FIRST ALERT CO-FA-9B Carbon Monoxide Alarm User Manual

CO-FA-9B USER MANUAL
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM

Please read me ­ as I could save your life.
NOTE: This User Manual is available in the larger text please call 0800 141 2561

INTRODUCTION

The First Alert CO-FA-9B Carbon Monoxide Poisonous Gas Alarm is one of the new generation of domestic life safety products from Sprue Safety Products Limited, which combines the latest technology and innovative design to provide an aesthetically pleasing and effective contribution to your home safety. Sprue Safety Products Ltd manufactures some of the most technologically advanced carbon monoxide detectors in the world.

FEATURES

• An advanced electrochemical sensor designed to accurately measure low levels of carbon monoxide (CO) provides an early warning of toxic CO levels in you. home

• Detects carbon monoxide continuously

• Resistant to f else alarms caused by normal household contaminants

• Sounds a loud litSdB alarm (at 1nV3 feet) to alert you in case of an emergency

• Test/reset bunco

• Regular self-check to ensure the detector is cps/eta–is correctly

• Simple to mount portable. ideal for travelog

• Certified to the European Standard for Cabal Monoxide Alarms
  EN 50291-1: 2010 and EN 50291-2:201

• 7-year warranty

CARBON MONOXIDE AND HOW IT CAN AFFECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that lulls hundreds of people each year and injures many more. ft is often referred to as the silent Mier. it has no odor or taste a n d cannot be seen. Like oxygen. CO enters My body through the lungs during the normal breathing process. It competes with oxygen by replacing it in the red blood cells. thereby reducing the flow of oxygen to the heart brain and other vital organs. In high concentrations. CO can lean minutes. Many cases of reported carbon monoxide poisoning indicate that while victims are aware they are not feeling wee. they become disorientated and unable to save themselves by either exiting the Wading or using assistance. ExposureOffing sleep is particularly dangerous because the victim usu.* does not wake up.
Symptoms of CO poisoning
The following symptoms may be related to CO poisoning which al household members should be made aware of:

• Med Exposure: Slight headache, nausea. vomiting, fatigue (often described as ‘flu-like’ symptoms)
• Medium Exposure: Severe throbbing drowsiness. confusion, fast heart rate
• Extreme Exposure: Unconsciousness. cardictesPratay fare. death

Your First Alert CO detector monitors the level of CO as pads per million (ppm) in the atmosphere surrounding the detector. The maximum allowable concentration for Scott–tenuous exposure for healthy adults in any 8-hour period. as recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA’200ppm Shah!  he. fatigue. dizziness. nausea after2.3hours
400ppm
From: ..attaches within 1 – 2 hours, life ewer.. atter 3 hours.
800ppin

Dizziness e. nausea and convulsions within 45 minutes. Unconsciousness within 2 hours. Death within 2 – 3 hours.
Should you suspect CO may be affecting you or your family. open the doors and wt.:lows of your property to ventilate. turn off your appliances and evacuate the premises. At this time the authorities should be contacted to locate the sauce of the carbon monoxide before re­entering the building. Medical attention should be sought for anyone suffering the effects of CO poisoning (headache. nausea).
Common sources of CO

• Oil and gas besets
• Portable generators
• Oil Of solid fuel cookers
• Gana paraffin heaters
• Barbecues
• Clogged chimneys
• wood, coal or coke fireplaces
• Cigarette smoke
• Gas appliances
• Any fossil fuel burning appliance

WARNING This First Alert carbon monoxide detector is not a combustible gas detector. nor a smoke detector. Please install the proper detectors to detect combustible gases or smoke.
This CO detector should not be seen as a substitute for the proper installation. use, and maintenance of fuel-burning appliances (including appropriate ventilation and exhaust systems), nor the sweeping of chimneys
WARNING: : Variables relating to your fuel-burning appliances can change at any point eg. the flue or chimney could addenty become blocked or damaged, appliances may stop furring comedy or circumstances in neighboring properties may change resulting in the presence of carbon monoxide. For this and other reasons do not use this carbon monoxide detector on an intermittent base. or as a portable detector for trying to trace one source of the spoilage of combustion products from foal burning appliances or from chimneys.

