Kidde KN-COU-B - Manual (Page 9)

1. Information About Carbon Monoxide
(cont.)
CO monitors are not a substitute for CO alarms mandated by code in
several states in the United States because CO alarms are not permitted
to provide any indication of CO levels below 30 PPM whereas this CO
monitor will provide CO readings below 30PPM.
Because carbon monoxide is a cumulative poison, long-term exposures
to low levels may cause symptoms in certain individuals with pre-existing
health and/or medical conditions, as well as symptoms in all individuals
who are exposed to short-term high levels of CO. This CO monitor has a
time-weighted alert and a time-weighted alarm – the higher the concen-
tration of CO , the sooner this monitor will notify you.
This CO monitor can only warn you of the presence of CO. It does not
prevent CO from occurring, nor can it solve an existing CO problem. If
your unit warned you and you’ve provided ventilation by leaving your
windows and doors open, the CO buildup may have dissipated by the
time help responds. Although your problem may appear to be temporar-
ily solved, it’s crucial that the source of the CO is determined and that
the appropriate repairs are made.
This CO monitor 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 monitors have limitations. Like any other electronic device, CO moni-
tors are not fool-proof. CO monitors have a limited operational life. You
must test your CO monitor weekly, because it could fail to operate at
any time.
If your CO monitor fails to test properly, or if its self-diagnostic test
reveals a malfunction, immediately have the unit replaced. This unit will
not monitor CO levels while in an error condition.
CO monitors can only sense CO that reaches the unit’s sensor. It is possi-
ble that CO may be present in other areas without reaching the monitor.
The rate at which CO reaches the monitor may be affected by:
• Doors or other obstructions.
• Fresh air from a vent, an open window or other source.
• CO being present on one level of the home and not reaching a CO moni-
tor or alarm installed on a different level. (For example, CO in the base-
ment may not reach an alarm on the second level, near the bedrooms).
CO monitors and alarms should not be used to detect the presence of
natural gas (methane), propane, butane, or anything other than carbon
monoxide.
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