N. Technical Information
Your unit utilizes a proprietary Electronic Sensing Technology that
permits the unit to vary the exposure time before the alarm sounds
based on carbon monoxide concentrations.
Exposure Times
The carbon monoxide concentrations and time standards for the
alarms are as follows:
The Full Alarm Activates
• Within 60–240 minutes at exposures of 70 ppm
• Within 10–50 minutes at exposures of 150 ppm
• Within 4–15 minutes at exposures of 400 ppm
WARNING:
O. Warranty Information
5 Year Limited Warranty
Dicon Global Inc., which manufactures American
Sensors Carbon Monoxide Alarms, warrants its product, to the original
consumer purchaser, to be free from defects in material and
workmanship under normal use and service for a period of five (5)
years from date of purchase. Dicon Global Inc. makes no
other express warranty for this Carbon Monoxide Alarm. No agent,
representative, dealer or employee of the Company has the authority
to increase or alter the obligations or limitations of this warranty. The
company’s obligation of this warranty shall be limited to the repair or
replacement of any part of the alarm which is found to be defective in
materials or workmanship under normal use of service during the five
(5) year period commencing with the date of purchase.
The company shall not be obligated to repair or replace units
which are found to be in need of repair because of damage,
unreasonable use, modifications, or alterations occurring after
the date of purchase.
The duration of any implied warranty, including that of
merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose, shall be
limited to five (5) years on the Alarm commencing with the date
of purchase. In no case shall the Company be liable for any
consequential or incidental damages for breach of this or any other
warranty, expressed or implied whatsoever, even if the loss or
damage is caused by the Company’s negligence or fault. Some
states/provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or
exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific
legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary
regionally.
P. Tips for the Homeowner
Energy Conservation and Indoor Air Quality
Two steps that homeowners take to conserve energy may adversely
affect indoor air quality.
Since air leakage can account for as much as 40% of heat loss,
houses are being made more air tight. Reduced air leakage will
contribute to higher concentrations of air contaminants from
indoor sources and can cause draft reversal in the furnace or
fireplace chimney when the demand for air by fireplaces, furnaces
and exhaust fans exceeds the air supplied by leakage area and
supply ducts.
Converting from oil to gas, without taking steps to prevent
chimney deterioration, will increase the risk of chimney blockage,
draft failure and the associated release of combustion products into
the house. Qualified contractors and inspection by the gas company
are recommended.
Dirt and Blockage
Never insulate or try to seal up a draft hood, wind cap or exhaust
vent on any gas appliance (furnace, hot water heater, range, dryer
or space heater). Keep your equipment area clean. Don’t store
anything that could restrict air circulation close to equipment.
It is absolutely essential to your safety that panels and grills on the
furnace are kept in place and that the fan compartment door is
closed when the furnace is operating.
If you have a gas water heater, make sure that combustion air
openings at the bottom of the tank and the opening below the draft
diverter (on top of the tank next to the flue duct) remain
unblocked.
If you have a gas dryer, the exhaust duct must be vented to the
outside and have a hood at the end. Check that the exhaust system
is not blocked by lint or debris and that the flapper in the hood
moves freely.
For all fuel-burning equipment, make sure that vent hoods and
pipes are not blocked by insulation, leaves or bird nests.
Using other equipment that consumes or exhausts
household air
If you use exhaust fans, a fireplace or other fuel burning heaters or
stoves:
Run exhaust fans for just a minute or two at a time. Prolonged use
could remove too much air, and it wastes heat.
Do not run power attic vents during the winter or when your
furnace is on.
Important:
Not suitable as a smoke alarm or for detecting other gases.
This device is not suitable for installation in a hazardous
location, as defined in the national electrical code.
Units may be returned to point of purchase according to retailers
exchange / return policy. Or call 1-800-387-4219, for shipping
instructions and a returned goods authorization number “RGA”
number, to return to Dicon Global Inc. Returned goods
must be shipped prepaid. A cheque for $5.00 is also required for
return postage. Please mark the “RGA” number on the exterior of
your package. Date code located on back of smoke alarm.
