Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector User Manual

Introduction

The Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector is designed to provide continuous monitoring for carbon monoxide (CO) gas in your home. Utilizing advanced electrochemical sensor technology, it detects the presence of CO and alerts you with an 85-decibel alarm. This plug-in unit features a convenient AA battery backup to ensure protection even during power outages. Its user-friendly design includes a digital display for CO level readings and a Test-Hush button for easy operation and silencing of nuisance alarms.

Figure 1: Front view of the Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector.

Key Features

• Easy Plug-in Installation: Simply plugs into any standard 120V AC power outlet.
• AA Battery Backup: Two AA alkaline batteries (included) provide continuous protection during power failures.
• Loud 85-Decibel Alarm: Clearly alerts occupants when carbon monoxide is detected.
• Digital Display: Shows the current carbon monoxide level in parts per million (PPM) and updates every 15 seconds.
• Peak Level Memory: Records the highest CO concentration detected since the last reset or power cycle.
• Test-Hush Button: Allows for easy testing of the alarm's functionality and temporarily silences nuisance alarms for approximately 8 minutes.
• End-of-Life Chirp: Notifies you when the alarm unit needs to be replaced, typically after 10 years of operation.
• UL Certified: Meets stringent safety standards for carbon monoxide alarms.

Setup and Installation

The Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector is designed for straightforward installation. Follow these steps to set up your device:

1. Unpack the Device: Carefully remove the carbon monoxide alarm from its packaging.
2. Battery Installation/Activation: The unit comes with two AA alkaline batteries pre-installed. Ensure the battery pull tab (if present) is removed to activate the batteries. The battery compartment is located on the back of the unit.
3. Plug into Outlet: Plug the alarm directly into a standard 120V AC wall outlet. For optimal placement, choose an outlet that is not obstructed and is located near sleeping areas or on every level of your home. The plug is rotatable to accommodate horizontal or vertical outlets.

Figure 2: Plugging the detector into a wall outlet.

Figure 3: Rear view showing the battery compartment and warning labels.

Product Placement Guide

For optimal safety, consider the following placement guidelines:

• Install at least one CO alarm on each level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
• Avoid placing the alarm within 6 feet of fuel-burning appliances.
• Do not place in direct sunlight, near vents, or in areas with high humidity.

Figure 4: Recommended placement of safety devices in a home.

Setup Videos

Operating Instructions

Once plugged in and batteries are active, the detector will begin monitoring for CO. Observe the LED indicators for status information:

• Green LED (Operate): A solid green light indicates the unit is operating correctly and no carbon monoxide is detected.
• Red LED (Alarm): A flashing red light accompanied by an 85-decibel alarm indicates the presence of carbon monoxide.

Figure 5: Green LED indicating normal operation.

Figure 6: Red LED indicating a CO alarm condition.

Test/Hush Button

Press the 'Test/Reset' button to test the alarm's functionality. The alarm will sound briefly. If the alarm sounds due to non-emergency conditions (e.g., cooking fumes), press the button to temporarily silence it for approximately 8 minutes.

Operation Videos

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the continued reliability of your CO detector.

• Monthly Testing: Test your alarm monthly by pressing the Test/Reset button. The alarm should sound.
• Cleaning: Vacuum the outside of the unit monthly to remove dust and debris. Do not use cleaning solvents or spray directly on the unit.
• Battery Replacement: The 2-AA batteries provide backup power. Replace them when the low battery chirp sounds (a single chirp every 25-30 seconds).
• End-of-Life Notification: The alarm will emit an end-of-life chirp (two chirps every 30 seconds) after approximately 10 years of operation, indicating it's time for replacement.

Maintenance Videos

Troubleshooting

If your Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector sounds an alarm, follow these immediate steps:

1. Operate Test/Reset Button: Press the Test/Reset button.
2. Call Emergency Services: Immediately call your emergency services (Fire Department or 911).
3. Move to Fresh Air: Immediately move to fresh air – outdoors or by an open door/window. Do a head count to check that all persons are accounted for. Do not re-enter the premises or move away from the open door or window until emergency services responders have arrived, the premises have been aired out, and your alarm remains in its normal condition.
4. Follow-up: After following steps 1-3, if your alarm re-activates within a 24-hour period, repeat steps 1-3 and call a qualified appliance technician to investigate sources of CO from fuel-burning equipment and appliances.

Troubleshooting Videos

Specifications

Warranty and Support

The Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector comes with a 10-year limited manufacturer's warranty on the alarm unit itself. This warranty begins when the alarm is powered on. If the power-on date is unknown, it should be assumed that replacement is needed when the end-of-life chirp sounds.

For complete instructions, detailed warranty information, or technical support, please refer to the official User Guide and User Manual provided with your product. Digital versions are also available:

• User Guide (PDF): Download User Guide
• User Manual (PDF): Download User Manual

For service and return information, you may contact Kidde Customer Service at 1-800-880-6788 or visit Kidde's website.

Important Safety Information

WARNING: CARBON MONOXIDE CANNOT BE SEEN OR SMELLED BUT CAN KILL YOU.

• Actuation of your CO alarm indicates the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) which can kill you.
• This alarm is not a smoke detector. This Carbon Monoxide alarm will not sense smoke, fire, or any other poisonous gas other than carbon monoxide.
• USE ONLY ALKALINE BATTERIES SPECIFIED. USE OF DIFFERENT BATTERIES MAY HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON ALARM OPERATION. DO NOT USE LITHIUM BATTERIES IN THIS UNIT.
• Constant exposure to high or low temperatures and high humidity may reduce battery life.
• Do not paint the alarm.