Do not:

• IGNORE ANY WARNING FROM YOUR CO DETECTOR!
• Burn charcoal inside your home, caravan, tent, or cabin
• Install, convert or service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skill, and expertise
• Use a gas cooker for heating a room
• Operate unvented gas-burning appliances using paraffin or natural gas in closed rooms
• Operate petrol-powered engines indoors or in confined areas
• Ignore a safety device when it shuts an appliance off

Always:

• Buy appliances accepted by a recognized testing laboratory
• Install appliances according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Have appliance installations carried out by professionals (for gas appliances engineers should be registered)
• Have your appliances checked regularly by a qualified service engineer
• Have your chimneys and flues cleaned professionally every year
• Make regular visual inspections of all fuel-burning appliances
• Do not barbecue indoors, or in an attached garage
• Open windows when a fireplace or solid fuel cooker is in use
• Only install CO detectors that meet the requirements of EN 50291-1: 2010 and EN 50291-2: 2010 in your home
• Be aware of CO poisoning symptoms

EDUCATE YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY ON THE SOURCES AND SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING AND HOW TO USE YOUR CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR

WHERE TO INSTALL YOUR DETECTOR
This CO alarm is suitable for use in domestic premises (caravan holiday homes), caravans, and motor caravans. The following advice is applicable to all intended applications, there are special instructions at the end of this section relating to positioning in caravan holiday homes, caravans, and motor caravans.
WARNING:
This detector will only indicate the presence of carbon monoxide gas at the sensor. Carbon monoxide gas may be present in other areas.
In which room should the detector be installed? Ideally, an apparatus should be installed in every room containing a fuel-burning appliance. Additional apparatus may be installed to ensure that adequate warning is given to occupants in other rooms, by locating apparatus in:

• Remote rooms in which the occupant(s) spend considerable time whilst awake and from which they may not be able to hear an alarm from apparatus in another part of the premises, and
• Every sleeping room, However, if there is a fuel-burning appliance in more than one room and the number of apparatus is limited, the following points should be considered when deciding where best to put the apparatus:
• Locate the apparatus in a room containing a flueless or open-flued appliance, and
• Locate apparatus in a room where the occupant(s) spend the most time
• If the domestic premises is a bedsit (a single room serving as both sitting and bedroom) then the apparatus should be put 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 (for example a boiler room), the apparatus should be put just outside the room so that the alarm may be heard more easily.

Where in the room should I place the detector?
Apparatus located in the same room as a fuel-burning appliance:
For both wall and ceiling mounted apparatus the following applies:

• The apparatus should be at a horizontal distance of between 1 m and 3m from the potential source
• If there is a partition in a room, the apparatus should be located on the same side of the partition as the potential source
• Carbon Monoxide detectors in rooms with sloped ceilings should be located at the high side of the room

B In addition to the previous points the following must be observed:
If the apparatus is located on a wall:

• it should be located close to the ceiling;
• it should be located at a height greater than the height of any door or window;
• it should be at least 150mm from the

If the apparatus is located on the ceiling:

• it should be located close to the ceiling:
• it should be located at a height greater than the height of any door or window:
• it should be at least 150mm from the

If the apparatus is located on the ceiling:

• it should be at least 300mm from any wall and any ceiling obstruction e.g. light

Apparatus located in sleeping rooms and in rooms remote from a fuel-burning appliance:

• Apparatus located in sleeping rooms or located in rooms remote from the fuel-burning appliance should be located relatively close to the breathing zone of the occupants

Where not to put the detector
The apparatus should not be installed:

• In an enclosed space (for example in a cupboard or behind a curtain)

• Where it can be obstructed (for example by furniture)

• Directly above a sink

• Next to a door or window

• Next to an extractor fan

• Next to an air vent or other similar ventilation openings

• In an area where the temperature may
  drop below -10TC or exceed 40°C

• Where dirt and dust may block the sensor

• In a damp or humid location (for example in a bathroom)