This product is intended for use in ordinary indoor locations of
family living units. It is not designed to measure compliance with
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) commercial
and industrial standards. Individuals with medical problems may
consider using warning devices which provide audible and visual
signals for carbon monoxide concentrations under 30 ppm.
Models CO900, CO910 & CO920
Power Supply 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 7W
Dimensions 16cm x 7.5cm x 4.5cm
(6.6” x 3.0” x 1.7”)
Normal Operating Conditions:
Operating Temperature 4.4°C to 37.8°C (40°F to 100°F)
Relative Humidity 30% to 70%
Alarm 85 dB at 10 ft
A. INTRODUCING the American Sensors
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
This symbol alerts you to important operating instructions or to
potentially hazardous situations. Please read these items carefully.
WARNING:
INTRODUCTION
This Carbon Monoxide Alarm is an effective product for detecting
any build-up of carbon monoxide in your home.
Your new Alarm:
• Monitors for carbon monoxide continuously
• Is easy to install
• Sounds a loud alarm (85 dB) when it detects a hazardous build-up
of carbon monoxide
• Performs a continuous self diagnostic check of the electronics
• The CO900 & CO920 models feature a back up power source in
case of a mainline power failure
• Has a Test/Reset button so that you can test or reset the alarm at
any time
• Is listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. to
UL2034 - effective October 1, 1998
• Has a five-year limited warranty (Note: does not include back-up
battery)
WARNING:
If you have any questions regarding your unit, please call;
905-415-1700
B. Where should you install the Alarm?
The human body is most vulnerable to the effects of carbon
monoxide during sleeping hours. Since carbon
monoxide moves freely in
the air, the suggested
location is in or as near as
possible to sleeping areas of
the home. For maximum
protection, a carbon
monoxide alarm should be
located outside primary
sleeping areas or on each
level of your home.
The illustration above highlights suggested CO alarm locations in
the home.
The electronic sensor detects carbon monoxide, measures the
concentration and sounds a loud alarm before a potentially harmful
level is reached.
Some locations may interfere with the proper operation of the
alarm and may cause false alarms or trouble signals.
Do not place the Alarm in the following areas:
• Where the temperature may drop below 40°F (4.4°C) or exceed
100°F (37.8°C).
• Near paint thinner fumes or household cleaning products. Ensure
proper ventilation when using these types of chemicals.
• Within 6 feet (1.8 m) of any cooking or open flame appliances
such as furnaces, stoves and fireplaces.
• In exhaust streams from gas engines, vents, flues or chimneys.
• Do not place in close proximity to an automobile exhaust pipe;
this will damage the alarm.
WARNING:
C. How should you install the plug-in models?
FOR PLUG-IN MODELS CO900 AND CO920:
Connect the back-up battery to terminals, as per section I, before
plugging in the alarm. These models are equipped with a back-up
battery for security in the case of a temporary power failure and will
provide at least eight hours of back-up protection when used with
the recommended battery.
To provide maximum protection, please allow 48 hours for your
unit to initialize after installation. The unit will, however,
immediately warn you of dangerous carbon monoxide levels if
they are present in your home.
Your American Sensors Carbon
Monoxide Alarm is easy to
install to protect you and your
family in your home, cottage,
cabin and office.
Simply plug the Carbon
Monoxide Alarm into a standard
120 Volt AC wall outlet in your
home.
If you have a double outlet, plug
the unit into the bottom outlet
so that the top outlet is available
for other use.
Do not use this unit in an outlet that is controlled by a wall
switch. To work properly, the unit must not be blocked by
furniture or draperies.
Caution:
This alarm will only indicate the presence of carbon monoxide
at the sensor. Carbon monoxide may be present in other areas.
Carbon monoxide alarm is designed to detect carbon monoxide
gas from ANY source of combustion. It is NOT designed to
detect smoke, fire or any other gas.
