First Alert AC Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm

User's Manual

Models: CO5120BN, CO5120PDBN

Thank you for choosing BRK Brands, Inc. for your Carbon Monoxide Alarm needs. You have purchased a state-of-the-art Carbon Monoxide Alarm designed to provide you with early warning of carbon monoxide.

Key Features:

• Most Accurate Carbon Monoxide Sensor*
• Advanced electrochemical CO sensor technology.
• Intelligent Sensing Technology designed to reduce unwanted or nuisance alarms.
• Two Silence Features: Temporarily silence low battery chirp or unwanted alarms.
• Two Latching Features: Alarm Latch and Low Battery Latch to identify initiating alarms or low battery conditions.
• Smart Interconnect: Connects with most First Alert® and BRK branded smoke, CO, and heat alarms.
• Dust Cover included for protection during construction.
• Easy Installation/Maintenance: Large mounting bracket opening, battery pull tab, and side-load battery drawer.

Basic Safety Information

Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions: Pay special attention to these items alerting you to important operating instructions or potentially hazardous situations.

• THIS IS NOT A SMOKE ALARM! This CO Alarm detects carbon monoxide from combustion sources, not smoke, fire, or other gases.
• Approved for use in single-family residences only. Not designed for marine or RV use.
• This CO Alarm indicates the presence of carbon monoxide gas at the sensor only. CO gas may be present in other areas.
• The unit requires AC power and a fresh 9V battery for backup. If AC power fails and the battery is dead or missing, the alarm will not operate.
• The Silence Feature is for convenience and does not correct a CO problem. Always check your home for a potential problem after any alarm.
• Requires continuous 120VAC, 60 Hz, pure sine wave electrical power. Do not use with dimmer-controlled outlets or extension cords.
• NEVER ignore any alarm. See "If Your CO Alarm Sounds" for response information.
• Test the alarm weekly. If it fails to test correctly, replace it immediately.
• Intended for ordinary indoor locations in family living units. Not designed for OSHA commercial or industrial standards. Consult a physician for information regarding medical conditions sensitive to carbon monoxide.

How Your CO Alarm Works

The Cover Of Your CO Alarm:

• 1. Test/Silence Button: (CO5120PDBN also has a Scroll function).
• 2. POWER/ALARM Light (RED): Indicates power and alarm status.
• 3. Air Vents: Allow air to reach the sensor.
• 4. Alarm Horn: An 85 dB audible alarm for test, alarm, and malfunction warnings.
• 5. Digital Display (CO5120PDBN only): Shows status, CO levels (ppm), or error codes.

Understanding the Light and Horn Patterns

NOTE: Latching features are not active during battery backup mode operation.

Additional Features for Model CO5120PDBN with Digital Display

The digital display shows:

• Alarm operating on AC power: "READY"
• Alarm operating on emergency battery back-up: "READY"
• Low / missing battery warning: "bat" flashes on and off.
• "Err" Alarm is not operating properly: "Err" is displayed.

During Testing, the display flashes "30, 70, 150, 400" briefly. During initial power up, the display flashes "888" briefly. Levels of CO shown in ppm if present.

Using the Peak CO Memory

The CO Memory Feature lets you check the highest level of CO recorded during an alarm.

To check CO Memory:

1. Press and release the Test/Silence/Scroll button until "MEMORY" is displayed.
2. Press and hold the Test/Silence/Scroll button to display the Memory CO level.

To clear CO Memory:

1. Press and release the Test/Silence/Scroll button until "CLEAR MEMORY" is displayed.
2. Press and hold the Test/Silence/Scroll button until "CLr" is displayed.

NOTE: The highest CO level is saved even after a power interruption until cleared. Do not clear the CO Memory reading if you plan to call for investigation. Clear only after an investigator has checked your home.

Smart Interconnect Feature

This CO Alarm includes "Smart Interconnect," enabling interconnection with other BRK Smoke and CO Alarms. When interconnected with alarming smoke alarms, this unit will sound the smoke horn pattern.

