Kidde KN COSM IB Combo Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector User Manual

Kidde KN COSM IB Combo Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Kidde Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm model # KN-COSM-I or # KN-COSMIB. This alarm is suitable as a Single Station and/or Multiple Station (24 devices) alarm. This alarm has a five-year limited warranty. Please take a few minutes to thoroughly read this user’s guide, and save for future reference. Teach children how to respond to the alarms, and that they should never play with the unit. Your Kidde Smoke/CO Alarm was designed to detect both smoke and carbon monoxide from any source of combustion in a residential environment. It is not designed for use in a recreational vehicle (RV) or boat. If you have any questions about the operation or installation of your alarm, please call our toll free Consumer Hotline at 1-800-880-6788. The guide on Page 27 will help you determine the correct location of safety products that will help keep your home a safer place.

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Features

• Loud 85 decibel alarm.
• Permanent independent smoke and carbon monoxide sensors.
• Smoke alarm takes precedence when both smoke and carbon monoxide are present.
• Powered by 120V AC (60 Hz, 25 mA max) wire-in connector. Model KN-COSM-IB is also equipped with a 9V battery backup.
• Model KN-COSM-IB is equipped with Battery Pull Tab that allows for easy battery connection. Simply pull tab out, and battery is connected!
• Interconnectable to other Kidde/Nighthawk brand smoke and CO alarms (see page 16 for details).
• Alarm/Voice message warning system that alerts you of the following conditions in the manner described below, thus eliminating any confusion over which alarm is sounding:
  • FIRE: The alarm/voice pattern is three long alarm beeps followed by the verbal warning message “FIRE! FIRE!” This pattern is repeated until the smoke is eliminated. The red LED light will flash while in alarm/voice mode.
  • CARBON MONOXIDE: The alarm/voice pattern is four short alarm beeps followed by the verbal warning message “WARNING! CARBON MONOXIDE!”. This continues until the unit is reset or the CO eliminated. While powered by battery only, after four minutes the alarm/voice pattern will sound once every minute. The red Light Emitting Diode (LED) light will flash while in alarm/voice mode.
  • LOW BATTERY(model KN-COSM-IB only): When the batteries are low and need replacing the red LED light will flash and the unit will “chirp” one time, followed by the warning message “LOW BATTERY.” This cycle will occur once every minute and will continue for at least seven days.
• Voice Message System that alerts user to the following conditions:
  • System announces “HUSH MODE ACTIVATED” when the unit is first put into HUSH Mode.
  • System announces “HUSH MODE CANCELLED” when unit resumes normal operation after Hush Mode has been cancelled.
  • System announces “CARBON MONOXIDE PREVIOUSLY DETECTED” when the unit has detected CO concentrations of 100 ppm or higher.
  • System announces “PUSH TEST BUTTON” when the unit is powered up, reminding user to activate the Test Button.
• One “chirp” every 30 seconds is an indication that the alarm is malfunctioning. If this occurs call the Consumer Hotline at 1-800-880-6788.
• Test/Reset button performs the following functions:
  • Tests the units electronics and verifies proper unit operation
  • Resets the unit during CO alarm
  • Activates HUSH Feature
  • Activates Peak Level Memory Feature
• HUSH Control Feature that silences the unit during nuisance alarm situations (see page 15).
• Peak Level Memory Feature which alerts user when the unit has detected CO concentrations of 100 ppm or greater (see page 16).
• Alarm Memory Feature that gives visual indication when an alarm has sensed a hazardous condition.
• Green and red LED lights that indicate normal operation and alarm status (see page 17 for details).
• Tamper Resist Feature that deters children and others from removing the alarm (see page 17).
• Model KN-COSM-IB is equipped with a battery reminder flag that prohibits installation when battery is not present.

Features and General Information

• Seven (7) years after initial power up, this unit will “chirp” every 30 seconds. This is an “operational end of life” feature which will indicate that it is time to replace the alarm.
  • Smoke Alarm
    The smoke alarm monitors the air for products of combustion that are produced when something is burning or smoldering. When smoke particles in the smoke sensor reach a specified concentration, the alarm/voice message warning system will sound, and be accompanied by the flashing red LED light. The smoke alarm takes precedence when both smoke and carbon monoxide are present.

WARNING: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY
NFPA 72 states: Life safety from fire in residential occupancies is based primarily on early notification to occupants of the need to escape, followed by the appropriate egress actions by those occupants. Fire warning systems for dwelling units are capable of protecting about half of the occupants in potentially fatal fires. Victims are often intimate with the fire, too old or young, or physically or mentally impaired such that they cannot escape even when warned early enough that escape should be possible. For these people, other strategies such as protection-inplace or assisted escape or rescue are necessary.

