Smartwares FGA-1305 Carbon Monoxide Detector

General Information

• Make/model number: FGA-1305
• Description: Battery powered carbon monoxide alarm with an electrochemical sensor. This apparatus contains 3 x AA 1.5VDC LR6 Alkaline batteries and is supplied with a wall plug and screw.
• Function: Carbon monoxide alarm device intended to alert persons in case of carbon monoxide to give them time to react properly to the danger.
• Scope of application: Carbon monoxide alarm for buildings with residential function.

Important Safety Information

• Caution: The alarm is designed to detect carbon monoxide; it cannot prevent a leakage!
• Caution: The carbon monoxide alarm may not be painted or covered because this may cause loss of functionality.
• Warning: The carbon monoxide alarm must be replaced no later than 10 years after production date. When the detector has been working for ten years, the product cannot be used anymore. Mark the replacement date in your calendar or register for free at www.smartreminder.eu

LED Indicators (See Image 1)

Image 1 shows the CO detector with three LED indicators labeled:

• 1. Alarm
• 2. Fault
• 3. Power

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. Examples of CO sources include:

• Running engine in garage
• Oil and Gas furnaces
• Wood stoves
• Barbecues
• Wood and gas fireplaces
• Gas appliances
• Portable generators
• Gas or kerosene heaters
• Clogged chimneys
• Heating boiler

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

The following symptoms may be related to CO poisoning (ppm = parts per million):

• 35 ppm: Maximum allowable concentration for continuous exposure for healthy adults in any 8-hour period.
• 200 ppm: Slight headaches, fatigue, 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.

Warning: The apparatus may not prevent the chronic effects of CO exposure or protect individuals who are at specific risk; always pay attention to the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Locating and Positioning the CO Alarm

The 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.

• Single-story dwelling: For minimum protection, fit an alarm in the bedrooms or in the hallway of sleeping areas. Place it as near to the sleeping areas as possible and ensure the alarm is audible when bedrooms are occupied.
• Multi-story dwelling: For minimum protection, place at least one alarm on each floor.
• Maximum protection: Install an alarm in or near every room that contains a fuel-burning appliance such as gas fires, central heating boilers, room heaters, water heaters, cookers, grills, etc.

Positioning Guidelines (See Image 2):

Image 2 illustrates recommended placement. Carbon monoxide (CO) has a similar density to warm air. To ensure effective use:

• In rooms with a fuel-burning appliance, CO mixes with warm air and rises. Place the CO alarm on a wall, 30-80 cm below the ceiling but above the top of any doors or windows, at a horizontal distance of minimum 150 cm from the possible source of CO. It is also optional to place the alarm on a ceiling.
• In rooms where people sleep or are present for a longer period (bedroom, living room), place the CO alarm at breathing height.

Areas to be avoided:

• Situations where the temperature may fall below 0°C or rise above 45°C.
• Any area where high levels of dusty, dirty, or greasy emissions could contaminate or clog the sensor.
• Behind drapes or furniture.
• 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 areas with a lot of soot and dust that could block the sensor.
• In too damp areas.

Caution: 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 and risk of electric shock.

Installing the CO Alarm

Before mounting your CO alarm, attach the rating label in your own language to the detector.

For correct installation and use, it should be installed strictly according to this user manual or by qualified professional personnel. This CO alarm is battery-powered and requires no additional wiring. Ensure the alarm can be heard from all sleeping areas, or place several alarms.

• Wall mount installation:
• Ensure there is no electrical wiring or pipe work in the area adjacent to the mounting surface.
• Mark the mounting hole location, drill a 6mm diameter, 40mm depth hole, and insert the wall plug.
• Before screwing the mounting plate to the wall, remove the safety pin (See Image 4). Insert the provided screw until the screw head is 5mm from the wall. Screw on the mounting bracket, do not overtighten.
• Remove the plastic sealing from the batteries and insert them into the battery compartment, ensuring correct polarity (+ or -). A short beep indicates correct installation and that the power supply and indicators are working.
• Assemble the alarm onto the mounting plate (See Image 5). Insert the safety pin to secure the alarm to the mounting plate (See Image 5.1 for location).

Operating Your CO Alarm

• Normal Operation: The green “Power” indicator LED flashes every 45 seconds, indicating the alarm is powered and functional.
• Fault Indicator: The fault indicator flashes twice with beeps when there is a fault in the sensor or circuit. A fault warning will be given at least once every minute until the fault is eliminated. The CO alarm will not detect CO, and you will not be protected. Contact Smartwares for assistance.
• Alarm Condition: When dangerous levels of CO are detected, the alarm sounds. The red LED flashes 15 times with 15 beeps in 4 seconds, rests for 3 seconds, then repeats. The alarm stops when CO concentration is below 40 ppm.