• Less than I m/3 feet from any appliance

• Within 1m (3 feet) of mobile phones

Caravans
Caravans may have additional risks of carbon monoxide ingress through air vents due to the nearby presence of other vehicles, and engines. generators or barbecues. however, this does not change the basic guidance on the location of the alarm. Caravans should be fitted with an alarm in the same room as any combustion appliance(s), located in accordance with previous advice in this section. If the caravan has a single living space that incorporates the sleeping accommodation, it can be considered to be equivalent to a bedsit, and a single alarm is sufficient. However, any sleeping accommodation which is in a separate room from the combustion appliance(s) should also contain an alarm, located in accordance with previous advice in this section. It is not always possible to find an optimum location for an apparatus, for example, a small caravan may not have suitable vertical surfaces available. Nevertheless, when fitting an apparatus in such situations, the two most important considerations when selecting an appropriate location are:

• Not mounting the apparatus directly above a source of heat or steam; and
• Mounting the apparatus at a distance of  – 3 m from the nearest edge of the potential source.

HOW TO INSTALL YOUR DETECTOR

NOTE: This apparatus should be installed by a competent person who feels able to install it according to the instructions.
Firstly write the installation date on your detector in the area provided. We recommend that your detector is installed on the wall.
To mount on a wall or ceiling:
Please ensure that you use the screws provided, as they were chosen specifically for use with this product. Use the template below for guidance on marking hole positions. Drill holes into the wall. Insert the plastic wall plugs. Screw in the screws. Ensure screws are protruding from the wall by 3mm to allow the detector to slot onto screws.
To place on a shelf:
The base of the detector has been designed to allow it to stand freely on a shelf.
WARNING: When placing on a shelf, please follow to the recommendations for positioning.

BATTERY INSTALLATION /REPLACEMENT

If the detector is already wall or ceiling mounted then unhook it from the mounting screws.
B Remove the battery cover located on the back of the detector.
C Replace the batteries with 2 x approved 1.5-volt AA-size alkaline batteries, making sure the batteries are the correct way round. Use of batteries other than those recommended by Sprue Safety
Products Ltd may have a detrimental effect on the detector’s operation. Replace the battery cover and return the detector to its original position.
D Your advanced First Alert CO detector requires a short ‘warm-up’ period before it is fully operational.

If you have followed all of the above steps correctly, your unit will begin monitoring for CO in around 3 minutes. When the 3-minute warm-up period is complete, the Power LED will flash green once per minute to indicate that the alarm is receiving power from the batteries and is fully operational (if your detector chirps or enters alarm following the 3-minute warm-up period and your product is still within warranty, then please contact technical support for advice).
E Test the sounder, batteries, and circuitry by pressing and holding the Test/Reset button for t second. The sounder should sound as soon as the button is pressed, and the Alarm LED will illuminate red for a short time indicating that the sounder is working and the batteries are providing power to the unit. This test for the sounder, batteries and circuitry should be performed weekly.
WARNING: Prolonged exposure to the sounder in close proximity to your ears may damage your hearing. Under normal operating conditions, the batteries should last for at least 12 months. The detector will not protect against the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning when the batteries have drained.
WARNING: Prolonged exposure to extremely high or low temperatures may reduce the life of the batteries.

OPERATING FEATURES

Your First Alert CO detector offers many features which set it apart from other CO detectors on the market today.
Test/Reset button feature
This button will:

• Test the sounder, batteries, and circuitry
• Allow you to test the sensor by introducing a source of CO into the detector (see ‘Testing The Sensor’ below)
• Silence the loud 85dB sounder during an alarm (only possible when the current CO level is less than 5Oppm)

Testing the sounder, batteries, and circuitry
Test the sounder, batteries, and circuitry by pressing and holding the Test/Reset button for 1 second to confirm that the detector is operating properly. The sounder should sound as soon as the button is pressed. and the Alarm LED will illuminate red, indicating that the sounder is working and the batteries are providing power to the unit. This test for the sounder, batteries, and circuitry should be performed weekly.
Testing the sensor

