ABUS COWM510 Co-Alarm User Manual

: June 8, 2024
: ABUS

ABUS COWM510 Co-Alarm User Manual

Introduction

Please read this guide carefully before installation and use.
Keep these instructions and provide all users with instruction on how to use it.

Overview

Intended use

Only use the device for the purpose which it was designed and built for.
Any other use is not considered to be the intended use!
This device may only be used for the following purpose:

Carbon monoxide detection in private households

If there is any question as to the cause of an alarm it should be assumed that the alarm is due to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and the dwelling should be evacuated.

Scope of delivery

ABUS CO alarm COWM510
2x 1,5 V alkaline AA batteries
This user guide
Mounting material screws, dowels

Functions and technical features

Power supply	DC 2x 1,5 V alkaline AA, Battery life approx. 5 years
Trigger sensitivity	conforms to EN 50291-1:2018

ppm: parts per million
We reserve the right to make changes to these instructions without prior notice!

Safety information: Explanation of symbols

The following symbols are used in this manual and on the device:

Symbol	Signal word	Meaning
Caution	Indicates a risk of injury or health hazards.
Caution	Indicates a risk of injury or health hazards caused by

electrical voltage.
| Important| Indicates possible damage to the device/accessories.
| Note| Indicates important information.

General

Before using this device for the first time, please read the following instructions carefully and observe all warning information, even if you are familiar with the use of electronic devices.

Caution
All guarantee claims are invalid in the event of damage caused by noncompliance with these instructions.
We cannot be held liable for resulting damage!
Caution
In the event of personal or material damage caused by improper operation or non-compliance with the safety information, we cannot be held liable.
All guarantee claims are void in such cases!
Store these instructions in a safe place for later use.
If you sell or pass on the device on to third parties, you must include these instructions with the device.

Battery warning information

****The device is supplied with two 1,5 V alkaline AA batteries.
To guarantee a long service life and avoid fire and injury, please note the following:

The batteries must not be directly exposed to heat or sunlight, and must not be stored in a place with a very high temperature.
The batteries must not be burned.
The batteries must not come into contact with water.
The batteries must not be dismantled, pierced or otherwise damaged.
The battery contacts must not be short-circuited.
The batteries must be kept away from small children.
The batteries cannot be recharged.
Do not dispose of the batteries in domestic waste.

Packaging

Keep packaging material and small parts away from children – danger of suffocation!
Remove all packaging material before using the device.

Functioning of the device

To ensure that the device functions correctly, please note the following points:

Do not cover the device!
Do not paint over the device or cover it with wallpaper!
Do not, on any account, open or repair the device.
Failure to observe this instruction will invalidate the warranty.
Do not use the device if it has been dropped or damaged in any other way.
If the device has been tampered with, there is a risk of electric shock or malfunction.
According to EN 50291, the COWM510 ABUS CO alarm is designed and appro- ved exclusively for detecting CO (carbon monoxide) in private homes!
Application in industrial facilities, offices, boats, caravans or mobile homes is therefore not permitted!
The battery-operated ABUS CO alarm COWM510 detects carbon monoxide (CO) in even low concentrations, then gives off an acoustic as well as optical signal.
The purpose of the CO alarm is to protect persons against the acute effects of carbon monoxide.
However, it cannot prevent the chronic affects of carbon monoxide exposure or offer persons with special risks complete safety.
The CO alarm is not a substitute for smoke, fire or other alarms!
It does not detect smoke, heat or other gases!
In addition, the electrochemical sensor can only detect CO on time in a limited area (max. 60 m², depending on the environmental conditions).

Formation & dangers from carbon monoxide Poisonous effect

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, non-irritating gas which can quickly become a deadly threat.
Carbon monoxide bonds to the pigment of the red blood cells, thereby preventing the transport of oxygen, which can lead to unconsciousness and death by suffocation.
High concentrations of CO can lead to death in just a few minutes!

