HiSPEC AC Operated Inter connectable Carbon Monoxide Alarm User Manual

220~240V AC OPERATED INTER CONNECTABLE CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM

MODEL: HSA/CA

Main Features:

• Electrochemical Sensor Life Operates for 5 Years
• Alkaline Battery Back-up Easy Installation, Portable, Ideal for Travelling
• Test / Reset Button
• Low Battery Warning
• Self Test Function
• Supplied with Wall Plugs & Screws
• Cannot Be Fitted with Battery Missing
• Approved to EN50291-1:2010+A1:2012
• Fault Signal
• Hard-Wired Interconnectable (max 40. Detectors, including smoke, heat and CO alarms)

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

SPECIFICATIONS

Power Source: 220-240Vac~ 50-60Hz, 9.6 Watts, with 9V battery back-up (battery included)
Battery: 9V Alkaline battery PP3 (Gold Peak 1604A, Duracell MN1604, Energizer 522, IEC 6LR61, IEC6LF22)
Battery Life: In the event of a break in the mains supply the battery will give detector operation for a 1-month minimum
Operation Current: <35mA operation (In Alarm)
Type of Gas sensed: Carbon Monoxide
Sensor Life: 5 Years
Alarm Response Time: 50 PPM (Between 60 to 90 min.)100 PPM (Between10 to 40 min.) 300 PPM (Less than 3 min.)
Operation Temperature: -10oC ~ 40oC
Ambient Humidity: 10%-90%
Horn Level: 85 Decibels at 1 m
Interconnect facility: 40 detectors over 150 metres maximum,

WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an insidious poison that is released when fuels are burnt. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas and therefore very difficult to detect with the human senses. CO kills hundreds of people each year and injures many more. It binds to the hemoglobin in the blood and reduces the amount of oxygen being circulated in the body.  In high concentrations, CO can kill in minutes. CO is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as wood, charcoal, coal, heating oil, paraffin, petrol, natural gas, propane, butane etc.
Common Sources of CO:

• Attached garages
• Oil and Gas furnaces
• Wood stoves
• Barbecues
• Wood and gas fireplaces
• Gas appliances
• Portable generators
• Gas or kerosene heaters
•  Clogged chimneys
• Cigarette smoke

LOCATING THE CO ALARM

HSA/CA Carbon Monoxide alarm is designed to detect the toxic CO fumes that result from incomplete combustion, such as those emitted from appliances, furnaces, fireplaces, and auto exhaust. It has an interconnect feature that allows it to connect with up to 40 alarms together over 150 meters maximum, using the single white wire, and thus allowing all alarms to sound when anyone is activated.
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 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 CO alarm is limited, the following points should be taken into consideration when  deciding on the best location:

• 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 1 m and 3 m 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 high side of the room.
  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 include the following:

• Situations where the temperature may drop below -10 o C or exceed 40 o C
• In a damp or humid area
• Any area where high levels of dusty, dirty or greasy emissions could contaminate or clog the sensor.
• Where the airflow to the apparatus would be obstructed by curtains or furniture.
• Next to a door or window or in the path of air discharged from a furnace/air conditioning vent or ceiling fan.
• Outside the building
• Directly above a sink or cooker
• In or below the 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. Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs which 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.
Installation of the apparatus should not be used as a substitute for proper installation, use, and maintenance of fuel-burning appliances including appropriate ventilation and exhaust systems.

INSTALLING THE CO ALARM

WARNING – This apparatus is mains powered and requires wiring by a qualified electrician in accordance with the current IEE Regulations for Electrical Installations (BS7671).
The circuit used to power the apparatus must be a dedicated permanent supply that cannot be switched off accidentally by the normal user. Before installing ensure the electrical supply is isolated.

WARNING : To prevent injury, this apparatus must be securely attached to the wall/ceiling in accordance with the installation instructions.
The CO Alarm will function correctly either as a stand-alone alarm or inter- connected. All inter-connected CO Alarms must be supplied from a single power circuit. A common neutral must be used for the interconnection to function.

Do not connect the Inter-connect wire to Active or Neutral.
Wall-mount installation:

• Disconnect the AC main power from the circuit that is going to be used.

• Having established the mounting location ensures that there is no electrical wiring or pipework in the area adjacent to the mounting surface.

• Mark the two mounting hole locations.

• Drill holes in the positions marked.

• Insert wall plugs into the drilled holes.

• Screw mounting bracket to the mounting surface. DO NOT OVER
  TIGHTEN.

• Unlock the apparatus unit from the base by pushing up the temporary latch with a screwdriver

• Strip the Active/Neutral and Inter-connect (if used) wires.

• Connect the wires to the correct terminals (on the mounting plate) to the incoming supply. If the smoke alarms are to be interconnected, link out the interconnection terminals.  Ensure the screws are fully tightened.

The alarm must be wired in accordance with National wiring codes.
LIVE: connect to house wires coloured Brown, Red or marked with L.
NEUTRAL : connect to house wires coloured Blue, Black or marked with N.
INTERCONNECT : connect to the third wire. If you are not interconnecting to other units, do not connect any wire to this terminal. Never use an EARTH wire for interconnecting wire.

• Insert a 9V battery firmly into battery compartment on the rear of the apparatus. NOTE POLARITY OF CONNECTIONS.
  NOTE – For the safety of the end user the CO alarm cannot be fitted without its battery.