NOTE: We suggest the use of an incense stick or cigarette as the way in which these products bum produce a readable localized amount of carbon monoxide. Alternative sources of smoke. for example an extinguished candle or match, will not contain sufficient levels of carbon monoxide to obtain a response from the detector during this test. Please note your CO detector will not detect smoke.
If testing the sensor for the first time after installation, or replacing the batteries, make sure that the alarm has completed the initial 3-minute warm-up period and the power LED is flashing green once every minute.
CAUTION: Sensor testing should only be performed by a responsible adult.
This test should be performed annually.
NOTE: Aerosol CO may be used in order to avoid having to burn incense sticks or cigarettes. However, we recommend that incense sticks are used as they are cheap and readily available.

• Read all steps thoroughly before attempting to test your the sensor

Step 1 If the detector is wall or ceiling mounted unhook the detector from the screws.
Step 2 Cover the sounder vents with one hand. Press and hold the Test/Reset button down with your thumb/finger until the Power LED illuminates green and the sounder sounds for a second time (this should happen after around 5 seconds). Release the Test/Reset button. Upon releasing the Test/Reset button the Power LED will flash green once every second. This indicates that the sampling rate of the detector has increased and can be tested using a known source of CO.

Step 3 Light an incense stick or cigarette using a match or lighter. If using an incense stick be sure to blow out the flame so that the incense stick is smoldering. Extinguish the lighter, or put out the match and place it into a dish of water.
Step 4 Turn the detector on its side so that the vents on the right-hand side of the detector are pointing downwards (see diagram above). Hold the burning incense stick or cigarette around 15cm (6 inches) below the detector, so that the smoke enters the vents on the side of the detector. An increase in the localized carbon monoxide level within the sensor to more than 50ppm will cause the sounder to sound for one cycle of four loud beeps and the Power LED to illuminate green for a short time. This is the end of the test. The Power LED will no longer flash green every second but will revert to flashing once every minute as the detector will go back to normal operating mode (It may take up to two minutes of exposure to the smoke for the localized level of carbon monoxide within the sensor to reach over 50ppm). Now move the source of CO away from the detector as the test is finished.

Step 5 After step 4, put out the incense stick r cigarette by placing it into a dish of water. Ensure that all flames have been extinguished.
NOTE: If the localized carbon monoxide level within the sensor does not reach 50ppm during the test, the sensor test will stop automatically after 3 minutes.

UNDERSTANDING THE
PRODUCT’S INDICATORS

The higher the concentration of carbon monoxide detected by the detector. the quicker it will respond. When sufficient carbon monoxide is detected a loud audible signal (85 dB at 1m/3 feet) will be emitted and the Alarm LED will flash red once every second.
The Alarm will sound:

• Between 60 and 90 minutes when exposed to 50ppm of CO
• Between 10 and 40 minutes when exposed to 100ppm of CO
• Within 3 minutes when exposed to 300ppm or more

Fault / low battery signal:
The unit continuously checks the settings of its sensor and circuitry. If any of these settings are found to be incorrect or if the batteries become low then the detector will emit a single audible chirp once per minute for up to 30 days.
IMPORTANT: This does NOT mean that the detector has detected carbon monoxide.
Replace batteries immediately. If the product continues to chirp despite having new batteries and the product is still within warranty then contact technical support for advice. If the product is no longer in warranty replace it immediately!
First Alert Technical Support Line 9.00am-5.00pm. Monday-Friday. Telephone: 0800 141 2561
UK Textphone Users Telephone:
18001 0800 141 2561
EIRE dial: 1-800 523171
e-mail: technicalsupport@sprue.com

MAINTAINING / TESTING YOUR DETECTOR

Maintenance

Your detector will alert you to potentially hazardous CO concentrations in your home when maintained properly. To maintain your First Alert detector in proper working order, and to ensure that the sensor will last for the lifetime of the product, it is recommended that you:

• Test the sounder, batteries, and circuitry of your detector once per week by pressing and holding the Test/Reset button for 1 second
• Perform the Sensor Test annually
• Keep the detector free of dust by gently vacuuming the case with a soft brush attachment when required.

