HiSPEC HSA-BC-10 Lithium Battery Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm Instruction Manual

HiSPEC HSA-BC-10 Lithium Battery Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Product Information

The HSA/BC/10 is a Carbon Monoxide alarm that is powered by a 3V Lithium Battery with a lifetime power. It has a sealed lithium battery that lasts for 10 years. The alarm is designed to detect carbon monoxide gas from any source of combustion. It has a sensor type that senses the type of gas and an alarm sound level that is loud enough to alert the occupants. The CO alarm performs a self-check test every minute during normal operation. In case the battery is at the end of its life, the apparatus will sound a short chirp with a yellow or red LED flash simultaneously in every minute.

Product Usage Instructions

1. Read the instruction leaflet fully before attempting installation and retain for future reference.
2. Locate the CO alarm in every room containing a fuel-burning appliance. Additional apparatus may be installed to ensure that adequate warning is given for occupants in other rooms, by locating apparatus in remote rooms in which the occupant spend considerable time whilst awake and from which they may not be able hear an alarm from apparatus in another part of the premises, and every sleeping room.
3. Avoid installing the CO alarm in outdoor ambient conditions such as wind direction and/or velocity.
4. Do not expose the CO alarm to rain or moisture as it is designed for indoor use only.
5. Install the CO alarm by either placing it on a flat surface or fixing it on the wall using the fixings provided.
6. Test your CO alarm after installation.
7. The green light indicates alarm unit activation & power on.
8. In case the apparatus detects dangerous levels of CO gas, the red LED will flash and the sounder will chirp 4 times simultaneously every 5 seconds.
9. The yellow light indicates a low battery signal. The CO alarm should be replaced immediately.
10. Under normal operating conditions, the batteries will last for ten years.

MAIN FEATURES:

• Electrochemical Sensor
• Test/silence Button
• Low Battery Warning
• Self-Test Function
•  Supplied with wall plugs and screws
• Approved to EN50291-1:2018

This instruction leaflet contains important information on the correct installation and operation of your alarm. Read this leaflet fully before attempting installation and retain for future reference.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Power Source: ‘Lifetime Power’ 3V Lithium Battery
• Battery Life: 10 Year (sealed)
• Type of Gas sensed: Carbon Monoxide
• Alarm Response Time: 50 PPM (Between 60 to 90 min.)
• 100 PPM (Between 10 to 40 min.)
• 300 PPM (Less than 3 min.)
• Operation Temperature: -10°C ~ 40°C
• Ambient Humidity: 10%-90%
• Sensor Type: Electrochemical
• Alarm Sound Level: 85 Decibels at 3 metres
• Approval: EN50291-1:2018

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

HSA/BC/10 is a Carbon Monoxide alarm with a 10 year sealed lithium battery.

LOCATING THE CO ALARM
Ideally, a CO alarm should be installed in every room containing a fuel- burning appliance. Additional apparatus may be installed to ensure that adequate warning is given for occupants in other rooms, by locating apparatus in remote rooms in which the occupant spend considerable time whilst awake and from which they may not be able hear an alarm from apparatus in another part of the premises, and every sleeping room.

• An apparatus should be located in a room containing a flueless or open-flued appliance.
• If there is an appliance in a room where people spend most time, an apparatus should be placed in that room.
• If there is an appliance in a room where people sleep, an apparatus should be placed in that room.
• In a bedsit, the apparatus should be placed as far from the cooking appliances as possible but near to where the person sleeps.
• If the appliance is in a room not normally used, such as boiler room, the apparatus should be placed just outside the room so that the alarm will be heard more easily.
  CAUTION – This alarm will only indicate the presence of carbon monoxide gas at the sensor. Carbon Monoxide gas may be present in other areas. This 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.

POSITIONING THE CO ALARM
Carbon Monoxide has a similar density to warm air and can be fitted in various locations. Apparatus located in the same room as a fuel-burning appliance:

• If the apparatus is located on a wall, it should be located at a height greater than the height of any door or window but at least 150 mm from the ceiling. If the apparatus is mounted on a ceiling, it should be at least 300 mm from any wall.

• The apparatus should be at a horizontal distance of between 1m and 3m from the potential source.

• if there is partition in a room, the apparatus should be located on the same side of the partition as the potential source.

• In rooms with sloped ceilings, the apparatus should be located at the highest side of the slope.
  Apparatus located in sleeping rooms and in rooms remote from a fuel-burning appliance:

• The apparatus should be located relatively close to the breathing zone of the occupants.

AREAS TO BE AVOIDED:

• Situations where the temperature may fall below -10°C or rise above 40°C for extended periods
• Humid areas such as BATHROOMS, SHOWER ROOMS where the relative humidity may exceed 90% as vapour will cause false alarms.
• Next to a door or window or in the path of air discharged from a FURNACE / AIR CONDITIONING VENT or CEILING FAN.
• Where the airflow to the apparatus would be obstructed by CURTAINS or FURNITURE.
• In VERY DUSTY OR DIRTY environments such as workshops.
• Locate unit at least 1.5m and route wiring at least 1m away for FLUORESCENT LIGHT FITTINGS as electrical “noise” and/or flickering may affect the unit. Do not wire into the same circuit as fluorescent lights or dimmers.
• Do not locate in INSECT INFESTED AREAS. Insects and contamination on the alarm sensor can increase its response time.
• Directly above a SINK or COOKER.
• In or below CUPBOARD.