• Smoke alarms are devices that can provide early warning of possible fires at a reasonable cost; however, alarms have sensing limitations. Ionization sensing alarms may detect invisible fire particles (associated with fast flaming fires) sooner than photoelectric alarms. Photoelectric sensing alarms may detect visible fire particles (associated with slow smoldering fires) sooner than ionization alarms. Home fires develop in different ways and are often unpredictable. For maximum protection, Kidde recommends that both Ionization and Photoelectric alarms be installed.
• A battery powered alarm must have a battery of the specified type, in good condition and installed properly.
• AC powered alarms (without battery backup) will not operate if the AC power has been cut off, such as by an electrical fire or an open fuse.
• Smoke alarms must be tested regularly to make sure the batteries and the alarm circuits are in good operating condition.
• Smoke alarms cannot provide an alarm if smoke does not reach the alarm. Therefore, smoke alarms may not sense fires starting in chimneys, walls, on roofs, on the other side of a closed door or on a different floor.
• If the alarm is located outside the bedroom or on a different floor, it may not wake up a sound sleeper.
• The use of alcohol or drugs may also impair one’s ability to hear the smoke alarm. For maximum protection, a smoke alarm should be installed in each sleeping area on every level of a home.
• Although smoke alarms can help save lives by providing an early warning of a fire, they are not a substitute for an insurance policy. Home owners and renters should have adequate insurance to protect their lives and property.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm

The Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm monitors the air for the presence of CO. It will alarm when there are high levels of CO present, and when there are low levels of CO present over a longer period of time (see page 21 for alarm times). When a CO condition matches either of these situations, the alarm/voice message warning system will sound, and be accompanied by the flashing red LED light. The carbon monoxide sensor uses an electrochemical technology.
CAUTION: This alarm will only indicate the presence of carbon monoxide gas at the sensor. Carbon monoxide gas may be present in other areas.
Individuals with medical problems may consider using warning devices which provide audible and visual signals for carbon monoxide concentrations under 30 ppm.

Installation Instructions

Step 1

Installation Guide

IMPORTANT: THIS ALARM MUST BE MOUNTED ON A CEILING OR WALL. IT WAS NOT DESIGNED FOR USE AS A TABLETOP DEVICE! INSTALL ONLY AS DETAILED!

A. Recommended Installation Locations:
Kidde Safety recommends the installation of a Smoke/CO Alarm in the following locations. For maximum protection we suggest an alarm be installed on each level of a multilevel home, including every bedroom, hallways, finished attics and basements. Put alarms at both ends of bedroom, hallway or large room if hallway or room is more than 30 ft (9.1m) long. If you have only one alarm, ensure it is placed in the hallway outside of the main sleeping area, or in the main bedroom.

Verify the alarm can be heard in all sleeping areas. Locate an alarm in every room where someone sleeps with the door closed. The closed door may prevent an alarm not located in that room from waking the sleeper. Smoke, heat and combustion products rise to the ceiling and spread horizontally. Mounting the alarm on the ceiling in the center of the room places it closest to all points in the room. Ceiling mounting is preferred in ordinary residential construction.

When mounting an alarm on the ceiling, locate it at a minimum of 4” (10cm) from the side wall (see figure 1). If installing the alarm on the wall, use an inside wall with the top edge of the alarm at a minimum of 4” (10cm) and a maximum of 12” (30.5cm) below the ceiling (see figure 1).

Sloped Ceiling Installation:
The following information is from the National Fire Protection Association and is listed in Fire Code 72. Install Smoke Alarms on sloped, peaked or cathedral ceilings at, or within 3 ft (0.9m) of the highest point (measured horizontally). NFPA 72 states “Smoke alarms in rooms with ceiling slopes greater than 1 ft to 8 ft (.3 m-2.4 m) horizontally shall be located on the high side of the room”. NFPA 72 states “A row of alarms shall be spaced and located within 3 ft (0.9 m) of the peak of the ceiling measured horizontally” (see figure 2).

Mobile Homes:
Modern mobile homes have been designed and built to be energy efficient. Install Smoke/CO alarms as recommended above (refer to Recommended Installation Instructions and figure 1). In older mobile homes that are not well insulated, extreme heat or cold can be transferred from the outside to the inside through poorly insulated walls and roof.

