Nighthawk KN-COP-HW Carbon Monoxide Alarm User Manual


 
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Part One – Your Nighthawk CO AlarmPart One – Your Nighthawk CO Alarm
Nighthawk’s Unique Features
Digital Display
This continuous digital display shows you the level of carbon monox-
ide (if any) the unit is sensing. The unit updates this reading every 15
seconds so you can watch levels rise or fall.
Note: If the alarm does not sense any CO, the reading is zero (0). In
most homes, the alarm reads “0” all the time. A reading of “0” is
expected under normal conditions, and is good. The blinking dot
after the number shows you the unit is operating.
Test/Reset Button
This button has two functions. First, this is the button you press when
you test the unit weekly (see pages 1-9,10,11 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 then again start monitor-
ing for CO. If CO concentration is above 70 ppm, the CO alarm will
sound within 60 minutes. (More on this on page 5-2).
Peak Level Button
By depressing this button, you can see the peak CO level recorded
by the alarm since it was last reset or unplugged. This Nighthawk fea-
ture allows you (or heating contractor or fireman) to see exactly how
big a CO problem you have so you can react accordingly. (More on
the peak level memory feature on page 1-14).
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 1-13). 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-spe-
cific to help avoid false alarms. Turn to page 1-13 for more informa-
tion 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 4 quick beeps – followed
by 5 seconds off – then 4 quick beeps, repeat. 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 pages 1-10,11.
Keyholes
When the CO alarm is mounted to the wall, these keyholes slide onto
the screws in the wall. (See “How to install your CO alarm on
pages 1-7,8).
What Carbon Monoxide Alarms Can and Cannot Do
CO alarms provide early warning of the presence of carbon monox-
ide, 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.
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 CO 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 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 base-
ment may not reach a CO alarm on the second level, near the bed-
rooms. For this reason, we recommend you provide complete cover-
age 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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