The following conditions can result in transient CO situations in the home:

• Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel-burning appliances caused by:
  1. 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).
  2. Negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust fans.
  3. Simultaneous operation of several fuel-burning appliances competing for limited internal air.
  4. Vent pipe connection vibrating loose from clothes dryers, furnaces, or water heaters.
  5. 5. Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs that amplify the above situations.
• Extended operation of unvented fuel-burning devices (range, oven, fireplace, etc.).
• Temperature inversions which can trap exhaust gases near the ground.
• Car idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near a home. WARNING – This carbon monoxide alarm is designed for indoor use only. Do not expose to rain or moisture. It will not protect against the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning when the battery has drained. Do not open or tamper with the alarm as this could cause malfunction.

INSTALLING THE CO ALARM
This CO alarm is powered by battery and requires no additional wiring. It can either be free-standing or installed on the wall using the fixings
provided.

Wall Mount Installation:

• Having established the mounting location ensure that there is no electrical wiring or pipe work in the area adjacent to the mounting surface.
• Check the horizontal distance of 49mm. Mark the two mounting holes location.
• Drill holes in the positions marked and insert the plastic stoppers into the two holes.
• Check the keyholes position at the back alarm unit. Then, hook the alarm unit over the screws on wall.

OPERATING YOUR CO ALARM

During normal operation the CO alarm perform a self-check test every minute.
IMPORTANT : After installation, test your alarm (see the paragraph “Testing your CO alarm”

CONDITION INDICATION

GREEN LIGHT| Alarm unit activation & power on
RED LIGHT| •           High CO concentration warning

•           Low battery signal

YELLOW LIGHT| •           Unit malfunction

•           End of life signal

When the apparatus detects dangerous levels of CO gas, it will give an alarm signal. The red LED will flash and the sounder will chirp 4 times simultaneously every 5 seconds.

WARNING
This product may not alarm at low carbon monoxide levels. Individuals with medical problems may consider using warning devices which provide audible signals for carbon monoxide concentrations under 30 PPM.

Low Battery Signal
In case the battery is at the end of its life, the apparatus will sound a short chirp with a yellow LED flash simultaneously in every minute. The CO alarm should be replaced immediately. This low voltage warning will be given for at least 30 days.
Under normal operating conditions, the batteries will last a minimum of ten years.
Note: Constant exposure to high or low humidity may reduce battery efficiency.

Test / Hush Function
While the CO alarm is chirping, press and hold the Test/silence button for 2 seconds. If the CO alarm detects a CO concentration under 30ppm, the alarm unit will be silence for 10 hours. If the alarm unit did not silence, that means the CO Level is higher than 30ppm. Read Section – “WHAT TO DO IF THE ALARM SOUNDS”.

Low Battery Signal
In case the battery is at the end of its life, the apparatus will sound a short chirp with a RED LED flash simultaneously in every minute. This low voltage warning will be given for 7 days.
Under normal operating conditions, the batteries will last ten years.

End-of-Life Signal
After 10 years operation, the yellow LED will flash 3 times and beep 3 times simultaneously for every 48 seconds.

Unit Malfunction
Your CO alarm performs an internal self-diagnosis every minute to make sure that it is functioning properly. In the rare event that your alarm malfunctions, the apparatus will sound a double short chirp and the Yellow LED flashes simultaneously in every minute. In this case the alarm must be replaced.
If the CO alarm is confirmed to be fault, you may uninstall and deactivate the unit by following steps:

• Hold “Test/Mute” button for 60 seconds. The Green and Red LEDs will turn on.
• The CO Alarm is now deactivated. Once the CO is deactivated, the CO alarm can no longer be powered back on. End-user should replace for a new one.Never ignore a CO unit’s alarm. A true alarm is an indication of potentially dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. CO alarms are designed to alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide before an emergency, before most people would experience symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, giving you time to resolve the problem calmly.

TESTING YOUR CO ALARM

It is recommended that you test your CO alarm once a month to ensure the alarm is working correctly.
Test the unit by hold the Test/Reset button for 3 seconds. The red LED will flash and the buzzer will chirp 4 times simultaneously. Then the unit will enter into the normal operation mode and the GREEN LED should flash once every 48 seconds.

WHAT TO DO IF THE ALARM SOUNDS
WARNING – Actuation of your CO alarm indicates the presence of carbon Monoxide (CO), which can KILL YOU. If alarm signal sounds:

• Immediately move to fresh air
• Where possible turn off all fuelled appliances and stop using them.
• Call your emergency services
• Do not re-enter the premises until emergency services responders have arrived, the premises have been aired out, and your alarm remains in its normal condition.
• 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 manufacturers’ instructions, or contact the manufacturers 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.