This may cause a thermal barrier, which can prevent smoke from reaching an alarm mounted on the ceiling. In such mobile homes install your Smoke/CO Alarm on an inside wall with the top edge of the alarm at a minimum of 4 inches (10cm) and a maximum of 12 inches (30.5cm) below the ceiling (see figure 2). If you are not sure about the insulation in your mobile home, or if you notice that the outer walls and ceiling are either hot or cold, install your alarm on an inside wall ONLY!

THIS EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION’S STANDARD 72 (National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269).

B. Where Not to Install:

Do not install in garages, kitchens, furnace rooms or bathrooms! INSTALL AT LEAST 5 FEET AWAY FROM ANY FUEL BURNING APPLIANCE.

Do not install within 3 ft (.9m) of the following: The door to a kitchen, or a bathroom that contains a tub or shower, forced air supply ducts used for heating or cooling, ceiling or whole house ventilating fans, or other high air flow ares. Avoid excessively dusty, dirty or greasy areas. Dust, grease or household chemicals can contaminate the alarm’s sensors, causing it to not operate properly.

Place the alarm where drapes or other objects will not block the sensor. Smoke and CO must be able to reach the sensors to accurately detect these conditions. Do not install in peaks of vaulted ceilings, “A” frame ceilings or gabled roofs. Keep out of damp and humid areas.

Install at least one (1) foot away from fluorescent lights, electronic noise may cause nuisance alarms. Do not place in direct sunlight and keep out of insect infested areas. Extreme temperatures will effect the sensitivity of the Smoke/CO Alarm. Do not install in areas where the temperature is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 Celsius) or hotter than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 Celsius), such as garages and unfinished attics. Do not install in areas where the relative humidity (RH) is above 85%. Place away from doors and windows that open to the outside.

Step 2

Wiring Instructions

WIRING REQUIREMENTS

• This smoke alarm should be installed on a U.L. listed or recognized junction box. All connections should be made by a qualified electrician and all wiring used shall be in accordance with articles 210 and 300.3(B) of the U.S. National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA 70, NFPA 72 and/or any other codes having jurisdiction in your area. The multiple station interconnect wiring to the alarms must be run in the same raceway or cable as the AC power wiring. In addition, the resistance of the interconnect wiring shall be a maximum of 10 ohms.
• The appropriate power source is 120 Volt AC Single Phase supplied from a non-switchable circuit, which is not protected by a ground fault interrupter.
• Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the combination (alarm and detector guard) have been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.
• WARNING: The alarm cannot be operated from power derived from a square wave, modified square wave or modified sine wave, inverter. These types of inverters are sometimes used to supply power to the structure in off grid installations, such as solar or wind derived power sources. These power sources produce high peak voltages that will damage the alarm.

WIRING INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC QUICK CONNECT HARNESS CAUTION! TURN OFF THE MAIN POWER TO THE CIRCUIT BEFORE WIRING THE ALARM.

• For alarms that are used as single station, DO NOT CONNECT THE RED WIRE TO ANYTHING. Leave the red wire insulating cap in place to make certain that the red wire cannot contact any metal parts or the electrical box.
• When alarms are interconnected, all interconnected units must be powered from a single circuit.
• A maximum of 24 Kidde Safety devices may be interconnected in a multiple station arrangement. The interconnect system should not exceed the NFPA interconnect limit of 12 smoke alarms and/or 18 alarms total (smoke, CO, Smoke/ CO Combination, heat, etc.). This Smoke/CO combination alarm must be counted as a smoke alarm when determining the number of units on an interconnect line. With 18 alarms interconnected, it is still possible to interconnect up to a total of 6 remote signaling devices and /or relay modules (see page 16 for details on interconnecting Kidde devices).
• The maximum wire run distance between the first and last unit in an interconnected system is 1000 feet.
• Figure 3 illustrates interconnection wiring. Improper connection will result in damage to the alarm, failure to operate, or a shock hazard.
• Make certain alarms are wired to a continuous (non-switched) power line. NOTE: Use standard UL Listed household wire (as required by local codes) available at all electrical supply stores and most hardware stores.

WIRES ON ALARM HARNESS CONNECTED TO

• Black: Hot Side of AC Line
• White: Neutral Side of AC Line
• Red: Interconnect Lines (Red Wires) of Other Units in the Multiple Station Set up

Step 3

Mounting Instructions

CAUTION: YOUR SMOKE/CO ALARM IS SEALED AND THE COVER IS NOT REMOVABLE!