Installation

Where to Install CO Alarms

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends a CO Alarm be centrally located outside each separate sleeping area, near bedrooms. For added protection, install additional CO Alarms in each separate bedroom and on every level of your home. If a bedroom hallway is longer than 40 feet (12 meters), install a CO Alarm at BOTH ends.

Recommended Locations:

• Single-level Home: At least one CO Alarm near each separate sleeping area. For added protection, install one at least 20 feet (6 meters) away from the furnace or fuel-burning heat source.
• Multi-level Home: At least one CO Alarm near each separate sleeping area. For added protection, install one on each level. If you have a basement, install it at the top of the basement stairs. Also, install one at least 20 feet (6 meters) away from the furnace or fuel-burning heat source.

Diagram Description: A house layout showing recommended placement of CO alarms in bedrooms, living room, hall, kitchen, garage, and basement.

Where CO Alarms Should NOT Be Installed

DO NOT locate this CO Alarm:

• In garages, kitchens, furnace rooms, or in extremely dusty, dirty, or greasy areas.
• Where combustion particles are produced (e.g., poorly ventilated kitchens, garages, furnace rooms). Keep units at least 20 feet (6 meters) from combustion sources (stove, furnace, water heater, space heater) if possible. In smaller homes, place as far from fuel-burning sources as possible to reduce "unwanted" alarms. Ventilate these areas.
• Within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of any cooking appliance.
• In extremely humid areas (at least 10 feet (3 meters) from bath/shower, sauna, humidifier, dishwasher, laundry room, utility room).
• In areas with temperatures colder than 40°F (4°C) or hotter than 100°F (38°C) (e.g., unfinished attics, garages).
• In turbulent air (near ceiling fans, heat vents, air conditioners, open windows) which may prevent CO from reaching sensors.
• In direct sunlight.
• In common lobbies, hallways, or basements of multi-family buildings unless CO Alarms are also in each living unit.
• In warehouses, industrial or commercial buildings, RVs, boats, or airplanes.

Before You Begin Installation

This unit mounts on any standard wiring junction box up to 4 inches (10 cm). Read "Where to Install" and "Where Not To Install" before starting.

• The Alarm requires AC or battery power. If AC fails and the battery is dead or missing, the Alarm will not operate.
• Ensure the alarm is not receiving excessive noisy power from major appliances on the same circuit, generators, solar power, or near fluorescent lighting, as this may damage the unit.
• Find the pair of self-adhesive labels. Write your emergency responder (e.g., 911) and qualified appliance technician phone numbers on them. Place one label near the CO Alarm and the other in your designated "fresh air" location.

NOTE: A qualified appliance technician is defined as a person or company responsible for installation, testing, and servicing HVAC equipment, combustion appliances, and gas fireplaces.

Parts of This CO Alarm

1. Mounting Bracket
2. Mounting Slot and Screw* (*Not Included)
3. Locking Pins (break out of bracket)
4. Hot (Black) AC Wire
5. Neutral (White) AC Wire
6. Interconnect Wire (Orange)
7. Lever to Open Battery Compartment
8. Swing-Out Battery Compartment
9. Quick-Connect Power

How to Install Your CO Alarm

Tools needed: Standard Flathead screwdriver.

DANGER! ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Turn off power at the circuit breaker or fuse box before installation. Failure to do so may result in serious electrical shock, injury, or death.

1. Remove the mounting bracket from the base. Position the screw slots over the junction box screws and tighten.
2. Using wire nuts, connect the power connector to the AC power. Improper wiring can damage the Alarm.
   • STAND ALONE ALARM ONLY: Connect white wire to neutral, black wire to hot, tuck orange wire inside junction box (used for interconnect only).
   • INTERCONNECTED ALARMS ONLY: Strip 1/2" of plastic from the orange interconnect wire. Connect white wire to neutral, black wire to hot, and orange wire to the interconnect wire in the junction box. Repeat for each unit. Never connect hot or neutral wires to the orange wire.
3. Plug the power connector into the back of the CO Alarm.
4. Position the base of the Alarm over the mounting bracket and turn clockwise until it clicks into place. The unit can be positioned every 60°.
5. Check all connections.
6. For Stand Alone Alarms: Restore power to the junction box.
7. For Interconnected Alarms: Repeat steps 1-5 for each alarm. Restore power to the junction box only after all alarms are completely installed.
8. DANGER! ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Do not restore power until all Alarms are completely installed.
9. Ensure the CO Alarm is receiving AC power. The red indicator light should be continuously on. If not, turn off power and recheck connections. If the light still doesn't illuminate, the unit needs replacement.
10. Activating the Battery Back-Up: Remove the "Pull to Activate Battery Back-Up" tab. Do not remove the tab until AC power is turned on to conserve battery.
11. Test the CO Alarm: Press and hold the test button until the alarm sounds (4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps). For interconnected alarms, test each unit separately. Ensure all units alarm. If any unit fails to alarm, turn off power, recheck connections, and replace if necessary.

