fuel burning appliances (e.g. space
heater, furnace, water heater, range, oven, clothes dryer), or other sources of combustion (e.g. kerosene-burning
stove or heater or gas log fireplace) or internal combustion engines (e.g. automobile exhaust). Furthermore,
installation of this device is not a substitute for proper installation, use, and maintenance of fuel-burning appli-
ances, including appropriate ventilation and exhaust systems. This carbon monoxide alarming device is designed
to detect carbon monoxide gas from ANY source of combustion. It is NOT designed to detect smoke, fire, or
any other gases.
CAUTION
: This alarm will only indicate the presence of carbon monoxide gas at the sensor. Carbon monox-
ide gas may be present in other areas.
WARNING
: This product is intended for use in ordinary indoor locations of family living units. It is not
designed to measure compliance with commercial or industrial standards, such as Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA). This device is designed to protect individuals from the acute effects of carbon
monoxide exposure. It will not fully safeguard individuals with specific medical conditions. Individuals with
medical problems may consider using warning devices which provide audible and visual signals for carbon
monoxide concentrations under 30 ppm. If in doubt, consult a medical practitioner.
5.0 WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF THE ALARM SOUNDS
WARNING
: Actuation of your CO alarm
indicates the presence of carbon monoxide
(CO), which can KILL YOU. If alarm signal
sounds (flashing red light and pulsating horn):
*
For users in the United States, follow the protocol in steps 1 through 4 below:
1. Operate reset/silence button;
2. Call your emergency services (______ -
_______) [fire department or 911];
3. Immediately move to fresh air – outdoors or
by an open door or window. Do a head
count to check that all persons are
accounted for. Do not reenter the premises
nor move away from the open door/window
until emergency services responders have
arrived, the premises have been aired out,
and your alarm remains in its normal condi-
tion.
4. After following steps 1–3, if your alarm reac-
tivates within a 24-hour period, repeat steps
1–3 and call a qualified repair technician
(______ - _______) to investigate the
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
any combustion equipment not inspected
by the technician and consult the manufac-
turer’s instructions, or contact the manufac-
turers directly, for more information about
CO safety and this equipment. Make sure
motor vehicles are not, and have not been,
operating in an attached garage or adjacent
to the residence.
* For users in Canada, follow the protocol in steps 1 and 2 below:
1.
Immediately move to fresh air – outdoors or by an open door or window. Check that all
persons are accounted for. Do not re-enter the premises or move away from the open
door/window until the emergency services responders have arrived, the premises have
been aired out, and your alarm remains in its normal condition;
2.
Call your emergency services (______ - _______) [fire department or 911]; If
“service”signal sounds (red light flashes and horn beeps every 30 seconds); contact the
manufacturer Quantum Group, Inc. Customer Service: 1-800-432-5599 for troubleshoot-
ing and/or instructions to return the unit:
5.1 Important Considerations
The alarm will automatically sense when the level of CO in the air falls below the danger level. You should stay
outside the vehicle in fresh air until the alarm is silenced. When the alarm sounds, do not stand too close to the
alarm. The sound produced by the alarm is loud because it is designed to awaken a person in an emergency.
Prolonged exposure to the alarm at a close distance may be harmful to your hearing.
WARNING: TEST DEVICE OPERATION AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN STORAGE, BEFORE
EACH TRIP, AND AT LEAST ONCE PER WEEK DURING USE
6.0 DEVELOPING YOUR OWN CO SAFETY PLAN
This CO alarm can quickly alert you to the presence of CO - it cannot prevent toxic CO emissions. Please note
that there are hazards against which CO detection may not be effective, such as natural gas leaks or explosions.
The ultimate responsibility for protection against toxic CO gas rests solely on you. Installing CO alarms is just
the first step in protecting your family from toxic CO poisoning. We also suggest that you create an effective,
comprehensive safety program as outlined below.
6.1 Install CO alarms properly following the instructions in this manual
6.2 Develop a family escape plan and practice it with your entire family, especially small children.
-Draw a floor plan of your RV and find two ways to exit. There should be one way to get out of your RV with-
out opening the door.
-Make sure that all occupants know what the CO alarm signal means and how they must be prepared to leave
the RV by themselves if necessary.
-Decide on a meeting place a safe distance from your RV and make sure all occupants understand where they
should go and wait if there is a dangerous CO condition.
-Conduct CO safety drills at least every 6 months to make sure that everyone, even small children, know what
to do in order to escape safely.
-Know where to go to call the Fire Department from outside your RV.