Typical symptoms of poisoning

Low
CO concentration| Mild headaches, nausea, tiredness, flu-like symptoms
---|---
Medium
CO concentration| Bad headaches, racing heart, vomiting
High
CO concentration| Cramps, confusion, unconsciousness, cardiac arrhythmia

Please note that the symptoms can occur earlier with children, pregnant women, senior citizens and persons with respiratory or heart diseases and even low CO levels could cause organ damage in unborn children!

Sources of carbon monoxide & preventative measures

Carbon monoxide is created, among others, during incomplete combustion processes (e.g. defective floor heating or clogged smoke outlets).
Installing a CO alarm is not a substitute for the proper installation, use and maintenance of fuel-burning devices including related ventilation and exhaust gas systems.
Have such devices/systems installed only by qualified persons. Acquire the devices/systems in perfect technical condition and have them regularly inspected!
Make sure that ovens, chimneys and the like are kept clean at all times!
Never operate barbecues, deck ovens, heating devices or other devices intended for use outside inside closed rooms.

Behaviors in case of alarm

****When a carbon monoxide alarm sends out a signal, take the following measures in the specified order:

Keep calm and open all doors and windows to increase the rate of ventilation.
Stop using all combustion devices and make sure that they are switched off.
Leave the building in particular when the CO level is high or when the source cannot be instantly detected and alert occupants, if applicable.
Call the fire service/rescue worker immediately from outside the building. Follow their instructions. Inform them that you assume carbon monoxide is being inhaled.
Do not enter the area in question before the CO concentration has dropped to a non-critical value.
Do not use the affected combustion device until the cause of CO emission has been removed by a professional.
Check the functionality of the CO alarm after it has triggered (using Test button) and replace the batteries if necessary.

Selecting location

General
The design and spacial distribution of residential buildings as well as the number, type and location of carbon monoxide sources can vary greatly.
However, there are general instructions concerning where the device should and should not be installed to keep the risk of false alarms as low as possible.

Which room? Installation for optimum safety

In every room that contains a combustion device.
In every room that is used as a sleeping area.
In every hallway per floor.
In every room in which people spend long periods of time and from which they could not hear an alarm from another part of the building.

Minimum installation

If the number of alarms is limited or there are combustion devices in more than one room, the following criteria should be taken into account when installing the alarms:

The alarms should be installed in rooms which contain a device without a smoke outlet or with an open smoke outlet.
The alarms should be installed in rooms in which occupants spend the most amount of time.

Where in the room?

Carbon monoxide (CO) has almost the same density as air and therefore distributes itself uniformly in space.
Consider the following points when positioning the CO alarm:
It is impossible to give exact instructions on the correct arrangement of an alarm which apply for all types of rooms and their use. The following points should be taken into account when choosing the optimal location for each corresponding situation.

Alarm located in the same room as a combustion device
When CO escapes from a combustion point, the heat initially rises.
This is why you should install alarms as high as possible on a free wall in rooms with combustion devices, while considering the following points:

The alarm should be assembled on a free wall, at least 200 mm below the ceiling.
Install the alarm at a height at which you can reach it without tools and at which you can see all alarm displays. (Between chest and head)
The alarm should be at a horizontal distance of 1 to 3 m from the possible source of carbon monoxide.
If the room is divided, the alarm should be on the same side of the division as Selecting location the possible source of carbon monoxide.
In rooms with slanted ceilings, the carbon monoxide alarms should be installed at the higher side of the room.

Alarms located in bedrooms and rooms far away from combustion devices

In rooms located far away from combustion devices, the carbon monoxide has already cooled to room temperature.
Due to the fact that CO has nearly the same density as air, it distributes uniformly in the air.

Consider the following points:

In bedrooms and in rooms which are located far away from combustion devices, the devices should be at the breathing level of the occupants (e.g. “desk level” at the bed-side table in bedrooms and “eye level” in living rooms).
Make sure there is sufficient spacing to the ceiling as well as to corners and furnishings (min. 200 mm).