Special Requirements for Interconnected CO Alarms

• Failure to meet requirements may damage units and cause malfunction.
• AC and AC/DC alarms can be interconnected. Under AC power, all units alarm when one senses CO. When AC power is interrupted, only AC/DC units send/receive signals; AC-only alarms will not operate.
• Interconnected units provide earlier warning. If any unit senses CO, all interconnected units will alarm. Refer to the table to identify the initiating alarm (Red LED flashes alarm pattern) versus other alarms (Red LED does not flash).
• Interconnect units within a single-family residence only.
• This unit is compatible with BRK Electronics® and First Alert® Models: 7010, 7010B, 7020B, SC7010B, SA520B, 9120, 9120B, SC9120B, 100S, SL177, SC7010BV, CO5120BN, CO5120PDBN, HD6135F, HD6135FB.
• Interconnected units must meet ALL requirements:
  • Maximum of 18 compatible alarms interconnected (max 12 smoke alarms per NFPA 72).
  • The same fuse or circuit breaker must power all units.
  • Total interconnect wire length less than 1000 feet.
  • All wiring must conform to local electrical codes and National Electrical Code Articles 210 and 300.3(B).

Wiring Diagram Description: Shows a typical wiring setup for a single CO Alarm and for additional alarms, illustrating connections to AC power (hot, neutral) and the interconnect wire (orange).

Using the Locking Features

Optional locking features prevent unauthorized removal of the battery or alarm. They are not necessary in single-family homes where removal is not a concern. Two features exist: one for the battery compartment, one for the mounting bracket. You can use them independently or together.

Tools needed: Needle-nose pliers, Standard Flathead screwdriver.

Locking pins are molded into the mounting bracket. Use needle-nose pliers to remove pins.

The Battery Compartment Lock

To Lock:

1. Activate battery back-up by removing the pull tab. Test the alarm (4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps). If it doesn't alarm, do not lock; install a new battery and test again. If it still fails, replace the unit.
2. Using needle-nose pliers, detach one locking pin from the mounting bracket.
3. Push the locking pin through the black dot on the label on the back of the CO Alarm.

To Unlock:

DANGER! ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Turn off AC power before unlocking. Failure to do so may result in shock, injury, or death.

1. Remove the CO Alarm from the mounting bracket.
2. Disconnect the power connector.
3. Insert a flathead screwdriver under the locking pin head and gently pry it out of the battery compartment lock.
4. To relock, close the battery door and reinsert the pin.
5. Reconnect the power connector, reattach the alarm, and restore power.

IMPORTANT! When replacing the battery, always test the CO Alarm before relocking.

The Mounting Bracket Lock

To Activate:

1. Using needle-nose pliers, detach one locking pin from the mounting bracket.
2. Insert the locking pin into the lock on the pivoting hinge of the battery door.
3. When attaching the CO Alarm to the mounting bracket, the pin's head fits into a notch on the bracket.

To Deactivate:

DANGER! ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Turn off AC power before deactivating. Always discharge the branch circuit by turning off AC power, removing the battery, and pressing the test button.

1. Insert a flathead screwdriver between the mounting bracket pin and the bracket.
2. Pry the CO Alarm away by turning both the screwdriver and the Alarm counterclockwise.

To Permanently Remove: Insert a flathead screwdriver between the locking pin and the lock, and pry the pin out.