Never ignore your carbon monoxide alarm if it activates. See
sections D & F for more information.
IMPORTANT: Please read this entire owner’s manual and follow all
directions as written.
L. What are the possible symptoms of carbon
monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is odorless, colorless, tasteless and very
toxic. When inhaled, it produces an effect known as chemical
asphyxiation. Injury is due to the combining of CO with the
available hemoglobin in the blood, which lowers the oxygen-
carrying capacity of the blood. In the presence of carbon monoxide,
the body is quickly affected by oxygen starvation.
The following symptoms are related to carbon monoxide poisoning
and should be discussed with all members of the household so that
you know what to look for:
Extreme Exposure (A-C): Unconsciousness, convulsions,
cardio-respiratory failure, death
Medium Exposure (D-G): Severe throbbing headache,
drowsiness, confusion, vomiting, fast heart rate
Mild Exposure (H-J): Slight headache, nausea, fatigue (often
described as “flu-like” symptoms)
Many cases of reported CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
indicate that while victims are aware they are not well, they
become so disoriented they are unable to save themselves by either
exiting the building or calling for assistance. Young children and
household pets may be the first affected. Exposure during sleep is
particularly dangerous because the victim usually does not awaken.
The amount of carbon monoxide in the air is measured as ppm
(parts per million). The graph below shows the important
relationship between carbon monoxide in the air, exposure time
and health effects.
For most people, mild symptoms generally will be felt after several
hours of exposure to 100 ppm of carbon monoxide. Higher levels
will lead to more severe symptoms or death.
M. What are the potential sources of carbon
monoxide?
Although many products of combustion can cause discomfort and
adverse health effects, it is carbon monoxide (CO) that presents
the greatest threat to life.
Clogged Chimney Wood Stove Wood or Gas Fireplace
Automobile and Garage Gas Water Heater Gas or Kerosene Heater
Gas or Oil Furnace Gas Appliances Cigarette Smoke
CO is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as
natural gas, propane, heating oil, kerosene, coal, charcoal, gasoline
or wood. The incomplete combustion of fuel can occur in any
device that depends on burning for energy or heat such as furnaces,
boilers, room heaters, hot water heaters, stoves or grills and in any
gasoline- powered vehicle or engine (e.g., generator set or
lawnmower). Tobacco smoke also adds CO to the air you breathe.
When properly installed and maintained, your natural gas furnace
and hot water heater do not pollute your air space with carbon
monoxide. Natural gas is known as a “clean burning” fuel because
under correct operating conditions the combustion products are
water vapor and carbon dioxide, which are not toxic. (Carbon
dioxide [CO2] is also present in the air we exhale and is necessary
for plant life.) The products of combustion are vented from
furnaces and water heaters to the outside by means of a flue duct or
chimney.
Typical Carbon Monoxide Problems
1. Equipment problems, due to defects, poor maintenance, damaged
or cracked heat exchangers.
2. Collapsed or blocked chimneys or flues, dislodged, disconnected
or damaged vents.
3. Downdraft in chimneys or flues; this can also be caused by very
long or circuitous flue runs, improper location of flue exhaust or
wind conditions.
4. Improper installation or operation of equipment, chimneys or
vents.
5. Air tightness of house envelope results in a lack of air for the
combustion process.
6. Inadequate exhaust of space heaters or appliances.
7. Exhaust ventilation/fireplace competing for air supply.
Caution:
Correct operation of fuel-burning equipment requires two key
conditions. There must be:
• An adequate supply of air for complete combustion
• Proper venting of the products of combustion from the
furnace through the chimney, vent or duct to the outside
CAR BON MONOXIDE
Alarm
D. What do the LED lights mean?
Power – Green
This lights up green when the unit
has power. It is normal for this
light to be on while the unit is
plugged in. If this light is off, the
unit is not operating properly.
