Airstream CLASSIC TRAILER - Manual (Page 59)

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INTERIOR
Alarm should be tested once per week. If further details are required which do not
appear in this manual contact BRK Brands Inc. First Alert.
Introduction
This alarm is designed to detect the presence of carbon monoxide. This manual
contains information on operation of the CO alarm. The green light flashes at ap-
proximately 60-second intervals to indicate the alarm is operating correctly. The red
light will flash continuously and the horn will sound if carbon monoxide is detected.
The alarm is suitable for use in areas where cooking and heating appliances burn
fuels such as wood, charcoal, coal, oil, gas, etc.
This carbon monoxide alarm is designed to detect carbon monoxide gas from any
source of combustion
WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas which is released when fuels are
burnt. It is invisible, has no smell and is therefore very difficult to detect with the
human senses. Under normal conditions, in a room where fuel burning appliances are
well maintained and correctly ventilated, the amount of carbon monoxide released
into the room by appliances is not dangerous. These fuels include: Wood, coal,
charcoal, oil, natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, and propane.
Common appliances are often sources of CO. If they are not properly maintained, are
improperly ventilated, or malfunction, CO levels can rise quickly. CO is a real danger
in “Air-tight” RVs with added insulation, sealed windows, and other weatherproofing
can “trap” CO inside.
The following conditions can result in potentially dangerous CO situations.
1. Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel burning appliances caused by outdoor
conditions, such as:
A. Wind direction and/or velocity: including high gusts of wind. Heavy air in
the vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods between cycles).
B. Negative pressure differential resulting from sue of exhaust fans.
C. Simultaneous operation of several fuel burning appliances competing
for limited internal air.
D. Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes dryers, furnaces or
water heaters.
E. Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs which can amplify
the above situations.
2. Extended use of unvented fuel burning devices.
3. Temperature increase that can trap exhaust gases near the ground.
SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.
These symptoms are related to CO POISONING and should be discussed with users
of the RV.
1. Mild Exposure - Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, (“flu-like” symptoms),
2. Medium Exposure - Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
3. Extreme Exposure - Convulsions, unconsciousness, heart and lung failure,
4. Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause brain damage, death.
WARNING! