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Conditions which can result in transient CO situations:
1) Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel burning appliances caused by
outdoor ambient conditions, such as:
i) Wind direction and/or velocity, including high gusts of wind. Heavy air 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) Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes dryers, furnaces, or
water heaters.
v) Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs which can amplify
the above situations.
vi) Poorly designed or maintained chimneys and/or vents.
2) Extended operation of unvented fuel burning devices
(range, oven, etc.).
3) Temperature inversions which can trap exhaust gases near the ground.
4) Car idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near the building.
If SERVICE signal (chirps twice and SERVICE red LED blinks 5 seconds in every
minute) or low battery signal (chirps once and green LED blinks 5 seconds in
every minute) are activated, see Section 13 for service and return instructions.
11. LIMITATIONS OF CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
Carbon monoxide alarms respond to the presence of CO. They do not detect smoke. If
the alarm does activate, follow instructions in Section 10
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE
ALARM SOUNDS
.
Carbon monoxide alarms are devices that can provide an early warning of the presence
of CO gas at a reasonable cost. However, alarms have sensing limitations and may not
always sound a warning in the presence of CO. The alarm will not operate if the battery
power is low or dead. CO alarms must be tested regularly to ensure that they are
receiving power and operating properly. Carbon monoxide alarms cannot sense CO
that does not reach the alarm, and therefore CO alarms may not detect CO which is in
another area of the dwelling. Furthermore, if the alarm is located on a different level of
the building, or on the other side of a closed door, it may not waken a sound sleeper.
The use of drugs and alcohol may impair ones ability to hear the alarm. If it is a multi-
level home, apartment, dormitory or hotel/motel, install CO alarms on each level of the
building. If the alarm is installed in a hallway and the bedroom doors are kept closed at
night, install a CO alarm within each bedroom.
Although CO alarms can help save lives by providing an early warning to the presence
of carbon monoxide, they are not a substitute for an insurance policy. Property owners,
leaseholders, and renters should have adequate insurance to protect everyone’s health,
lives and property.