Alarm – Red
This flashes Red when the full alarm sounds. It is normal for this
light to turn on when you press the Test/Reset button. The alarm
signal consists of 4 rapid beeps repeating every 5seconds, with the
Red LED light flashing every time the alarm horn beeps.
Low Back up Power – Yellow
CO900 & CO920 Models only:
Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm has a low level back-up battery
warning. When the battery power is low, the yellow LED will flash
every 5 seconds and the alarm will beep once every minute. During
a mainline power failure or when unplugged to test the back-up
power source (as per Section H) the indicator will light up and
flash yellow, accompanied by a short beeping sound if the battery is
low. This means the battery needs immediate replacing. It is normal
for this light to turn on once or twice immediately after you plug in
the alarm or after a power failure.
E. What does the Digital LED Display Mean?
FOR MODELS CO910 & CO920 ONLY:
These models feature a Digital LED Display (Light Emitting Diode)
that will show the level of carbon monoxide present when the unit
senses concentrations of 46 parts per
million (ppm) or greater. See section
L for more information on the
dangers of carbon monoxide.
For any concentration below 45 PPM the display will
show one dash “—”
Reading the Digital LED Display
F. What should you do if the ALARM sounds?
If potentially harmful levels of carbon monoxide are detected,
your unit will go into a continuous full alarm. The alarm signal
consists of 4 rapid beeps repeating every 5 seconds, with the red
LED light flashing every time the alarm horn beeps.
WARNING
Actuation of your CO alarm indicates the presence of
carbon monoxide (CO) which can KILL YOU. If alarm
signal sounds:
1. Operate reset/silence button;
2. Call your emergency services ( ),
[fire department or 911];
3. Immediately move to fresh air–outdoors or by an
open door/window. Do a head count to check that all
persons are accounted for. Do not reenter the
premises nor move away from the open
door/window until the emergency services
responders have arrived, the premises have been
aired out, and your alarm remains in its normal
condition;
4. After following steps 1–3, if your alarm reactivates
within a 24 hour period, repeat steps 1–3 and
call a qualified appliance technician
( ) to investigate for sources of
CO from fuel burning equipment and appliances,
and inspect for proper operation of this equipment.
If problems are identified during this inspection have
the equipment serviced immediately. Note any
combustion equipment not inspected by the
technician and consult the manufacturer’s
instructions, or contact the manufacturer directly,
for more information about CO safety and this
equipment. Make sure that motor vehicles are not,
and have not been, operating in an attached garage
or adjacent to the residence.
What to do after resetting the unit following an alarm?
A full continuous alarm within six minutes after reset confirms
ongoing presence of harmful levels of carbon monoxide. If this occurs
follow instructions 1-3 above.
What to do after a carbon monoxide problem has been
corrected?
After a carbon monoxide problem has been corrected reset your alarm
by pushing the Test/Reset button as per the instructions on Section G.
WARNING:
This device will only alarm if carbon monoxide is detected. If not
responded to, the presence of carbon monoxide can be fatal. For list
of sources of carbon monoxide, see Section M.
Typical conditions which can result in CO false alarms:
1) Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel burning appliances
caused by outdoor ambient conditions, such as:
a) Wind direction and/or velocity, including high gusts of wind.
Heavy air in the vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended
periods between cycles).
b) Negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust
fans.
c) Simultaneous operation of several fuel burning appliances
competing for limited internal air.
d) Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes dryers,
furnaces, or water heaters.
e) Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs which can
amplify the above situations.
2) Extended operation of unvented fuel burning devices (range,
oven, fireplace, etc.).
3) Temperature inversions which can trap exhaust gasses near the
ground.
4) Car idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near a home.
Caution:
Your unit is constantly monitoring the air and will go into full
alarm if ongoing, hazardous levels of CO are detected. Follow
the instructions in section F if the full alarm sounds.
