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SPECIFICATIONS

Detection type 

Electrochemical

Power source 

9V DC battery

Standby current 

<10uA

Alarm current 

<10mA

Alarm level (ppm)* 

50ppm – in 60-90 minutes

 

100ppm – in 10-40 minutes

 

300ppm – within 3 minutes

 

(*ppm = parts per million)

Alarm sound level 

85 decibels at 3 metres 

Operation temperature 

0°C to 49°C

Ambient humidity 

30% to 90% relative humidity

Compliant to standard 

EN50291:2001

FEATURES

 DC-operated carbon monoxide alarm

 Test and hush button

 Quick-fix mounting bracket for easy installation

 LED operation indicator

 Low-battery warning indicator 

 Auto-reset after the carbon monoxide is clear

INFORMATION ABOUT CARBON 

MONOXIDE

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless 

poisonous gas that can be fatal when inhaled. CO binds to the 

hemoglobin in the blood and inhibits its capacity to carry 

oxygen. It is difficult to be detected with the human senses.

In high concentrations, CO can kill in minutes.

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.

Conditions that can result in transient carbon monoxide 

situation in the home

  Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel-burning 

appliances caused by outdoor ambient conditions, such as 

wind direction and/or velocity, 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.

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM

FFCM9VH

PRODUCT MANUAL

MULTI-STOREY RESIDENCE

Minimum required CO alarm locations 
Recommended additional CO alarm locations

BEDROOM

HALL

BEDROOM

LIVING ROOM

KITCHEN

BASEMENT

DINING ROOM

LIVING ROOM

BEDROOM

BEDROOM

KITCHEN

SINGLE-STOREY RESIDENCE, APARTMENT, MOBILE HOME

  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.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

To be safe, know the possible sources of CO in your home. 

Keep fuel-burning appliances and their chimneys and vents in 

good working condition. Learn the early symptoms of 

exposure, and if you suspect CO poisoning, move outside to 

fresh air and get emergency help. Your first line of defence is 

installing CO alarms and having an annual inspection and 

regular maintenance of your appliances. Contact a licensed 

contractor or call your local utility company for assistance.

35ppm:

 The maximum allowable concentration for continuous 

exposure for healthy adults in any 8 hour period.

200ppm:

 Slight headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea after 

2-3 hours.

400ppm:

 Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life-threatening 

after 3 hours.

800ppm:

 Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45 minutes, 

unconsciousness within 2 hours and death within 3 hours.

1600 ppm:

 Headache, dizziness and nausea within 20 

minutes and death within 1 hour.

6400 ppm:

 Headache dizziness and nausea within 1-2 minutes.

The following symptoms are related to carbon monoxide 

poisoning and should be discussed with all members of your 

household:

Mild exposure:

 Slight headache, nausea, vomiting and 

fatigue – often described as ‘flu-like’ symptoms.

Medium exposure:

 Severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, 

confusion and fast heart rate.

Extreme exposure:

 Unconsciousness, convulsions, cardio 

respiratory failure and death.
Many cases of reported carbon monoxide poisoning indicate 

that, while victims are aware they are not well, they become 

so disoriented that they are unable to save themselves by 

either exiting the building or calling for assistance. Young 

children and household pets are typically the first affected.

Important safeguards

The installation of your CO alarms is only one step in your 

safety plan. Educate yourself and your family to the sources 

and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to use 

the CO alarms:

  Test them weekly by only pressing the test button.

  Replace battery yearly and immediately once depleted.

  Buy appliances accepted by a recognized testing laboratory.

  Install the appliances properly, following the manufacturer’s 

instructions.

  Have installations performed by professionals.

  Have your appliances checked regularly by a qualified 

service technician.

  Clean chimneys and flues yearly.

  Make regular visual inspections of all fuel-burning 

appliances.

  Check appliances for excessive rust and scaling.

  Open windows when a fireplace or wood-burning stove is 

in use.

  Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms.

For your safety, do not:

  Burn charcoal inside your home, RV, camper, tent or cabin.

  Install, convert or service fuel burning appliances without 

proper knowledge, skill and expertise.

  Use a gas range, oven or clothes dryer for heating.

  Operate unvented gas burning appliances using kerosene 

or natural gas in closed room.

  Operate gasoline-powered engines indoors or in confined 

areas.

  Ignore a safety device when it shuts an appliance.

  Ignore any warning from your CO alarms.

  Barbecue indoors or in an attached garage.

