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 alarm replaced. See back page for
warranty information.
CO alarms will not work without power. This CO alarm requires a
continuous supply of electric power.
CO alarms can only sense CO that reaches the CO alarm’s sensor.
Carbon monoxide may be present in other areas without reaching the
alarm. The rate at which CO reaches the alarm may be affected by
doors or other obstructions. In addition, fresh air from a vent or open
window or any other source may prevent CO from reaching the
sensor. Please observe cautions on page 1-5, “Where to install your
CO alarm.”
CO could be present on one level of the home and not reach a CO
alarm installed on a different level. For example, CO in the basement
may not reach a alarm on the second level, near the bedrooms. For
this reason, we recommend you provide complete coverage by
placing a CO alarm on every level of the home.
CO alarms are not smoke alarms. CO alarms do not sense smoke or
fire. For early warning of fire you must install smoke alarms, even
though carbon monoxide can be generated by a fire.
CO alarms should not be used to detect the presence of natural gas
(methane), propane, butane, or other combustible fuels.
CO alarms are not a substitute for property, disability, life or other
insurance of any kind. Appropriate insurance coverage is your
responsibility. Consult your insurance agent.
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Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm
Nighthawk’s Unique Features
Test/Reset Button
This button has two functions. First, this is the button you press when you
test the unit weekly (see page 1-9 for further details). Secondly, you press
this button if the unit alarms and you want to turn it off. This will reset the
unit and it will again start monitoring for CO. If the CO concentration is
150ppm or above, the unit will re-alarm within 2 minutes. If the CO
concentration is above 350ppm CO, the test button will NOT silence the
alarm.
Vents
Air (and CO) enters into the alarm at the bottom vent and circulates
through the sensing chamber, exiting through the top vent. For proper air
circulation, keep vents free of dust, dirt or grease, (see “How to care for
your CO alarm” page 1-11). Do not obstruct or block vents, (see “Where
to install your CO alarm” on page 1-5).
Sensor
The sensor is a highly sensitive, electrochemical sensor that is CO-specific
to help avoid false alarms. Turn to page 1-11 for more information on how
to care for and protect the CO alarm.
Sounder Alarm
This is the loud 85 decibel pulsing alarm that will sound to alert you to a
potential problem. Alarm condition is rapid pulsating beeps.
Caution:
Continuous exposure to this sound level at close range over an
extended period of time may cause hearing loss. We recommend you
cover the sounder with your finger while testing. More on testing on page
1-9.
Keyholes
When the CO alarm is mounted to the wall, these keyholes slide
onto the fixing plate studs. (See “How to install your CO alarm on pages
1-7,8).
What Carbon Monoxide Alarms Can and Cannot Do
CO alarms are designed to sense unacceptable levels of CO from
malfunctioning boilers, appliances, gas engines or other sources.
CO alarms provide early warning of the presence of carbon monoxide,
usually before a healthy adult would experience symptoms.
This early warning is possible, however, only if your Nighthawk CO alarm
is located, installed and maintained as described in this user’s guide.
This CO alarm is designed to act as a continuous monitor, it is not
designed for use as a short-term testing device to perform a quick check
for the presence of CO.
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Part One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm
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