• Assemble the alarm onto the mounting plate

OPERATING YOUR CO ALARM

Normal Operation
After battery installation, the green LED will flash five times. Then the unit will enter into the normal operation mode. When no carbon monoxide is present, the green light will flash approximately once per minute and is an indication that your alarm is powered and functional. During normal operation, the CO alarm performs a self-check test every minute.
IMPORTANT : After installation, test your alarm (see the paragraph “Test your CO alarm”

Alarm Condition
When the apparatus detects dangerous levels of CO gas, it will give an alarm signal. The red LED will flash and the buzzer will chirp 6 times simultaneously every second.
After 30 minutes, when the apparatus remains alarming, the red LED will flash and the buzzer will chirp 6 times simultaneously every minute. During alarming, the green LED will flash once every 10 seconds.

CO LEVEL (PPM)
50
100
300
RESPONSE TIME (MIN )
60-90
10-40
< 3

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

Low Battery Signal
A fresh battery should last for one year. 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 battery should be replaced immediately. This low voltage warning will be given for at least 30 days.

Note : Constant exposure to high or low humidity may reduce battery efficiency.
Unit Malfunction
Your CO alarm performs an internal self-diagnosis every minute to makesure 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 flash simultaneously in every minute. In this case the alarm must be replaced.
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 depressing the Test/Reset button. The red LED will flash and the buzzer will chirp 6 times simultaneously. Then the unit will enter into the normal operation mode and the green light should flash once a minute. For multiple interconnected CO alarms, only the RED indicator light (LED) of the originating unit will flash rapidly. All other units in the interconnect system will sound an alarm but their  RED indicator light (LED) will NOT flash. Test each alarm checking that the alarm is triggered on all other alarms installed.

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:
1. Immediately move to fresh air – outdoors or by an open door/window. Do a headcount to check that all persons are accounted for.
2. Where possible turn off all fuelled appliances and stop using them.
3. Call your emergency services
4. Do not re-enter the premises nor move away from the open door/window until emergency services responders have arrived, the premises have been aired out, and your alarm remains in its normal condition.
5. 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:

• Test your alarm at least once a month.
• 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.
• Do not paint the CO alarm

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 that, 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, aftershaves, perfumes, and some cleaning agents.

BATTERY REPLACEMENT

If the CO Alarm emits a short ‘beep’ once a minute the battery is at the end of its life and should be replaced immediately. This low voltage warning will be given for at least 30  days. Always TURN OFF the A.C. supply to the apparatus before replacing the battery.
Each time after replacing with a new battery, the user has to test the alarm by pressing the test button to ensure the detector is working correctly

• Unlock the apparatus unit from the base by pushing up the temporary latch with a screwdriver
• Remove the old battery from the compartment.
• Insert a new, healthy 9V battery. NOTE POLARITY OF CONNECTIONS.
• Using the Push-to-Test button to test the CO Alarm. See “TESTING YOUR CO ALARM”
• Reattach the CO alarm to the mounting plate.

Each time after replacing with a new battery, the user has to test the alarm by pressing the test button to ensure the detector is working correctly.
WARNING : DANGER OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS INCORRECTLY REPLACED. THE USE OF BATTERIES OTHER THAN THOSE RECOMMENDED  ON THE BACK OF THE CO ALARM MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO ITS OPERATION

SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING

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

The following symptoms are related to CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING and are to be discussed with ALL members of the household:
Mild Exposure : Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (often described as “flu-like” symptoms).
Medium Exposure : Severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
Extreme Exposure : Unconsciousness, convulsions, cardio-respiratory failure, death.
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 exiting 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: –

• Replace the battery immediately once depleted

• Buy appliances accepted by a recognized testing laboratory.

• Install the appliances properly, following the manufacturers’ instructions.

• Have installations been done by professionals?

• Have your appliances been 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.

• Open windows when a fireplace or wood-burning stove is in use.

• 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 a 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

END OF UNIT LIFE

The apparatus will operate up to 5 years under normal use. When the CO sensor comes to the end of life, the red LED light will flash and buzzer will chirp 6 times simultaneously every minute. In this case the alarm must be replaced.
NOTE: With normal use the battery will last at least 1 year. However, battery life will be reduced if either a fault occurs with the battery or the apparatus remains in alarm for long periods of time.
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.

YOUR CO ALARM GUARANTEE

This CO Alarm, excluding battery, is guaranteed to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal residential use and service for a period of five (5) years from the date of purchase. The company will not be obligated to repair or replace parts that are found to be in need of repair because of misuse, damage or alterations occur after the date of purchase. Send the CO Alarm with proof of purchase, postage, and return postage prepaid, to a local distributor. The liability of the company arising from the sale of this CO Alarm shall not, in any case, exceed the cost of replacement of the product, and in no case shall the company be liable for consequential loss or damages resulting from the failure of the product.
HISPEC ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS LTD. SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR ANY SPECIAL  INCIDENTAL, CONTINGENT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE. THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR BREACH OF THE LIMITED WARRANTY CONTAINED  HEREIN IS THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. IN NO CASE SHALL HISPEC ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS LTD BE LIABILITY  UNDER ANY OTHER REMEDY PRESCRIBED BY LAW THAT EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE. YOUR CARBON 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 single occupancy private dwellings only and not intended for multi-occupancy private dwellings or commercial or industrial dwellings.
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. The new regulation will encourage the recycling of Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (European “WEEE Directive” effective August 2005).
Importer :
Hispec Electrical Ltd.
www.hispec.co.uk

References

• Hispec | Suppliers of Lighting & Fire Detection Products

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