1. Information About Carbon Monoxide
To be safe, know the possible sources of CO in your home. Keep fuel-
burning appliances and their chimneys and vents in good working condi-
tion. Learn the early symptoms of exposure, and if you suspect CO poi-
soning, 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 compa-
ny for assistance.
Information About Carbon Monoxide Alarms –
What They Can and Cannot Do:
CO alarms provide early warning of the presence of CO, usually before a
healthy adult would experience symptoms. This early warning is possible,
however, only if your CO alarm is located, installed and maintained as
described in this guide.
Because carbon monoxide is a cumulative poison, long-term exposures
to low levels may cause symptoms, as well as short-term exposures to
high levels. This Kidde unit has a time-weighted alarm – the higher the
level of CO present, the sooner the alarm will be triggered.
This CO alarm can only warn you of the presence of CO. It does not
prevent CO from occurring, nor can it solve an existing CO problem. If
your unit has alarmed and you’ve provided ventilation by leaving your
windows and doors open, the CO buildup may have dissipated by the
time help responds. Although your problem may appear to be
temporarily solved, it’s crucial that the source of the CO is determined
and that the appropriate repairs are made.
This CO alarm is designed to act as a monitor; it is not designed for use
as a short-term testing device to perform a quick check for the presence
of CO.
CO alarms have limitations. Like any other electronic device, CO alarms
are not fool-proof. CO alarms have a limited operational life. You must
test your CO alarm weekly, because it could fail to operate at any time.
If your CO alarm fails to test properly, or if its self-diagnostic test reveals
a malfunction, immediately have the unit replaced. This alarm will not
monitor CO levels while in an error condition.
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. The
rate and ability that which CO reaches the alarm may be affected by:
• Doors or other obstructions.
• Fresh air from a vent, an open window or other source.
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