CO Concentration (ppm) Display Accuracy
46–120 PPM ± 25%
121–180 PPM ± 50%
181 PPM and up + 150% - 50%
Malfunction Display shows blank
Trouble Alarm: If the unit detects a fault within its circuitry, it
will indicate a malfunction with a single loud beep and flashing
red light once every minute. The green LED will be off.
G. How can you test your back-up battery?
The CO900 & CO920 alarms are equipped with a 9 volt back-up
battery to supply power to your alarm in the event of a power
failure. A fully charged battery will power your alarm for at least 8
hours and still be able to provide an alarm signal for 12 hours. The
battery should be tested at least once a month.
How to test the back-up power source
1. Unplug the unit from the outlet.
2. Wait for 3 minutes to see if the unit produces a low battery signal
(Yellow LED flashes every 5 seconds, unit beeps and red LED
flashes once per minute).
3. If yellow LED flashes, the battery is low and should be
replaced immediately (see section I) or your unit will not
detect carbon monoxide during a power failure.
4. Re-install the unit according to section C.
Battery Installation Flag
When protruding from the side of the unit it indicates there is no
battery in the alarm. Beside this flag on the side of the unit is
marked:
Caution:
Your unit will not operate during a power failure with the flag
protruding. Always ensure the unit contains a fully charged
battery that will power the unit as per the tests above.
H. How can you Test/Reset the Alarm?
A green power light indicates that power is supplied.
The American Sensors Carbon
Monoxide Alarm is designed to do a
continuous self-diagnostic check of
its micro processing circuitry when
in use.
To test the Alarm (wait at least ten
minutes after installing it), press and
release the Test/Reset button. The Alarm will sound for two full
cycles of the full alarm pattern (4 beeps–delay, Red LED flashes
with every beep).
To reset after an alarm, press the Test/Reset button to silence or
reset the unit. This will silence the alarm for up to 6 minutes. If the
unit re-alarms after reset it confirms the ongoing presence of
harmful levels of carbon monoxide.
I. How can you replace your back-up battery?
How to replace the battery
1. Unplug alarm from outlet; battery is at the bottom on back of
unit
2. Push battery to left to remove from plastic spring
3. Remove existing 9 volt battery
4. Insert fresh 9 volt battery into terminals. Push battery and wires
back into enclosure.
Use only recommended battery.
5. Test new battery as per section H.
J. How can you maintain your Alarm?
A CO Alarm is useful
only if it works. The
following illustration
explains proper
maintenance:
WARNING:
K. What is carbon monoxide and why should you
be concerned?
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous,
poisonous gas. It is often referred to
as the Silent Killer because it has
no odor or taste and it cannot be
seen. The presence of carbon
monoxide inhibits the blood’s
capacity to transport oxygen
throughout the body, which can
eventually lead to brain damage.
In any enclosed space (home,
office, recreational vehicle or boat)
even a small accumulation of
carbon monoxide can be dangerous.
Do not paint over this CO alarm.
CO900 & CO920 models recommended battery:
Duracell 9V Alkaline MN1604 or MX1604 (Available at most retail outlets)
Use of non-recommended batteries can have a detrimental effect
on alarm operation
If you have any questions regarding your unit, please call:
Dicon Global Inc. 1-800-387-4219
IF BATTERY FLAG IS PROTRUDING;
➞
WARNING:
BATTERY HAS
BEEN REMOVED
Important: The yellow low back-up indicator will warn of a low
back-up battery only when there is a power failure or the unit is
unplugged.
Test/Reset
button
When your fireplace, coal or wood stove is operating, open a
window and close off warm air registers in the room or install a
fresh air duct directly to the fireplace or stove so that it won’t steal
air from your furnace.
Confining or enclosing gas-fired equipment
If you have partitioned off your furnace and water heater, you may
need additional ventilation.
Danger Signs
Stuffy, stale or smelly air, back drafts and soot from a fireplace or
furnace chimney usually means your home needs more air for
proper combustion and healthy living. For gas-fired equipment,
mostly yellow (rather than clear blue) burner flames, a pilot light
that keeps going out, or a smell of gas indicate trouble. Turn off the
equipment and contact your gas company emergency service.