Typical multi-storey or split level home

For minimum protection, fit at least one CO alarm on each 

floor, especally in hallways and as near to sleeping areas as 

possible, and ensure the CO alarms are audible when 

bedrooms are occupied.

NOTE:

 For maximum protection, CO alarms should be fitted 

in or near every room that contains a fuel-burning appliance 

such as any central heating boilers, gas fires, room heaters, 

water heaters, cookers, grills, etc.

CAUTION:

 CO alarms can only sense carbon monoxide that 

reaches the unit’s sensor. It’s possible that CO may be 

present in other areas without reaching the CO alarm. This 

CO alarm is designed to detect carbon monoxide gas from 

ANY source of combustion. It is NOT designed to detect 

smoke, fire or any other gas.

Where not to install carbon monoxide alarms

Improper location can affect the sensitive electronic 

components in this CO alarm. To avoid causing damage to 

the unit, provide optimum performance, and prevent 

unnecessary nuisance alarms:
1.  The CO alarms are not to be located within 1.5 metres of 

any cooking appliance.

2.  Situations where the temperature may fall below 0°C or 

rise above 49°C, or where humidity may fall below 30% or 

rise above 90%.

3.  In damp or humid areas such as near bathrooms or in 

shower areas.

4.  Any area where high levels of dusty, dirty or greasy 

emissions could contaminate or clog the sensor.

5.  Behind drapes or furniture.
6.  In the path of air discharged from a furnace, 

air-conditioning vent or ceiling fan.

7.  Outside the building.
8.  Directly above a sink or cooker.

WARNING:

 This CO alarm is designed for indoor use only. 

DO NOT expose to rain or moisture. It will not protect against 

the risk of CO poisoning when the battery has drained or been 

removed. DO NOT open or tamper with the CO alarm as this 

could cause malfunction.

INSTALLATION AND MOUNTING 

INFORMATION

This CO alarm is powered by a 9V DC battery and requires no 

wiring. It can be installed either on a wall or the ceiling. 

WARNING:

 This CO alarm installation must be by a 

competent person.
1.  From the back of CO alarm, remove the mounting plate by 

turning it counter-clockwise. 

2.  Secure the plate to the wall or ceiling with the mounting 

plugs and screws, appropriate to the surface on which the 

CO alarm is to be installed.

3.  Connect the 9V DC battery to the connector (make sure 

polar connections match). The RED LED indicator will flash 

rapidly for a brief period, until it enters normal operation.

4.  Fit the battery into the compartment. Then mount the CO 

alarm back to the mounting bracket (ensure the CO alarm 

is secured in place).

5.  Test the CO alarm to ensure the correct operation of the 

unit by pressing the test button for 10 seconds then release 

it (this should sound the CO alarm).

OPERATION

Normal operation

When no carbon monoxide is present, the RED LED Indicator 

will flash ONCE every 30 seconds which is an indication that 

the CO alarm is powered and functional.

Alarm mode

When the unit detects dangerous levels of CO, the RED LED 

indicator will flash rapidly and the alarm will sound 

approximately 3 times every 4 seconds. This will continue as 

long as there is a dangerous level of CO present. Should the 

CO level returns to normal, the unit will stop beeping.

  CO level (ppm) 

Response time

 

50 

within 90 minutes

 

100 

within 40 minutes

 

300 

within 3 minutes

WARNING:

 This product may not sound the alarm at low 

carbon monoxide levels. Individuals with medical problems 

may consider using warning devices which provide audible 

alarms for concentrations under 30 ppm.

Hush mode
IMPORTANT:

 Read ‘Take action when the CO alarm sounds’ 

(further below) which provides information about the 

necessary procedures taken when the CO alarm sounds.
Hush mode is intended to temporarily silence false alarms. 

When the CO alarm sounds, immediately follow steps in ‘Take 

action when the CO alarm sounds’. To hush the CO alarm 

press the test button (when the alarm is sounding) and the CO 

alarm will enter hush mode for approximately 8 minutes. After 

this period, the CO alarm will return to normal operation. 

Should carbon monoxide particles continue to be detected 

after the hush period, the CO alarm will activate again until the 

area is cleared from carbon monoxide. If there are frequent 

false alarms, refer to the ‘Troubleshooting’ section. 

Low battery indication

The CO alarm will sound a short ‘chirp’ ONCE every minute. 

This warning should last for at least 7 days. The battery 

should be replaced immediately. Through normal use the 

battery should last for approximately one year. However, 

battery life may be reduced if either a fault occurs with the 

battery or the CO alarm remains in alarm for long periods of 

time. It is important to test the CO alarm weekly to ensure the 

battery is operational. 