Where alarms should not be installed

outside (use only possible in closed rooms);
where they can be blocked (e.g. by furniture);
on ceilings (only suitable for wall installation);
next to a door or a window (reliable detection cannot be guaranteed);
next to an air duct or similar ventilation opening;
in areas in which the temperature can fall below -10° C and rise over 40° C;
in rooms that are exposed to large amounts of dust/dirt or grease.

Installation and start-up

The following two variants are possible for operating the CO alarm:

Wall installation
Take the following steps in the specified order to install the alarm on the wall:

Use a water level to mark the drill holes in the horizontal position (Spacing 80 mm).
Drill the holes with a suitable power drill at the previously marked locations. (Ø 5 mm).

Make sure not to damage any cables!
Keep CO alarm away from getting plaster dust when you drill the holes!

Press the plastic dowels into the drill holes and screw in the two supplied screws until the screw heads stick out approx. 5 mm.
For wall installation: set the alarm on the screws with the rear side of the device facing downwards and lock it into place.

Desk-stand

“At breathing level” in bedrooms and living rooms without combustion devices during operation.

Use the two feet to place the alarm on the bottom side of the housing on a flat, dust-free base.
Make sure that the alarm is standing securely and no objects prevent CO from entering the alarm.

Start-up

Insert the supplied batteries into the battery compartment with the correct polarity.
The warning tone sounds, the display shows the numbers from 000 to 999 and all three LEDs flash alternately.
At the end of the warm-up phase, the LEDs and display go out.
The green LED flashes every 30 seconds – the CO alarm is ready for operation.
Then enter the current date (date of installation) on the rear label of the alarm with a water- and smudge-proof pen (see figure):

Testing the device electronics

Check the function of the CO alarm by pressing the test button for 5 seconds.
To protect your hearing, keep away from the device!
The alarm sounds four times and the red LED (alarm light) flashes four times.
This does not signalize that CO is present in the room; it is a confirmation that the alarm is functioning properly.
Test the alarm function after installation and after every battery change without fail (wait about 30 seconds after establishing the battery contact).
A regular weekly test is also recommended.

Displays and functions

Condition	Operation	LED	Alarm	LCD display
Power up and warm-up	Installing batteries	all three flash

alternatively

| one beep, after approx. 100 seconds| Counts 000-999

four times

| four beeps|
Alarm condition| Increased CO concentration in the room| red flashes every 5 seconds| four beeps every 5 seconds| Display num- ber from 25 to 999*
Low battery| –| yellow flashes every 30 seconds| one beep every 30 seconds|
Malfunction| –| yellow flashes twice every 30 seconds| two beeps every 30 seconds| ***
End of unit life| –| yellow flashes twice every 30 seconds| one long and one short beep every 30 seconds|
Hush condi- tion when alarm| Silence an unwanted alarm: Push and release the test/hush button, it will enter hush mode| red flashes every 5 seconds| -,Hush condition duration: approx. 10 minutes| Display number from 25 to 999
---|---|---|---|---
Hush condition when battery low| When the CO alarm is alarming as low battery, push the test/ hush button, it will enter hush mode| yellow flashes every 30 seconds| -,Hush condition duration: approx. 12 hours|

If the CO concentration exceeds the maximum value, the display continues to show 999 ppm.

Condition	Operation	LED	Alarm	LCD display
Check latest CO peak value (memory function)	Press test/ hush button for
approx. 5 seconds	–	–	Display the latest CO peak value number detected

(goes off after a while)
Delete the CO peak value recorded| Press test/ hush button for approx. 10 seconds **| –| –| Display num- ber from peak value changes to 0 (0 flashes 3x)

** The CO peak value recorded is deleted after replace with a new battery.

Troubleshooting

Test: If the CO alarm does not react after a functional test has been performed, first check that the batteries are inserted correctly (polarity).
If the detector does not react to a new function test even after this, please contact your dealer.
Weak batteries: If the CO alarm signals low battery performance, replace the batteries immediately, at the latest within 7 days.
Only use 1,5 V brand alkaline AA batteries of the same type.
Malfunction: If the CO alarm registers a sensor error, the complete alarm must be replaced – the sensor cannot be replaced!
The end of sensor lifespan: The lifespan of the electrochemical sensor is 10 years.
If the end of the lifespan is reached, the complete alarm must be replaced immediately!