If Your CO Alarm Sounds

WARNING! Actuation of your CO Alarm indicates the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) which can kill you. Do not ignore it!

If the Alarm Sounds:

1. Operate the Test/Silence button to silence the alarm.
2. Call your emergency services (e.g., 911).
3. Immediately move to fresh air outdoors or by an open door/window. Do a head count. Do not re-enter or move away from the fresh air source until emergency services arrive, the premises are aired out, and your CO Alarm is normal.
4. If the CO Alarm reactivates within 24 hours, repeat steps 1-3 and call a qualified appliance technician to investigate fuel-burning equipment and appliances for proper operation. Note any equipment not inspected and consult manufacturers' instructions. Ensure motor vehicles are not operating in an attached garage or adjacent to the residence.

Alarms have limitations. See "General Limitations of CO Alarms" for details.

Using the Silence Features

WARNING! Never disconnect power to silence the horn; use the silence feature. Disconnecting removes protection.

The Silence Feature temporarily silences the alarm horn for about 4 minutes while you correct the problem. It does not correct the CO problem. The unit continues to monitor the air. If CO levels remain dangerous, the horn will sound again. To silence an interconnected series, press the Test/Silence button on the initiating alarm.

Silencing the Low Battery Warning

This feature can temporarily quiet the low battery "chirp" for up to 8 hours if AC power is present. Press the Test/Silence button. The red light will continue to flash once a minute for 8 hours. Replace the battery as soon as possible.

Latching Features

Alarm Latch: Activated after exposure to alarm levels of CO (AC power required). The Red LED flashes On for 2 seconds, Off for 2 seconds until reset by testing. This helps identify which unit(s) were exposed to CO.

Interconnected Alarms: Latching Alarm Indicator shows which alarms in the series were exposed to CO. It stays ON until cleared, alerting you to alarms that occurred while you were away.

Low Battery Latch: Activated when the Alarm is in "low battery condition." The red LED flashes 4 seconds On/2 seconds Off. This helps identify which unit needs a battery replacement. The low battery chirp may occur at intervals greater than one minute initially, then settle to approximately once per minute.

Weekly Testing

Push and hold the Test/Silence button until you hear an acknowledge chirp and the alarm sounds (4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps) for 10 seconds. If the Alarm fails to test properly, replace it immediately.

• WARNING! If the Alarm fails to test properly, replace it immediately. Products under warranty may be returned for replacement.
• DO NOT stand close to the Alarm when the horn is sounding; it may be harmful to your hearing. Step away when testing.
• NEVER use vehicle exhaust; it may cause permanent damage and void the warranty.

Regular Maintenance

• Test the CO Alarm every week.
• Vacuum the CO Alarm cover at least once a month using the soft brush attachment. Never use water, cleaners, or solvents. Test the Alarm again after vacuuming.
• Replace the battery immediately when you see/hear the "Low Battery Warning."

Low (or Missing) Battery Warning (CO5120PDBN): The horn will "chirp" once a minute, and "bat" will flash on and off on the display.

Replacing the Battery

This unit requires one standard 9V alkaline battery. Acceptable replacements include Duracell #MN1604 or MX1604; Eveready "Energizer" 522. These are commonly available.

IMPORTANT! Use only the listed alkaline or lithium replacement batteries. Rechargeable batteries may not provide a constant charge.

CAUTION! DO NOT spray cleaning chemicals or insect sprays directly on or near the CO Alarm. DO NOT paint over the CO Alarm, as this may cause permanent damage.

• Household cleaners, aerosol chemicals, and other contaminants can affect the sensor. Ensure the room is well-ventilated when using these materials near the CO Alarm.
• If your home is being fumigated, unplug the unit temporarily and place it where it will not be exposed to chemicals or fumes. Plug it back in and retest after fumigation is complete and fumes have cleared.

What You Need To Know About CO

What is CO?

CO is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas produced when fossil fuels do not burn completely or are exposed to heat (usually fire). Electrical appliances typically do not produce CO. Fuels include wood, coal, charcoal, oil, natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, and propane.