MAINTAINING YOUR CO ALARM

Your alarm will alert you to potentially hazardous CO concentrations in your home when maintained properly. To maintain your alarm in proper working order, it is recommended that you clean the outside case regularly to prevent dust or dirt build up in the slots. DO NOT USE CLEANING AGENTS, BLEACH, POLISH OR ANY CHEMICALS. Chemicals can permanently damage or temporarily contaminate the sensor. Simply wipe with a damp cloth OR a clean tissue.
NOTE – If you will be staining or stripping wood floors or furniture, painting, wall-papering, or using aerosols or adhesives, remove the CO alarm
to a remote location before in order to prevent possible damage to or contamination of the sensor.
The following is a list of substances which, at high levels, can affect the sensor and may cause a nuisance alarm that is not a carbon monoxide alarm: Methane, propane, iso-butane, ethylene, ethanol, alcohol, isopropanol, benzene, toluene, ethyl acetate, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxides. Also most aerosol sprays, alcohol-based products, paints, solvents, adhesives, hair sprays, after shaves, perfumes and some cleaning agents.

NOTE: BATTERY SEALED-IN NOT FOR REPLACEMENT
THIS PRODUCT CANNOT BE REPAIRED – IF THE UNIT TAMPERS WITH IT WILL INVALIDATE THE GUARANTEE. IF THE UNIT IS FAULTY PLEASE RETURN IT TO YOUR ORIGINAL SUPPLIER WITH YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE.

SYMPTOMS OF CO POISIONING
The following symptoms may be related to CO poisoning:

35 ppm| The maximum allowable concentration for continuous exposure for healthy adults in any 8 hour period.
---|---
200 ppm| Slight headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea after 2-3 hours
400 ppm| Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life threatening after 3 hours.
800 ppm| Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45 minutes. Unconsciousness within 2 hours. Death within 3 hours
1600 ppm| Headache, dizziness and nausea within 20 minutes Death within 1 hour
6400 ppm| Headache, dizziness and nausea within 1-2 minutes

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 the building or calling for assistance. Young children and household pets are typically the first affected.
The apparatus may not prevent the chronic effects of carbon dioxide exposure and that the apparatus will not fully safeguard individuals at special risk.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

Installation of your CO alarm is only one step in your safety plan. Educate yourself and family to the sources and symptoms of CO poisoning and how to use your carbon monoxide alarm:

• Buy appliances accepted by a recognized testing laboratory.

• Have installations done by professionals.

• Have your appliances checked regularly by a qualified serviceman.

• Clean chimneys and flues yearly.

•  Make regular visual inspections of all fuel-burning appliances.

• Check appliances for excessive rust and scaling.

• Do not barbecue indoors, or in the attached garage.

• Be aware of CO poisoning symptoms.
  DO NOT:

• Burn charcoal inside your home, RV, camper, tent or cabin

• Install, convert or service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skill and expertise

• Use a gas range, oven or clothes dryer for heating

• Operate unvented gas-burning appliances using kerosene or natural gas in closed room

• Operate gasoline-powered engines indoors or in confined areas

• Ignore a safety device when it shuts an appliance off

• Ignore any warning from your CO alarm .

THIS PRODUCT IS A SEALED UNIT AND CANNOT BE REPAIRED – IF THE UNIT IS TAMPERED WITH IT WILL INVALIDATE THE WARRANTY. IF THE UNIT IS FAULTY PLEASE RETURN IT TO YOUR ORIGINAL SUPPLIER WITH YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE.

ALARM LIMITED WARRANTY

This alarm is in warranty under normal use and service for a period of 5 years (excluding battery) from date of purchase. The company will not be obligated to repair or replace parts which are found to be in need of repair because of misuse, damage or alterations occur after the date of purchase. Send the alarm with proof of purchase, postage and return postage prepaid, to local distributor. The liability of the company arising from the sale of this alarm shall not in any case exceed the cost of replacement of alarm and in no case shall the company be liable for consequential loss or damages resulting from the failure of the alarm.

HISPEC ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS LTD. SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR
ANY SPECIAL INCIDENTAL, CONTINGENT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE OF ANY KIND RESULTING FROM A FIRE. THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR BREACH OF THE LIMITED WARRANTY CONTAINED HEREIN IS THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE DETECTIVE PRODUCT AT HISPEC ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS LTD. OPTION. IN

NO CASE SHALL HISPEC ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS LTD.’S LIABILITY UNDER ANY OTHER REMEDY PRESCRIBED BY LAW EXCEED
THE PURCHASE PRICE. YOUR ALARM IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROPERTY, DISABILITY, LIFE OR OTHER INSURANCE OF ANY KIND. APPROPRIATE COVERAGE IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. CONSULT YOUR INSURANCE AGENT.
This does not affect your statutory rights. This alarm is only suitable for residential dwellings and is not suitable for commercial or industrial use. Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with normal household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your Local Authority or retailer for recycling advice. New regulation will encourage the recycling of Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (European “WEEE Directive” effective August 2005).

HISPEC ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS LTD UNIT 21 CHORLEY NORTH BUSINESS PARK, CHORLEY, LANCASHIRE PR6 7BX | WWW.HISPEC.CO.UK | VERSION 140922

References

• Hispec | Suppliers of Lighting & Fire Detection Products

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