To prevent the possibility of contaminating the sensor in your detector and thus affecting its reliability:

• Never use cleaning solutions on your Simply wipe with a slightly damp cloth
• Do not paint the detector
• Do not spray aerosols on or near the detector
• If installed in a caravan there may be other substances present, that may not normally be found in the home, that could affect the reliability of the CO alarm. Avoid using the following in close proximity to the alarm; oils, cleaning fluids, polishes, paints, and greases.
• Move the detector to a safe location and store in a plastic bag before painting, wallpapering, or performing any other activities using substances that emit strong fumes. Remember to remove it from the bag and return the detector to its original location when these activities are finished

Failure of any test should be reported to the First Alert technical support.
Do not attempt to repair your CO detector. Do not remove any screws or open the main casing of your detector. Any attempt to do so may cause malfunction and will invalidate the warranty.
WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF AN ALARM WARNING:
A loud alarm is a warning that unusually high and potentially lethal levels of carbon monoxide are present. Never ignore this alarm, further exposure can be fatal. Immediately check residents for symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, and contact the proper authorities to resolve all CO problems. NEVER IGNORE ANY ALARM. Please carefully review this owner’s manual to ensure that you know what actions to take in the event of an alarm
What to do during an alarm

• Keep calm and open the doors and windows to ventilate the property
• Stop using all fuel-burning appliances and ensure, if possible, that they are turned off
• Evacuate the property leaving the doors and windows open
• Ring your gas or another fuel supplier on their emergency number; keep the number in a prominent place Write your fuel supplier’s emergency number here (see opposite for more useful numbers):
• Do not re-enter the property until the alarm has stopped. When exposed to fresh air it can take up to 10 minutes for the sensor to clear and the alarm to stop depending on the level of carbon monoxide detected
• Get medical help immediately for anyone suffering the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning (headache, nausea), and advise that carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected
• Do not use the appliances again until they have been checked by an expert. In the case of gas appliances, the engineer must be registered

USEFUL NUMBERS

National Gas Emergency Service
0800 111 999 (24 Hours)
Gas Safe register
0800 408 5500
Solid Fuel Association
Advisory service for domestic and solid fuel
appliances
0845 601 4406
HETAS
Trade association for solid fuel engineers
0845 223 3033
OFTEC
Trade association for Oil Fired Appliance
engineers
0845 658 5080
NACS
National Association of Chimney Sweeps
01785 811732
IPHE
Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers
01708 472791

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

DETECTOR SPECIFICATIONS: MODEL CO-FA-9B
SENSOR TYPE: ELECTROCHEMICAL
WR LIFE: 7 YEARS
ALARM SOUND LEVEL : 85DB AT 1M/3 FEET
RECOMMENDED BATTERIES : SIzE AA ALKALINE – DURACELL LR6, ENERGIzER LR6, GOLD PEAK 15A
BATTERY LIFE: ExCEEDS 1 YEAR UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS, REPLACEABLE
TEMPERATURE RANGE: -10ºC (14ºF) TO 40ºC (104ºF)
OPERATING HUMIDITY RANGE: 30 – 90% RH
WEIGHT (INC. BATTERIES): 125 GRAMS (4.4Oz)
CERTIFIED TO: EN 50291-1: 2010 and EN 50291-2: 2010
THIS FIRST ALERT CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR IS DESIGNED TO CONTINUOUSLY MONITOR FOR CO. ITS RESPONSE TIMES MEET THE REqUIREMENTS OF THE EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50291-1: 2010 AND EN 50291-2: 2010. THE ALARM WILL SOUND:

• BETWEEN 60 AND 90 MINUTES WHEN ExPOSED TO 50PPM OF CO
• BETWEEN 10 AND 40 MINUTES WHEN ExPOSED TO 100PPM OF CO
• WITHIN 3 MINUTES WHEN ExPOSED TO CO LEvELS OF 300PPM OR MORE

WARNING: APPARATUS CONFORMING TO THIS STANDARD MAY NOT PROTECT PEOPLE WHO ARE AT SPECIAL RISK FROM CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE BY REASON OF AGE, PREGNANCY, OR MEDICAL CONDITION. IF IN DOUBT, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.
A CARBON MONOXIDE  DETECTOR IS NOT
A SUBSTITUTE FOR A SMOKE ALARM OR A COMBUSTIBLE GAS DETECTOR.
REPLACE UNIT AFTER 7 YEARS OF OPERATION.