Fault indication

The alarm will sound a short chirp TWICE every 30 seconds. 

Should the CO alarm indicate a fault, refer to the 

‘Troubleshooting’ section.

TESTING 

Test your CO alarms weekly and whenever their batteries are 

replaced to ensure correct operation. If the CO alarms ever 

fail to test correctly, refer to the ‘Troubleshooting’ section. If 

the CO alarms are not working properly, they can not alert you 

to a problem. Test the CO alarms by pressing their test 

buttons for 10 seconds and then releasing it. Weekly testing of 

your CO alarms will ensure that all electronic circuitry, horn 

and battery are operating correctly. 

WARNING:

 DO NOT use any other method when testing the 

CO alarm other than by pressing the test button. 

MAINTENANCE 

It is important to regularly maintain your CO alarms by:

  Pressing the test buttons weekly to check the units’ alarms 

sound.

  Using a vacuum cleaner at least monthly to remove dust.

  Avoid using air-fresheners, hair sprays or other aerosols 

near the alarms.

  Do not paint the alarms. If painting, decorating, using 

adhesives close to the alarms, or staining floors, remove 

the alarms temporarily.

Normally, this alarm can be operated up to 5 years without 

replacement. To see the date of replacement, refer to the 

back of each CO alarm.

NOTE: 

Never use detergents or solvents near or on the CO 

alarms. Chemicals can permanently damage or temporarily 

contaminate the sensors. Avoid spraying air-fresheners, hair 

spray or other aerosols near the CO alarm. The following 

substances can affect the sensor and cause false alarms: 

Methane, Propane, Iso-butane, Iso-propanol, Ethylene, 

Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl acetate, Hydrogen Sulphide, 

Hydrogen, Sulphur Dioxide, alcohol based products, paints, 

thinners, solvents, adhesives, hair sprays, aftershaves or 

perfumes, auto exhaust (cold start) and some cleaning agents. 

When painting or staining, remove the CO alarm from the 

bracket and the room, and only return once it is safe to do so.

BATTERY REPLACEMENT

This unit requires one standard 9V battery. The following 

battery types are acceptable as replacements: 9V 6F22 or 

6LR61. Replace the battery yearly, or immediately when the low 

battery indicator sounds a short chirp ONCE every minute. This 

low voltage warning will be given for at least 7 days. Test your 

CO alarms weekly to check if their batteries are operational.
1.  Turn the CO alarm counter-clockwise to detach it from the 

mounting plate.

2.  Remove the existing battery from the compartment and 

disconnect the battery from connector.

3.  Connect the new battery to the connector – ensure polar 

connections match. The RED LED indicator will flash 

rapidly for a few seconds until it returns to normal operation. 

4.  Fit the new battery into the compartment, then reattach the 

CO alarm back to the mounting bracket. 

5.  Test the CO alarm to ensure correct operation of the unit 

by pressing the test button.

WARNING:

 Do not use rechargeable batteries. Incorrectly 

fitted batteries may cause an explosion.

TAKE ACTION WHEN THE CO ALARM 

SOUNDS

WARNING:

 Activation of the CO alarm indicates the presence 

of poisonous carbon monoxide gas which requires your 

immediate attention.
1.  When the CO alarm is sounding, press the test button to 

hush the alarm (it will hush for approximately 8 minutes). 

2.  Immediately move to fresh air outdoors or by an open door 

or window, and make sure that all persons are alerted and 

pets included. Do not re-enter the premises nor move away 

from the open door or window until emergency services 

responders have arrived, the premises has been aired out, 

and the CO alarm reverts to and remains in its normal 

operation.

3.  Call the emergency services (Fire Brigade and/or 

Ambulance) – in Australia dial 000; in New Zealand dial 111.

4.  After following steps 1-3, if your CO alarm reactivates 

within a 24 hour period repeat steps 1-3 and call a qualified 

appliance technician to investigate for 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:

 Never ignore the sound of the alarm! Never restart the 

source of the CO problem until it has been corrected. If the 

alarm is sounding, pressing the test/hush button will only hush 

the alarm. If the alarm sounds again after the hush period, it is 

still detecting poisonous carbon monoxide. Have combustion 

equipment inspected by qualified appliance technicians and 

consult the manufacturers’ instructions, or contact the 

manufacturers directly for more information about CO safety 

and the equipment. Make sure that motor vehicles are not, or 

have not been, operating in a garage attached or adjacent to 

the residence.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem:

 The CO alarm does not sound when the test button 

is pressed.