1. To help identify the date to replace the unit, a label has been affixed to the side of the alarm. Write the “Replace by” date (7 years from initial power up) in permanent marker on the label. See Alarm Replacement section for additional information.
2. Remove the mounting bracket from the back of the alarm by holding the mounting bracket and twisting the alarm in the direction indicated by the “OFF” arrow on the alarm cover.
3. After selecting the proper location for your Smoke/CO Alarm, as described on Pages 8-10, and wiring the AC QUICK CONNECT harness as described in the WIRING INSTRUCTIONS, attach the mounting bracket to the electrical box. To ensure aesthetic alignment of the alarm with the hallway, or wall, the “A” line on the mounting bracket must be parallel with the hallway when ceiling mounted, or horizontal when wall mounted.
4. Pull the AC QUICK CONNECTOR through the center hole in the mounting bracket and secure the bracket, making sure that the mounting screws are positioned in the small ends of the keyholes before tightening the screws.
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5. Plug the AC QUICK CONNECTOR into the back of the alarm (see figure 4), making sure that the locks on the connector snap into place. Then push the excess wire back into the electrical box through the hole in the center of the mounting bracket.
6. Install the alarm on the mounting bracket and rotate the alarm in the direction of the “ON” arrow on the cover until the alarm ratchets into place (this ratcheting function allows for aesthetic alignment). Note: The alarm will mount to the bracket in 4 positions (every 90 degrees).
7. Turn on the AC power. The green AC Power On Indicator should be lit when the alarm is operating from AC power.
8. Two labels are included with your alarm. They have important information on what to do in case of an alarm. Add the phone number of your emergency service provider (Fire Department or 911) in the space provided. Place one label next to the alarm after it is mounted, and one label near a fresh air source such as a door or window.
9. For model KN-COSM-IB only: Pull the Battery Pull Tab (yellow tab protruding from unit) completely out of unit. This will automatically connect the battery.

Step 4

Testing the Alarm

CAUTION: Due to the loudness (85 decibels) of the alarm, always stand an arms length away from the unit when testing.
The test/reset button has four purposes. It tests the unit’s electronics, resets the CO alarm, activates the HUSH feature, and activates the Peak Level Memory Feature. After installation, TEST THE UNIT’S ELECTRONICS by pressing and releasing the test/reset button. A series of beeps will sound, followed by the message “Fire! Fire!” then another two series of beeps and the message “WARNING! CARBON MONOXIDE!” followed by 4 additional short beeps. Weekly testing is required! If at anytime it does not perform as described, verify power is connected correctly and that the battery doesn’t need replacing. Clean dust and other buildup off the unit. If it still doesn’t operate properly call the Consumer Hotline at 1-800-880-6788.

Operating Instructions

LED Indicator Operation

Red LED
Red LED will flash in conjunction with the alarm beep. Therefore, the red LED will flash during a smoke alarm, a CO alarm, a low battery mode chirp and a unit error mode chirp.
Green LED
The green LED will flash as described below under the following conditions:

• Standby Condition (powered by AC and battery backup): The LED will be constantly on, but will flicker every 30 seconds when a CO reading is taken.
• Standby Condition (for model KN-COSM-IB only – powered by only battery backup): The LED will flash every 5 seconds.
• Alarm Memory Condition: The LED will flash every second signifying that the alarm sensed a smoke or CO hazard. It will continue to flash every second until the test/reset button is pressed, thus resetting the alarm.
• HUSH MODE Condition: The LED will flash every 2 seconds while the alarm is in HUSH mode.

Tamper Resist Feature

To make your smoke/CO alarm tamper resistant, a tamper resist feature has been provided. Activate the tamper resist feature by breaking off the four posts in the square holes in the trim ring (see figure 5A). When the posts are broken off, the tamper resist tab on the base is allowed to engage the mounting bracket. Rotate the alarm onto the mounting bracket until you hear the tamper resist tab snap into place, locking the alarm on the mounting bracket. Using the tamper resist feature will help deter children and others from removing the alarm from bracket. NOTE: To remove the alarm when the tamper resist tab is engaged, press down on the tamper resist tab, and rotate the alarm off of the bracket (see figure 5B).

NEVER IGNORE THE SOUND OF THE ALARM!
Determining what type of alarm has sounded is easy with your Nighthawk Combination Smoke/CO Alarm. The voice message warning system will inform you of the type of situation occurring.

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Kidde KN COSM IB Combo Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector-FAQs