User’s Manual
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CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM MODEL: FFCM
9VH
FEATURES
DC operated carbon monoxide alarm
Insect proof
Test / Hush button
High and stable sensitivity
With quick fix mounting bracket for easy installation
Fitting and battery tamper-resist feature
LED operation indicator
Low-battery and battery missing warning indicator
Auto reset after the CO is clear
SPECIFICATIONS
Model Number:
FFCM
9VH
Detection Type:
Electrochemical
Power Source:
9V DC Battery
Standby Current:
<30uA
Alarm Current: <20mA
Alarm Level: 50ppm (Between 60-90 min)
100ppm (between 10-40 min)
300ppm (Between<3min.)
Alarm Sound Level
85 Decibels at 3 meters
Operation Temperature: 5°C to 38°C
Ambient Humidity: 15% to 90% Relative Humidity
INFORMATION ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
1. WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless poison
gas that can be fatal when inhaled. CO binds to the
hemoglobin in the blood and inhibits its capacity to carry
oxygen. CO kills hundreds of people each year and injures
many more because it is difficult to be detected with the
human senses. In high concentrations, CO can kill in minutes.
2. 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.
3. CONDITIONS THAT CAN RESULT IN TRANSIENT CO
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.
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.
Note: For maximum protection an alarm 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 CO that reaches the unit’s
sensor. It’s possible that CO may be present in other areas
without reaching the alarm.
This carbon monoxide alarm is designed to detector carbon
monoxide gas from ANY source of combustion. It is NOT
designed to detect smoke, fire or any other gas.
IMPORTANT CO ALARM PLACEMENT AND EXCEPTION
INFORMATION
Carbon Monoxide has a similar density to warm air and can be
fitted in various locations. If fitted to a wall, it should be fitted
at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) above the floor level and at least
1.85 meters (6 feet) from the appliance to ensure maximum
effectiveness.
DO NOT INSTALL CO ALARMS
Improper location can affect the sensitive electronic
components in this alarm. To avoid causing damage to the
unit, to provide optimum performance, and to prevent
unnecessary nuisance alarms:
1. The alarm is not to be located within 1.5m (5 feet) of
any cooking appliance.
2. Situations where the temperature may fall below 5°C
or rise above 38°C .
3. In a damp or humid area 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.
DO NOT open or tamper with the alarm as this could cause
malfunction.
HOW TO INSTALL THIS CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM
This CO alarm is powered by a battery and requires no
additional wiring. It can be installed either on the ceiling or the
wall using the fixings provided.
WARNING: CO alarm installation must be in accordance with
the requirements of the national electrical code and any local
codes that may apply and by a competent person.
1. From back of CO alarm, remove the mounting plate by
turning it counterclockwise.
(To later engage tamper-resist feature, twist out and set aside
one of the pins molded into plate. Both pins are exactly the
same.)
4. SYMPTOMS OF CO 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 defense is
an annual inspection and regular maintenance of your
appliances. Contact a licensed contractor or call your local
utility company for assistance.
35 ppm
- The maximum allowable concentration for
continuous exposure for healthy adults in any 8 hour period.
200 ppm
- Slight headaches, fatigue, dizziness, 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
minutes. Unconsciousness within 2 hours and death within 3
hours.
1600 ppm
- Headache, dizziness and nausea within 20
minutes. Death within 1 hour.
6400 ppm
- Headache dizziness and nausea within 1-2
minutes.
The following symptoms related to CO POISONING and are to
be discussed with ALL members of the household:
Mild Exposure:
Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue
(often described as “flu-like” symptoms)
Medium Exposure:
Severe throbbing headache, drowsiness,
confusion, fast heart rate.
Extreme Exposure:
Unconsciousness, convulsions, 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. Young
children and household pets are typically the first affected.
5. IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
Installation of your CO alarm is only one step in your safety
plan. Educate yourself and family to the sources and
symptoms of CO poisoning and how to use your carbon
monoxide alarm:
Test your CO alarm weekly
Replace the battery immediately once depleted
Buy appliances accepted by a recognised testing
laboratory
Install the appliances properly, following the
manufacturer’s instructions
Have installations done by professionals
Have your appliances checked regularly by a qualified
serviceman
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 use
Be aware of CO poisoning symptoms
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 alarm
Do not barbecue indoors, or in an attached garage
CO ALARM PLACEMENT
Typical single-story home
For minimum protection you should fit an alarm in the
bedrooms or in the hallway of sleeping areas. Place it as near
to the sleeping areas as possible and ensure the alarm is
audible when the bedrooms are occupied.
Typical Multi-story or
split level home
For minimum protection, you should
fit at least one alarm on each floor.
KEY:
Maximum Protection
Minimum Protection