Remedy:

 When pressing the test button, hold it for at least 10 

seconds and then release it. If the CO alarm does not engage 

the test mode, ensure that the 9V battery is secured correctly 

to the connectors (if the battery has not been replaced, then 

replace the battery). Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the CO 

alarm by removing any dust build-up or foreign particles 

present in the unit. Should the above remedies fail to engage 

the CO alarm’s test mode, then return it to the place of 

purchase for an exchange or refund only during the warranty 

period. Otherwise purchase a new CO alarm.

Problem:

 The CO alarm sounds a short chirp once every 

minute.

Remedy:

 The CO alarm is indicating a low battery. Refer to 

‘Battery Replacement’ section for further assistance.

Problem:

 The CO alarm sounds two short chirps every 30 

seconds. 

Remedy:

 The CO alarm has detected a fault. Disconnect the 

battery from the connector and reconnect after 10 seconds to 

reset the unit. If the fault continues, clean the unit according to 

the ‘Maintenance’ section. Should the CO alarm continue to 

indicate a fault after performing the above remedies, return to 

the place of purchase to arrange an exchange or refund (only 

during warranty period). Otherwise, purchase a new CO alarm.    

Problem:

 The CO alarm is sounding and after investigation, 

no trace of carbon monoxide has been found. 

Remedy:

 After following the ‘Take action when the CO alarm 

sounds’ section, ensure that the placement of the CO alarm 

conforms to the installation instructions (if not move the unit to 

a suitable location). However, if the unit has been placed in a 

correct location, then clean the unit according to the 

‘Maintenance’ section instructions. Should the unit after 

cleaning continue to sound false alarms, return to the place of 

purchase to arrange an exchange or refund (only during 

warranty period). Otherwise, purchase a new CO alarm. 

Problem:

 The CO alarm’s sound pattern sounds different to 

sound pattern during normal operation.

Remedy:

 Clean the CO alarm – refer to the ‘Maintenance’ 

section. If the CO alarm continues to sound different sound 

patterns that are not listed within this manual then return to the 

place of purchase to arrange an exchange or refund (only 

during warranty period). Otherwise, purchase a new CO alarm.  

FIVE YEAR WARRANTY

Master Distributors Pty Ltd warrants to the original consumer 

purchaser each new CO alarm to be free from defects in 

material and workmanship under normal use and services for a 

period of five (5) years from the date of purchase. Master 

Distributors Pty Ltd agrees to repair or replace, at its option, any 

defective CO alarm provided it is returned personally or by 

prepaid delivery, with a copy of proof of purchase. This warranty 

does not cover damage resulting from accidents, misuse or 

abuse or lack of reasonable care of the product.

Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under 

the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement 

or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other 

reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to 

have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of 

acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major 

failure. 

Subject to those non-excluded rights and provisions and the 

above warranty, Master Distributors Pty Ltd will not be liable for 

any injury to persons or damage to property or for any special 

direct or indirect or consequential loss or damage whatsoever 

and whether as a result of negligence or fault on the part of 

Master Distributors Pty Ltd or its servants, agents, suppliers and 

contractors or otherwise arising out of or resulting from, whether 

directly or indirectly, the use, installation or maintenance of the 

CO alarm and any warranties or representations are excluded 

unless given by Master Distributors Pty Ltd in writing. The 9 volt 

battery included with this CO alarm is excluded from the Master 

Distributors Pty Ltd, five (5) year warranty. If this CO alarm is 

installed for use by others, please leave this document or a copy 

for the end user.
For more information and FAQs visit 

www.family-first.com.au

Family First Carbon Monoxide Alarm with

test and hush button, operated by a 9 volt battery.

Conforms to standard EN50291:2001.

THIS UNIT IS NOT A SMOKE ALARM

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM 

PLACEMENT

As carbon monoxide is of similar density to air and mixes and 

moves with it, the optimum placement of a carbon monoxide 

alarm is on a wall. If fitted to a wall, it should be at least

1.5 metres above the floor level, and at least 1.85 metres from 

fuel-burning appliances to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Typical single-storey home

For minimum protection, you should fit a CO alarm in the 

bedrooms or in the hallway of sleeping areas. Place it as near 

to sleeping areas as possible, and ensure the CO alarms are 

audible when bedrooms are occupied.

Register for free test reminders: 

www.testalarm.com.au

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