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NOTE:
For any location, make sure no door or other obstruction could prevent the Carbon Monoxide
(CO) from reaching the alarm.
WHERE THIS ALARM SHOULD NOT BE INSTALLED
To avoid causing damage to the unit, to provide optimum protection, and to prevent
unnecessary alarms. Do
NOT
locate this alarm:
•
In garages, kitchens, crawl spaces and unfinished attics. Avoid extremely dusty, dirty or greasy
areas. Installation in these areas could lead to nuisance alarms, may expose the sensor to
substances which could damage or contaminate it, or the alarm may not be heard by people in
other areas of the home, especially if they are sleeping.
•
In the garage, vehicle exhaust can contain some carbon monoxide. These levels are higher when
the engine is first started. Within hours of starting a vehicle and backing it out of the garage, the
levels present over time can activate the alarm and become a nuisance.
•
In the kitchen, some gas appliances can emit a short burst of CO upon startup. This is normal.
If your CO Alarm is installed too close to these appliances, it may alarm often and become a
nuisance.
•
Keep alarms at least 20 feet (6m) from the sources or combustion particles (stove, furnace,
water heater, space heater), if possible. In areas where a 20 foot (6m) distance is not possible
(in modular, mobile or smaller homes for example), it is recommended the alarm be placed as far
from these fuel-burning sources as possible. The placement recommendations are intended to
keep these alarms at a reasonable distance from a fuel-burning source and reduce “unwanted”
alarms. Unwanted alarms can occur if an alarm is placed directly next to a fuel-burning source.
Ventilate these areas as much as possible.
If you must install the alarm near a cooking or
heating appliance, install at least 5 feet (1.5m) from appliance.
•
Curtains or heavy furniture may prevent CO from reaching the sensor.
•
In extremely humid areas. This alarm should be at least 10 feet (3m) from a bath or shower,
sauna, humidifier, vaporizer, dishwasher, laundry room, utility room or other source of high
humidity.
•
In very cold or very hot environments or in unheated buildings or outdoor rooms where the
temperature can go below or above the operating range of the alarm. Maximum temperature
limits for proper operation are 40°F to 100ºF (4.4°C to 37.8°C).
•
In turbulent air, such as near ceiling fans, heat vents, air conditioners, fresh air returns or open
windows. Blowing air may prevent CO from reaching the sensors.
•
Good ventilation is recommended when household cleaning supplies or similar contaminants
are used.
•
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 or water heaters.
Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs which can amplify the above situations.
FIGURE 2
•
