Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Where should I install carbon monoxide alarms?

Proper placement is vital for ensuring the safety of your home and family:

• Sleeping Areas: Place inside every bedroom and outside of areas where people usually sleep.
• Every Level: Install on every level in multiple story dwellings.
• Basements: Install at the top of the basement stairs and in each separate sleeping area.
• Safe Distances: Position at least 15-20 ft. away from furnace or fuel-burning heat sources.

What areas should I avoid installing a carbon monoxide alarm?

To ensure accuracy and prevent sensor damage, avoid these locations:

• Extreme Environments: Garages, kitchens, furnace rooms, or unfinished attics and crawl spaces.
• Obstructed Outlets: Areas covered by curtains, heavy furniture, or other obstructions.
• Turbulent Air: Near ceiling fans, heat vents, air conditioners, or open windows where blowing air may prevent CO from reaching the sensor.

What are some common sources of carbon monoxide (CO)?

CO is produced during incomplete combustion of fuels like natural gas, charcoal, wood, and oil. Common sources include:

• Vehicles running in attached garages
• Furnaces, water heaters, and space heaters
• Clothes dryers, ranges, ovens, and stoves
• Fireplaces, charcoal grills, and portable generators

Do carbon monoxide detectors detect natural gas?

No, not unless it is specifically marked as an explosive gas alarm. USI CO Alarms are single function and react to carbon monoxide only. To detect explosive gas, you'll need an explosive gas alarm or a combination carbon monoxide and natural gas alarm.

Why does my CO alarm "chirp" approximately once every minute?

The chirp indicates a "low battery" condition. Battery-powered units chirp for a minimum of 30 days before losing power. AC-powered units with backup will chirp indefinitely if the battery is low or missing, assuming AC power is present. Approved replacement batteries are listed on the back of each unit.

What is Ten Year Permanent Power?

USI Ten Year Sealed Battery Alarms offer exclusive features for long-term safety:

• 10 Year Dual Warranty: Coverage for both the alarm and the battery.
• Activation Accuracy: The protection cycle begins upon manual activation, eliminating shelf-life concerns.
• Eco-Friendly Disposal: Lithium-free batteries allow for safer environmental disposal.

What are some of the different types of USI Carbon Monoxide Alarms available?

Explore the versatile options for safeguarding your home or business:

• Battery Operated: Feature 10-year permanent power and microprocessor intelligence to eliminate nuisance alarms.
• Hardwired: Available as combination detectors with interconnect capability for custom safety networks.
• Plug-In: Offer extreme flexibility with easy outlet insertion and 9v battery backups; certain models also sense natural gas.