Additional Safety Tips
Have your fuel-burning equipment checked periodically for safety
and efficiency by a qualified service technician.
If you are adding a wood or coal burning stove to a home, make
sure that the stove is properly installed and vented. Check with the
Building and Inspections Department of your local municipality or
consult a heating contractor before installation. If you have already
installed a wood or coal stove without a building permit or
inspection, consult your local municipal building authority. Some
“do-it-yourselfers” have unknowingly created dangerous conditions.
Once you file for a permit, a qualified inspector will check your
installation and explain how to rectify any mistakes.
Do not expose yourself to carbon monoxide through carelessness.
Never operate a gasoline-powered engine in a confined or enclosed
space such as a garage or tool shed. Never use a kerosene stove or
charcoal grill in a confined space such as a closed garage or
recreational van.
On masonry chimneys inspect the clean-out regularly to ensure that
the chimney is free and clear of debris.
Regardless of the fuel your furnace, fireplace or stove uses, your
chimney should be inspected from time to time by a competent
chimney contractor.
Never try to add a “heat reclaimer” or “automatic flue damper” to
your gas furnace or water heater. Gas installation safety codes
prohibit use of these devices as an add-on to an existing furnace
because of the risks of incorrect installation and mechanical failure.
When using paints, household cleaning supplies or similar
materials, be sure that you’re using them in a well ventilated area.
Following sensible maintenance and safety procedures in the home
will give you fuel savings without endangering your health.
Q. COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What does the alarm sound like?
A. The alarm signal consists of 4 constantly repeating rapid beeps
every 5 seconds, with the red LED light flashing every time the
alarm horn beeps.
Q. Should I locate the unit in a high or low location?
A. Carbon monoxide is virtually the same weight as air and
therefore the alarm protects you in a high or low location.
Q. Is it normal that the unit is slightly warm?
A. Yes, your alarm may be slightly warm due to a transformer
located inside.
Q. Will this unit detect smoke or fire?
A. No, a carbon monoxide alarm only detects carbon monoxide.
Smoke alarms are still necessary.
Q. How do I test the unit?
A. Push the test/reset button. Do not use car exhaust or
intentionally introduce carbon monoxide through other
methods. These methods are dangerous to you and the
pollutants from car exhaust may damage the unit.
Dicon Globa Inc.
2- Steelcase Road West, Unit 3
Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R 1B2
email: info@diconglobal.com
1500- 0180
Test/Reset button
Test the unit
by pressing the
Test/Reset button
once a month.
Air vents
Carefully vacuum the
front housing every six
months to keep it free
of dust.
Normal reading
indicating safe
environment
Power light
(Green)
Alarm light
(Red)
Low Back-up
Power (Yellow)
Battery flag
Battery connects
to terminals
Push against
plastic spring
to insert or
remove battery
Please read carefully and keep in a safe place
Veuillez S.V.P. lire attentivement et conserver
dans un endroit sécuritaire.
Sensor vent
allows carbon
monoxide to
enter the
sensing circuit.
Alarm vent
20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240
Carbon Monoxide (ppm CO) vs. Time (minutes)
(Minutes)
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
100
50
(PPM CO)
A — 50% COHb (Permanent Brain Damage - Death)
B — 45% COHb (Coma and Permanent Brain Damage)
C — 40% COHb (Collapse)
D — 35% COHb (Vomiting)
E — 30% COHb (Drowsy)
F — 25% COHb (Headache and Nausea)
G — 20% COHb (Headache)
H — 15% COHb (Slight Headache)
I — 10% COHb (None)
J — 5% COHb (None)
Owner’s Manual
Manuel de l’utilisateur
CO900/CO910/CO920
120 Volt Plug-In Models
Modèles pour brancher 120Volts
D TECTEUR DE MONOXYDE
DE CARBONE