7.0 IMPORTANT: WHAT YOUR CO ALARM CAN AND CANNOT DO
7.1 This unit is designed to detect carbon monoxide (CO) entering its sensing chamber. It does not sense com-
bustible gas (such as natural gas, propane or butane), heat, smoke or flames.
7.2 NOTE: This CO alarm is designed for use within a single recreational vehicle. The alarm may not provide
early warning for occupants if it is placed outside of the recreational vehicle, such as on outside porches.
7.3 When properly located, installed, and maintained, this CO alarm is designed to provide early warning of devel-
oping poisonous CO conditions at a reasonable cost. This alarm monitors the air, and when it senses CO, it acti-
vates its built-in alarm. It can provide precious time for you and your family to escape from your RV before
CO can seriously injure or kill. However, such an early warning is possible only if the alarm is located,
installed, and maintained as specified in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING: The COSTAR® Model 12RV-DB CO Alarm is not designed for marine use.
8.0 INSTALLING THE COSTAR® 12RV-DB ALARM FOR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE USE
Figure 1: Suggested Mounting Locations for RVs
8.1
Recommend mounting locations. One of the most important considerations in any CO alarm system is the
location of the alarms. Statistics of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) show that most of the fatal CO
occurrences happen at night while people are sleeping.Early warning of CO is best achieved by the correct installa-
tion of CO alarms.
8.2
Put a CO alarm in a central location inside the vehicle, near sleeping areas. A closed door can block particu-
late smoke but CO gas is likely to get through.
8.3
This CO alarm may be mounted on the wall or ceiling.
8.4
WALL LOCATION: Mount alarm at least 3 feet (usually 5-6 feet) from the floor.
8.5
CEILING LOCATION: Alarm should be mounted as close as possible to the center of a hallway or room. If
this is not the edge of the alarm should be at least 4 inches from any wall.
8.6 LOCATIONS TO AVOID
-Within 5 feet (1.5m) of any cooking appliance
-Near an open window or door, because the fresh air entering the opening may delay CO from reaching the
alarm
-In damp or very humid areas or next to bathrooms with showers. Install detectors at least 5 feet (1.5 meters)
away from bathrooms
-Accommodation spaces should be well ventilated when household cleaning supplies or similar contaminant's
are stored or used.
8.7 CONDITIONS WHICH CAN RESULT IN TEMPORARY CO SITUATIONS:
8.7.1 Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel burning appliances caused by:
i) Outdoor ambient conditions, such as wind direction and/or velocity, including high gusts of wind, and insuffi-
cient draft in the vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods between cycles);
ii) Negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust fans;
iii) Simultaneous operation of several fuel burning appliances competing for limited internal air;
iv) Loose vent pipe connections from fuel-fired appliances such as clothes dryers, furnaces, or water heaters;
v) Obstructions, or unconventional vent pipe designs that can amplify the above situations;
vi) Poorly designed or maintained chimneys and/or vents;
8.7.2 Extended operation of unvented fuel-burning devices (range, oven, fireplace, etc.);
8.7.3 Temperature inversions that can trap exhaust gasses near the ground; and
8.7.4 RV, truck or car idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near a home.
9.0 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS: CAUTION!! READ CAREFULLY
CAUTION:
THIS UNIT IS SEALED. THE COVER IS NOT REMOVABLE!
9.1 Select proper location
9.2 A mounting plate is provided on the back of the alarm. Remove the mounting plate from the back of the alarm
by holding the mounting plate and twisting the alarm in the direction indicated by the “OFF” arrow on the
alarm cover.
9.3 To insure aesthetic alignment of the alarm with the hallway or wall, the UP ARROW on the mounting plate
must be:A Parallel with the hallway walls when ceiling mounting B)Pointed upward when wall mounting. C)
(See steps A & B in figure 2)
Step A: Ceiling mounting
Step B: Wall alignment
Step C: Installation
Step D Battery Instalation
Step E Instalation/Removal
Step F. Locking Pin instalation
Figure 2: Instalation Instructions
9.4 As described in Figures 1-2, attach the mounting plate on the wall or ceiling. Use the screws and anchors
provided to secure the mounting plate. Follow applicable codes and regulations for wiring. Disconnect
power before installation or service. Connect Red Wires to 12 Volt DC power sources. Connect Yellow
Wire to Ground.
9.5 The battery is INSTALLED REVERSED FOR SHIPPING. Remove and reinstall the battery in the correct ori-
entation as noted on the inside of the battery door. When installing the battery, align the “+” and “-” trminals on
the correct contacts. The alarm will beep once indicating proper battery instalation.