Common appliances can be sources of CO if not properly maintained, ventilated, or if they malfunction. CO levels can rise quickly. "Air-tight" homes with added insulation and sealed windows can trap CO inside.

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

These symptoms should be discussed with all household members:

• Mild Exposure: Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue ("flu-like" symptoms).
• Medium Exposure: Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
• Extreme Exposure: Convulsions, unconsciousness, heart and lung failure. Exposure to Carbon Monoxide can cause brain damage and death.

This CO Alarm alarms if CO levels are extremely high in a short period or reach a certain minimum over a long period. It generally sounds an alarm before symptoms appear in average, healthy adults. This provides time to react. Victims may become disoriented and unable to react. Young children and pets may be affected first. People with cardiac or respiratory problems, infants, unborn babies, pregnant mothers, or the elderly can be more severely affected. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience even mild symptoms.

Finding the Source of CO After an Alarm

CO is odorless and invisible, making it difficult to locate the source. Factors making location difficult include:

• House ventilation before an investigator arrives.
• "Backdrafting" problems.
• Transient CO problems due to special circumstances.

CO may dissipate by the time an investigator arrives. BRK Brands, Inc. is not obligated to pay for CO investigations or service calls.

Potential Sources of CO in the Home

• Fuel-burning appliances: Portable heaters, gas/wood fireplaces, gas kitchen ranges/cooktops, gas clothes dryers.
• Damaged or insufficient venting: Corroded/disconnected vent pipes, leaking chimneys/flues, cracked heat exchangers, blocked chimney openings.
• Improper appliance use: Operating grills or vehicles in enclosed areas (garages, screened porches).

Transient CO Problems

These can be caused by outdoor conditions and special circumstances:

1. Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel appliances due to:
   • Wind direction/velocity (high, gusty winds).
   • Heavy air in vent pipes (cold/humid air).
   • Negative pressure from exhaust fans.
   • Multiple appliances competing for fresh air.
   • Vibrating vent pipe connections.
   • Obstructions or unconventional vent pipe designs.
2. Extended operation of unvented fuel-burning devices (range, oven, fireplace).
3. Temperature inversions trapping exhaust near the ground.
4. Car idling in an attached garage or near the home.

These conditions can trap exhaust. They are hard to recreate during an investigation.

How Can I Protect My Family?

A CO Alarm provides protection by monitoring air and alarming before CO levels become threatening for average, healthy adults. It is not a substitute for proper appliance maintenance.

To prevent CO problems and reduce risk:

• Clean chimneys and flues yearly. Keep them clear of debris. Have professionals check for rust, corrosion, cracks, or separations. Never cap or cover a chimney in a way that blocks airflow.
• Test and maintain all fuel-burning equipment annually. Many utility companies offer inspections.
• Make regular visual inspections of fuel-burning appliances. Check for excessive rust, scaling, and flame color (blue is good; yellow indicates incomplete burning and potential CO). Keep furnace blower doors closed. Use vents/fans on appliances and ensure they are vented to the outside. Do not use grills or barbecues indoors, in garages, or on screen porches.
• Check for exhaust backflow from CO sources. Check draft hoods on furnaces and look for cracks in heat exchangers.
• Check the house or garage on the other side of a shared wall.
• Keep windows and doors slightly open if you suspect CO is escaping into your home. Opening windows and doors can significantly decrease CO levels.

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. UL2034

What Levels of CO Cause an Alarm?

UL2034 requires residential CO Alarms to sound based on CO levels and exposure times:

• 400 ppm CO: Alarm between 4 and 15 minutes.
• 150 ppm CO: Alarm between 10 and 50 minutes.
• 70 ppm CO: Alarm between 60 and 240 minutes.

*Based on approximately 10% COHb exposure at 10%-95% Relative Humidity (RH). The unit is designed not to alarm at a constant 30 ppm for 30 days.

CO Alarms are designed to alarm before an immediate life threat. Never assume CO is not present.

• 100 ppm CO for 20 minutes may not affect healthy adults but can cause headaches after 4 hours.
• 400 ppm CO may cause headaches in healthy adults after 35 minutes and can cause death after 2 hours.

Standards: Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms UL2034.

