550-0498
Pg. C-4
In addition to CO alarms outside of the sleeping areas, NFPA
720 requires the installation of a CO alarm on each additional level
of the dwelling unit, including the basement. These installations are
shown in Figure 5. The living area CO alarm should be installed in
the living room or near the stairway to the upper level, or in both
locations. The basement CO alarm should be installed in close
proximity to the stairway leading to the floor above. Where installed
on an open-joisted ceiling, the CO alarm should be placed on the
bottom of the joists. The CO alarm should be positioned relative to
the stairway so as to intercept CO coming from the basement before
CO enters the stairway.
Figure 5: A CO ALARM MUST BE LOCATED ON EACH LEVEL.
Figure 5
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION
NFPA states the following for replacement of CO alarms:
NFPA 720, 2009 Edition, Chapter 8, Section 8.10.2 states: Alarms
shall be replaced when either the end-of-life signal is activated or the
manufacturer’s replacement date is reached. Alarms shall also be
replaced when they fail to respond to operability tests.
MOUNTING LOCATION
CO alarms can be installed and mounted on the wall or ceiling with
equal efficiency in either location. However, the CO alarm must be
mounted in such a way as not to interrupt device function by
jarring or vibration.
Ceiling location
-
CO alarm should be mounted as close as
possible to the center of a hallway or room. If this is not possible,
the edge of the CO alarm should be at least 4 inches from any
wall.
Wall location
-
locate the top of the CO alarm at least 4 inches
and not more than 12 inches from the ceiling.
Figure 6: RECOMMENDED CO ALARM MOUNTING LOCATIONS
Figure 6
Figure 7: RECOMMENDED CO ALARM LOCATION IN ROOMS
WITH SLOPED, GABLED, OR PEAKED CEILINGS.
The placement of the CO alarm is critical if maximum speed of CO
detection is desired. Thus, a logical location for a CO alarm is the
center of the ceiling. At this location, the device is closest to all
areas of the room.
Figure 7
Are More CO Alarms Desirable?
The required number of CO
alarms might not provide reliable early warning protection for those
areas separated by a door from the areas protected by the required
CO alarms. For this reason, the use of additional CO alarms for
those areas for increased protection is recommended. The
additional areas include the basement, bedrooms, dining room,
furnace room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the
required CO alarms. The installation of CO alarms in kitchens, attics
(finished or unfinished), or garages is not normally recommended,
because these locations occasionally experience conditions that can
result in improper operation.
WHERE CO ALARMS SHOULD NOT BE INSTALLED
DO NOT INSTALL THIS CO ALARM:
In garages, kitchens, furnace rooms, or in any extremely dusty,
dirty or greasy areas.
Closer than 15 feet (4.6 meters) from a furnace or other fuel
burning heat source or fuel burning appliance like a water heater.
Within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of any cooking appliance
Near any type of diaper pails or receptacle.
Near animal litter boxes, cages or kennels.
In extremely humid areas. This alarm should be at least 10 feet (3
meters) from a bath or shower, sauna, humidifier, vaporizer, dish
washer, laundry room, utility room or other source of high humidity.
In areas where temperature is colder than 40°F (4°C) or hotter
than 100°F (38°C). These areas include non-air conditioned crawl
spaces, unfinished attics, uninsulated or poorly insulated ceilings,
porches and garages.
In turbulent air, like near ceiling fans, heat vents, air conditioners,
fresh air returns, or open windows. Blowing air may prevent CO
from reaching the sensors.
In direct sunlight
IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGES
This CO alarm is designed for use inside a single or multi-
family dwelling. It is not meant to be used in common
lobbies, hallways, or basements of multi-family buildings
unless working alarms are also installed in each family living
unit. CO alarms in common areas may not be heard from
inside individual family living units.
This CO alarm is not a suitable substitute for complete
detection systems in places which house many people like
hotels or dormitories, unless a CO alarm is also placed in
each unit.
DO NOT use this CO alarm in warehouses, industrial or
commercial buildings, special-purpose non-residential
buildings or airplanes. This CO alarm is specifically designed
for residential use and may not provide adequate protection
in non-residential applications.
Never disconnect an AC CO alarm to silence a
nuisance alarm. Open a window or fan the air around the CO alarm.
The alarm will automatically turn off when the CO in the air is
completely gone. Do not stand close to the CO alarm. The sound
produced by the CO alarm is loud because it is designed to awaken
you in an emergency. Prolonged exposure to the horn at a close
distance may be harmful to your hearing.
INSTALLATION CO1209 SERIES
NOTICE:
New Construction: DO NOT attach CO alarm until AFTER
sanding, painting, and other dust creating situations are
finished and cleaned up.
WIRING/GENERAL
1. Use U.L. Listed cable with Class 1 insulation.
2. Observe local code requirements. Use box connector to anchor
cable to outlet box.
3. Metal outlet boxes must be grounded to earth ground.
4.
NOTICE:
Use only Duracell MN 1604 battery with the
CO1209 Series CO alarms. Available at many retail stores.
Turn off electricity to prevent SHOCK and damage to
CO alarm. Be sure the power line to the CO alarm is not controlled
by any on/off switch, or other type of switch, other than a fuse or
circuit breaker.
NOTICE:
Ensure that all fluorescent lighting fixtures are properly
grounded.