WARNING: BATTERY IS REQUIRED FOR ALARM OPERATION AND DETECTION OF
CARBON MONOXIDE. IF NO BATTERY IS INSTALLED, THE BATTERY DOOR WILL NOT
CLOSE EASILY AND THE UNIT WILL NOT ATTACH TO THE MOUNTING BRACKET.
9.6 Attach the alarm to the mounting plate. Twist the alarm in the direction indicated by the “ON” arrow on the
alarm cover (see step E) until it locks in place.
9.7 To make your carbon monoxide alarm tamper resistant, a locking pin has been provided in the bag with the
screws and anchors. Using this pin will deter children and others from removing the alarm from the mounting
plate. To use the pin, insert it into the hole in the side of the alarm after the alarm has been installed on the
mounting plate (see Step F). Using long nose pliers pull the pin out of the hole; it is now possible to remove the
alarm from the mounting plate. Test alarm immediately following installation and weekly thereafter for proper
operation by pushing the test button until a short beep is heard (approximately three seconds). Release the
button. The alarm will then test itself for proper operation and the RED L.E.D. will flash 5 times. At comple-
tion of the self-test, the alarm will sound 2 patterns. The alarm then resumes normal operation.
9.8 This box contains two sets of self-adhesive labels. You should write the telephone numbers of the emergency
service provider and a qualified technician in the space provided in the labels. Place one label next to the
alarm, and the other label near a source of fresh air where you plan to gather after the alarm indicates the
presence of carbon monoxide.
10.0 ALARM SIGNALS
WARNING: Turn off both 12V power supplies before installing / replacing 9V battery.
If power supplies
are not turned off, alarm will beep once every 30 seconds for up to 10 minutes
10.1 NORMAL OPERATION RED LED flashes once every 30 seconds, indicating that the alarm is powered and
active.
10.2 ALARM CONDITION RED LED turns “on” for 2 seconds and “off” for 4 seconds with a repetitive sound
pattern of 4 short beeps for 1 second and 5 seconds of silence. Pushing and holding the test/reset button for 3
seconds will silence the alarm for about 4 minutes. After 4 minutes, the alarm will once again sound until the
unsafe CO concentration is reduced.
10.3 TROUBLE/SERVICE CONDITION The detector self-tests every 10 minutes. The detector will beep and the
Indicator/Test button will flash once every 30 seconds if a fault is detected. This is an indication of a malfunction
and that the detector requires immediate servicing.
10.4 END OF LIFE: Red LED flashes twice, horn beeps twice every 30 seconds.
REPLACE ALARM
10.5 LOW BATTERY One chirp every 30 seconds for a minimum of (7) days. Replace battery when this signal occurs
11.0 MAINTENANCE
CLEANING YOUR ALARM:
11.1 To clean your alarm remove it from the mounting bracket as outlined in Section 9.2, 9.7 and 9.8.
11.2 Disconnect power before cleaning your alarm
11.3 You can clean the interior of your alarm by using your vacuum cleaner hose and vacuuming through the open-
ings around the perimeter of the alarm.
WARNING: Do not use any household cleaning agents, paints, varnishes or any other chemical on
your 12RV-DB alarm
11.4 The outside can be wiped with a clean towel
11.5 After cleaning, reconnect power, reinstall your alarm and test your alarm by using the TEST button. Test your
alarms weekly and replace them when they no longer function. As with any electronic product, it has a limited
life. Alarms that do not work cannot warn you.
NOTE
: REGULAR TESTING IS RECOMMENDED
12.0 BATTERY REPLACEMENT
IF TAMPER RESISTANT PIN HAS BEEN USED, REFER TO STEP 9.8 UNDER INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS. (See Step F)
12.1 To replace the battery remove the alarm from the mounting plate by rotating the alarm in the direction of the
“OFF” arrow on the cover. (See Figure 2, Step E).
12.2 Open battery door as shown in Figure 2 Step F Battery replacement, remove old battery and replace with new
one. Close battery door and re-attached alarm as shown in Figure 2 Step D: Installation/Removal.
WARNING: BATTERY IS REQUIRED FOR ALARM OPERATION AND DETECTION OF
CARBON MONOXIDE. IF NO BATTERY IS INSTALLED, THE BATTERY DOOR WILL NOT
CLOSE EASILY AND THE UNIT WILL NOT ATTACH TO THE MOUNTING BRACKET.
12.3 The COSTAR® Model 12RV-DB CO Alarm uses one (1) 9 volt alkaline battery. A fresh battery should last for
one year under normal operating conditions. They can be purchased anywhere batteries are sold, such as your
local hardware store.