Care and maintenance

Cleaning

Dusty detectors must be cleaned.
You can clean dust from the air vents of the detector using a vacuum cleaner or compressed air.
If necessary, you can remove the dust with a brush.
You can clean the surface using a cloth slightly dampened in soapy water.
Do not allow water to penetrate inside the device!
Do not clean the device in a dishwasher!
Do not use sharp, pointed, abrasive, caustic or corrosive cleaning materials or hard brushes!
Do not use chemicals.
The following substances can impair sensor function and trigger false alarms:
Methane, propane, isobutane, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, benzene, toluene, ethyl acetate, hydrogen sulphide, Sulphur dioxide, products with an alcohol base, dyes, thinners, solvents, adhesives, hairsprays and cleaning products.
Do not use flammable liquids for cleaning the alarm!

Maintenance

The electrochemical sensor is subject to ageing.
The sensor lifespan is thereby limited to 10 years.
The sensor cannot be exchanged. For this reason, replace the entire device 10 years after the date of its installation at the latest. (See label on the rear side of the alarm).

Manufacture date

There is a 21-digit bar code on the back of the alarm from which the date of manufacture and the software version of the alarm can be derived.

Positions 11, 12 and 21 of the bar code are relevant here:

Position 11 – [Year of manufacture]

2019| 2020| 2021| 2022| …
J| K| L| M| …
Position 12 – [Month of manufacture]

Jan| Feb| Mar| Apr| May| Jun| Jul| Aug| Sep| Oct| Nov| Dec
1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9| A| B| C
Position 21 – [Software version]

B| C| D| …
V1.1.5| V1.1.6| V1.1.7| …

Example:
Serial Number

Battery replacement

Open the battery compartment on the device side by pressing on the hatched area and pushing the cover in the direction of the arrow.
Place the batteries into the compartment ensuring they are the right way round (the safety pin is pressed downwards) and close the battery compartment.
Do not dispose of used batteries in domestic waste.

Warranty

ABUS products are designed and manufactured with the greatest care and tested according to the applicable regulations.
The warranty only covers defects caused by material or manufacturing errors at the time of sale. If there are demonstrable material or manufacturing errors, the CO alarm will be repaired or replaced at the guarantor’s discretion.
In such cases, the warranty ends when the original warranty period of 2 years expires. All further claims are expressly rejected.
The warranty does not cover the batteries supplied.
ABUS will not be held liable for defects and damage caused by external influences (e.g. transport, use of force, operating errors), inappropriate use, normal wear and tear or failure to observe the instructions in this manual.
In the event of a warranty claim, the original receipt with the date of purchase and a short description of the problem must be supplied along with the CO alarm.
If you discover a defect on your CO alarm which existed at the time of purchase, contact your dealer directly within the first two years.

Disposal

Disposal as per directive WEEE 2012/19/EU and directive RoHS 2011/65/EU

The product contains valuable raw materials.
At the end of its service life, dispose of the product according to the applicable legal requirements.
The product as well as any accessories must be collected and disposed of separately in the EU Devices displaying this symbol may
not be disposed of with domestic waste.
Please contact your dealer or dispose of the products at the local collection point for electronic waste.

Declaration of conformity

ABUS August Bremicker Söhne KG, Altenhofer Weg 25, 58300 Wetter hereby declares that the device with part designation COWM510 is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/30/EU. For further information on the CE declaration or to view the CE declaration, please contact ABUS August Bremicker Söhne KG, Customer Service, Altenhofer Weg 25, 58300 Wetter, Germany.