DISPOSAL

Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with regular household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your local authority, retailer or the First
Alert Technical Support Line for recycling/disposal advice as regional variations apply.
The batteries should be removed before the disposal of the detector. Both the batteries and the detector should be disposed of in line with current regulations.
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN – DO NOT BURN

7 YEAR WARRANTY

Sprue Safety Products Ltd warrants to the original purchaser that its enclosed sealed carbon monoxide detector be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal residential use and service for a period of 7 (seven) years from the date of purchase.
Provided it is returned with the postage prepaid and proof of purchase, Sprue Safety Products Ltd hereby warrants that during the 7 (seven) year period commencing from the date of purchase Sprue Safety Products Ltd, at its discretion, agrees to replace the unit free of charge. The warranty on any replacement First Alert CO-FA-9B Carbon Monoxide Poisonous Gas Alarm will last for the remainder of the period of the original warranty in respect of the detector originally purchased – that is from the date of original purchase and not from the date of receipt of the replacement product. Sprue Safety Products Ltd reserves the right to offer an alternative product similar to that being replaced if the original model is no longer available or in stock. This warranty applies to the original retail purchaser from the date of original retail purchase and is not transferable. Proof of purchase is required.
Warranty disclaimers
This warranty does not cover damage resulting from accident, misuse, disassembly, abuse, or lack of reasonable care of the product, or applications not in accordance with the user manual. It does not cover events and conditions outside of Sprue Safety Products Ltd’s control, such as Acts of God (fire, severe weather, etc). It does not apply to retail stores, service centers, or any distributors or agents. Sprue Safety Products Ltd will not recognize any changes to this warranty by third parties. Sprue Safety Products Ltd shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages caused by the breach of any expressed or implied warranty. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration to 7 years.
This warranty does not affect your statutory rights. Except for death or personal injury, Sprue Safety Products Ltd shall not be liable for any loss of use, damage, cost, or expense relating to this product or for any indirect, or consequential loss, damages, or costs incurred by you or any other user of this product.
The warranty does not cover the batteries which are considered user- replaceable parts.

RETURNS
Should you encounter a problem with your alarm, we recommend that you contact the First Alert Technical Support Line in the first instance for advice on 0800 141 2561 (9.00 am–5.00 pm, Monday–Friday), UK Textphone users dial 18001 0800 141 2561 or callers from EIRE dial 1-800 523171 as we may be able to remedy the problem quickly over the phone (this is to prevent unnecessary returns that take a longer time to process). Alternatively e-mail: technicalsupport@sprue.com
If there is a fault that we are unable to resolve then our technical support team members will provide you with a returns authority number so that your product can be returned for testing.
To return your First Alert CO-FA-9B under warranty, send it suitably packed and with the batteries disconnected with postage prepaid; a note indicating the returns authority  umber and describing the reason for return, with proof of purchase to:
Sprue Safety Products Ltd.
First Alert Customer Services
6 Davy Way, Carter Court
Waterwells Business Park
Gloucester GL2 2DE
United Kingdom

PRODUCT RANGE

Sprue Safety Products Ltd manufactures an extensive range of home safety products including smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and remote
sounding devices. For more details visit www.sprue.com
Technical Support Line
0800 141 2561
UK Textphone users dial
18001 0800 141 2561
EIRE dial
1-800 523171
Email technicalsupport@sprue.com
Web www.sprue.com

EN 50291-1: 2010
EN 50291-2: 2010
KM 551504
A Sprue Safety Products Brand
Sprue Safety Products Ltd.
Vanguard Centre
Sir William Lyons Road
Coventry CV4 7EZ UK
GN1692/R2

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