12.4 USE ONLY THE FOLLOWING 9 VOLT BATTERY FOR CO ALARM REPLACEMENT.
9 volt alkaline DURACELL MN1604, GOLD PEAK 1604AU.
WARNING: USE ONLY THE BATTERY SPECIFIED. USE OF DIFFERENT BATTERIES MAY
HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE CO ALARM. CONSTANT EXPOSURE TO HIGH
OR LOW HUMIDITY MAY REDUCE BATTERY LIFE. CHECK THE BATTERY MANUFAC-
TURERS SPECIFICATIONS FOR PROPER OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Note: Most batteries are not rated below -20°C or above 54°C
13.0 PERIODIC ALARM TESTING
Test the alarm weekly for proper operation by pushing the test button until a
short beep is heard (approximatly threeseconds). Release the button. The alarm will then test itself for proper
operation and the RED L.E.D. light will flash 4-6 times. At completion of the self-test, the alarm will sound 2
patterns. The alarm then resumes normal operation.
14.0 SERVICE AND WARRANTY
If after reviewing this manual you feel that your CO Alarm is defective in any
way, do not tamper with the unit. Before returning your device, call Quantum Group’s customer service line at
1-800-432-5599 to receive a return merchandise authorization (RMA) number. Once an RMA number has been
issued, return product along with a note describing the problem and send it to:
LIMITED WARRANTYCOSTAR® Model 12RV-DB
Quantum Group Inc. offers you this limited warranty on your new carbon monoxide alarm, including all of its com-
ponent parts. This limited warranty extends solely to the original end-user purchaser of this product, provided your
purchase was made from an authorized vendor. Transfer or resale of this product will automatically terminate war-
ranty coverage.
Quantum Group Inc. warrants the enclosed carbon monoxide alarm to be free from defects in materials and work-
manship under authorized use and service, as specified in the owner’s manual, for a period of six (6) years from the
date of manufacture. During the initial two (2) year period commencing with the date of manufacture, any repair or
replacement shall be made without charge. During the latter four (4) years of the warranty period, any repair or
replacement shall be made at a charge to the purchaser not to exceed 60% of the
current
retail price or manufacturer’
s
cost of
repair. All replaced items become the property of Quantum Group Inc.
QUANTUM GROUP INC. MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, EXCEPT AS
REQUIRED BY LAW, AND IN NO CASE FOR A DURATION LONGER THAN THAT OF THIS WRITTEN
WARRANTY, EXCEPT AS REQUIRED BY LAW, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR AGAINST INFRINGEMENT, OR
ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ARISING OUT OF TRADE USAGE OR OUT OF A COURSE OF
DEALING OR COURSE OF PERFORMANCE. Quantum Group Inc. has not authorized any other party to extend
any other warranties in connection with the sale of the product, and will not accept responsibility for any statements,
representations, or warranties made by any other person.
This limited warranty does not cover: (1) 9 volt alkaline battery; (2) products which have been improperly installed,
repaired, maintained, modified, or which have been subjected to misuse, abuse, accident, neglect, exposure to fire,
water, or excessive changes in climate or temperature, or combined with non-Quantum Group Inc.-approved acces-
sories; (3) physical damage caused from use other than normal and proper operation or handling, as specified in the
owner’s manual; (4) cosmetic damage; (5) products on which warranty stickers or product serial numbers have been
removed, altered, or rendered illegible; (6) the cost of installation, removal or reinstallation.
QUANTUM GROUP INC. SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL DIRECT, INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, GENERAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED
TO, LOSS OF PROFITS OR ANTICIPATED PROFITS ARISING OUT OF USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE
PRODUCT.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
ATTENTION: PLEASE READ, FOLLOW, AND SAVE
WARNING: Turn off both 12V power supplies before installing / replacing 9V battery.
If power supplies
are not turned off, alarm will beep once every 30 seconds for up to 10 minutes
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Dinette
Galley
Table
Entry
Cabover
Bed
Bath
Bed
Bath
Dinette
Galley
Entry
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P/N 099-0116-01 Rev
G 2009MAR18
6827 Nancy Ridge Dr.
San Diego, CA 92121-2233
Or call us toll free 1-800-432-5599
E-mail address: [email protected]
The 6 year limited warranty has a 2 year replacement window at no cost with a new alarm if it fails. After 2 years
the price will be prorated like tires on your car, which means you can buy a new alarm for 50% off of the retail price
if your product fails between 2 and 3 years.
