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The following conditions can result in transient
CO situations in the home.
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. Obstruction in the vent pipe or uncon-
ventional 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.
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Conditions That Can Cause CO Levels to Change
Limitations of This Smoke/CO Alarm
• Smoke and CO alarms may not alert every
household member every time. The alarm horn is
loud in order to alert individuals to a potential
danger. However, there may be limiting circum-
stances where a household member may not
hear the alarm (e.g. outdoor or indoor noise,
sound sleepers, drug or alcohol usage, the hard
of hearing, etc.). If you suspect that this alarm
may not alert a household member, install and
maintain specialty smoke alarms. Household
members must hear the alarm’s warning sound
and quickly respond to it to reduce the risk of
damage, injury, or death that may result from
fire. If a household member is hard of hearing,
install special alarms with lights or vibrating
devices to alert occupants.
• Smoke alarms can sound their alarms only when
they detect smoke. Smoke alarms detect com-
bustion particles in the air. They do not sense
heat, flame, or gas. This alarm is designed to
give audible warning of a developing fire.
However, many fires are fast-burning, explosive,
or intentional. Others are caused by careless-
ness or safety hazards. Smoke may not reach
the smoke alarm QUICKLY ENOUGH to ensure
safe escape.
• CO alarms can sound their alarms only when
they detect CO gas. They do not sense heat,
flame, or any gas other than carbon monoxide
(CO). This alarm is designed to give audible
warning that a dangerously high level of CO is
present. You must respond immediately to the
CO alarm horn.
• Smoke and CO alarms have limitations. This
alarm is not foolproof and is not warranted to
protect lives or property from fire. Smoke and
CO alarms are not a substitute for insurance.
Homeowners and renters should insure their
lives and property. In addition, it is possible for
the alarm to fail at any time. For this reason,
you must test the alarm weekly and replace
every 5 years.