CO-LEVEL (PPM) vs. RESPONSE TIME (MIN):

The alarm response time complies with EN 50291-1:2018.

• Returning to Normal Operation: Place the detector in clean air; the alarm will terminate automatically in 6 minutes. Alternatively, press and hold the TEST button for 1 to 3 seconds and release it.
• Low Battery Signal / End of Life Warning: When the battery is low, the alarm beeps once every 45 seconds, and the green “Power” LED flashes for 7 days. Replace the batteries as soon as possible.
• End of Life: When the CO alarm needs replacing, the unit beeps twice, and the yellow “Fault” LED indicator flashes twice. Replace the apparatus with a new CO alarm as soon as possible.
• Low CO Concentration Warning: Prolonged exposure to low levels of CO can impair health, especially for vulnerable groups (children, pregnant women, elderly, patients). If CO concentration is above 30 ppm for over 60 minutes, or above 40 ppm for over 40 minutes, a warning is given once every 3-5 minutes. The alarm indicator flashes 4 times with slower beeps.

Testing Your CO Alarm

Test your CO alarm at least once a month to ensure it is working correctly. Press and hold the TEST button on the front of the alarm for 2 seconds. If the detector is working properly, it will sound 5 beeps, and the red LED will flash simultaneously. If there is a malfunction, the fault warning will show.

Alarm Silence

Alarm silence mode only works in an alarm condition. To activate, CO concentration must be less than 200 ppm. Press and hold the TEST button for 1 to 3 seconds until the alarm indicator flashes without beeping. The alarm indicator continues to flash, but the buzzer is silenced temporarily. This mode lasts for a maximum of 10 minutes. Pressing the TEST button during silence mode will immediately recover the alarm condition. The alarm condition also recovers automatically when the silence period ends.

Maintaining Your CO Alarm

Properly maintained, your alarm will alert you to potentially hazardous CO concentrations. Recommended maintenance:

• Test your alarm at least once a month.
• Clean your CO alarm regularly to prevent dust buildup. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment once a month. Clean gently around the front grilled section and sides.
• Never use cleaning solutions on your alarm; wipe with a damp cloth.
• Do not paint the alarm.
• Do not block or cover the alarm’s vent hole with adhesive or other materials.

Attention: When performing tasks like scouring or stripping a wooden floor, painting, wallpapering, or using adhesives or aerosols, remove the carbon monoxide detector and store it safely to prevent sensor damage. High concentrations of certain substances (methane, propane, ethylene, ethanol, benzene, toluene, hydrogen, etc.) or aerosol sprays can damage the sensor and cause false alarms.

What to Do in the Event of an Alarm

If the CO alarm sounds:

• Immediately move to fresh air outdoors or open all doors/windows to ventilate the area and allow CO to disperse.
• Where possible, turn off the fuel-burning appliance.
• Evacuate the building. Do not re-enter until emergency services have arrived, the premises have been aired out, and the alarm remains in its normal condition.
• Seek medical help immediately for anyone experiencing symptoms like headache, drowsiness, or nausea.
• Do not use appliances again until they have been checked by a qualified technician and the fault is cleared.

This product is not designed for use in recreational vehicles or mobile homes. Installation should be by a competent person. This apparatus protects against acute CO exposure effects but may not fully safeguard individuals with specific medical conditions. Consult a medical practitioner if in doubt. Proper installation, use, and maintenance of fuel-burning appliances, including ventilation and exhaust systems, remain essential.

Technical Data

• Power Source: 3 x LR6 1.5VDC AA Alkaline batteries (DC 4.5V)
• Sensor Type: Electrochemical sensor
• Type of Gas sensed: Carbon Monoxide
• Sensor Lifetime: 10 Years
• Alarm Activation:
  • 27 +/- 3 ppm (after 120 min.)
  • 55 +/- 5 ppm (Between 60-90 min.)
  • 110 +/- 10 ppm (Between 10-40 min.)
  • 330 +/- 30 ppm (Within 3 minutes)
• Operation Temperature: 0°C~45°C (storage: -20°C~50°C ± 2°C)
• Ambient Humidity: 0%~70% RH (storage: 0%~90% RH)
• Horn Level: >85 Decibels at 3 meters

For indoor use only. Please read the manual before use and store it carefully for future reference and maintenance. For Declaration of Conformity (DoC), visit www.smartwares.eu/doc and follow instructions.

Status Indicators: