19 P/N 466-5307
• REV A • ISS 15MAR17 ©2017 United Technologies
Corporation
General Carbon Monoxide (CO) Information
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless poison gas that can be
fatal when inhaled. CO inhibits the blood's capacity to carry oxygen.
POSSIBLE 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: gasoline, diesel, 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:
Furnaces/boilers, gas ranges/stoves, gas clothes dryers, water heaters, portable fuel
burning space heaters, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and certain swimming pool
heaters. Blocked chimneys or flues, back drafting and changes in air pressure,
corroded or disconnected vent pipes, or a loose or cracked furnace heat exchanger can
also release CO into your building. Vehicles and other combustion engines running in
an attached garage and using a charcoal/gas grill or hibachi in an enclosed area are all
possible sources of CO.
The following conditions can result in transient CO situations:
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 differential 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/boilers, 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, car idling
in an open or closed attached garage, or near a home.
CO SAFETY TIPS
Every year, have the heating system, vents, chimney and flue inspected and cleaned
by a qualified technician. Always install appliances according to manufacturer’s
instructions and adhere to local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by
professionals and inspected after installation. Regularly examine vents and chimneys
for improper connections, visible rust, or stains, and check for cracks in furnace heat
exchangers. Verify that the color of flame is blue on pilot lights and burners. A AMBER
or orange flame is a sign that the fuel is not burning completely and may be releasing
CO. Teach all household members what the alarm sounds like and how to respond.
Fire Departments, most utility companies and HVAC contractors will perform CO
inspecti
ons, some may charge for this service. It’s advisable to inquire about any
applicable fees prior to having the service performed. Interlogix will not pay for, or
reimburse the owner or user of this product, for any repair or dispatch calls related to
the alarm sounding.