UL2034, Section 1-1.2 states CO Alarms respond to CO from sources like internal-combustion engines, fuel-fired appliances, and fireplaces. They are intended to alarm at levels below those that could cause a loss of ability to react to CO dangers. This alarm monitors air at the sensor and is designed to alarm before CO levels become life-threatening, allowing time to leave and correct the problem, provided alarms are located, installed, and maintained as described.

Gas Detection at Typical Temperature and Humidity Ranges: The CO Alarm is not formulated to detect CO levels below 30 ppm typically. UL tested for false alarm resistance to Methane (500 ppm), Butane (300 ppm), Heptane (500 ppm), Ethyl Acetate (200 ppm), Isopropyl Alcohol (200 ppm), and Carbon Dioxide (5000 ppm).

Audible Alarm: 85 dB minimum at 10 feet (3 meters).

General Limitations of CO Alarms

This CO Alarm is intended for residential use only. It is not for industrial applications requiring OSHA standards.

• CO alarms may not waken all individuals. If children, infants, or those with mobility limitations do not awaken to the alarm, ensure someone is assigned to assist them.
• CO Alarms require continuous AC power and a fresh 9V battery for backup. The battery backup is for emergency use only.
• For Solar or Wind Energy users with battery backup systems: Use only true or pure sine wave inverters. Square wave or "quasi sine wave" inverters may damage the Alarm. Consult the manufacturer if unsure.
• This CO Alarm will only sense CO that reaches the sensor. CO may be present in other areas. Doors or obstructions can affect CO reaching the sensor. For this reason, if bedroom doors are usually closed at night, install a CO Alarm in each bedroom and in the hallway between them.
• CO Alarms may not sense CO on another level of the home. Install CO Alarms on each level for complete coverage.
• The Alarm horn loudness meets UL standards (85 dB at 10 feet). However, it may not wake a sound sleeper, someone who has used drugs or alcohol, or if the sound is blocked by distance or closed doors. Noise from traffic, stereo, etc., may also prevent hearing. This alarm is not intended for the hearing impaired.
• CO Alarms are not a substitute for smoke alarms. This unit does not sense smoke or fire. Early fire warning requires smoke alarms.
• CO Alarms are not a substitute for life insurance. BRK Brands, Inc. does not warrant or imply that these alarms will protect lives from CO poisoning.
• CO Alarms have a limited life. Test your CO Alarm weekly, as parts can fail at any time.
• CO Alarms are not foolproof. They have limitations and can only detect CO that reaches their sensors. They may not provide early warning if CO is coming from a remote part of the home.

Troubleshooting Guide

DANGER! ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Turn off power before removing the unit or checking connections. Failure to do so may result in shock, injury, or death.

Limited Warranty

BRK Brands, Inc. ("BRK") warrants this product and its components to be free from defects in material and workmanship for five years from the date of purchase. BRK will, at its option, repair or replace the product or component with a new or remanufactured unit of equal or greater value. This is your exclusive warranty.

Warranty Conditions:

• Valid for original retail purchaser; not transferable.
• Original sales receipt required for warranty service.
• Does not cover normal wear, misuse, use on improper voltage, disassembly, unauthorized repair, Acts of God (fire, flood, hurricanes, tornadoes), or batteries.
• BRK is not liable for incidental or consequential damages. Implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose are limited to the warranty duration. Some states/provinces may not allow these limitations.

How to Obtain Warranty Service:

Contact Consumer Affairs at 1-800-323-9005 (7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Central Time, Monday-Friday). Have model number and date of purchase ready. Return to: BRK Brands, Inc., 25 Spur Drive, El Paso, TX 79906.

Battery Warranty: BRK Brands, Inc. makes no warranty regarding batteries.

For Your Records:

• Date Purchased: _________________________
• Where Purchased: _________________________
• Date Installed: ________/________ (Month/Year)
• Replacement Date: ________/________ (Month/Year)

First Alert® is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust.

NOTE: End of Life Signal: Once the unit reaches the end of its lifecycle, the MALFUNCTION SIGNAL will sound once a minute to indicate the need to immediately replace the Alarm.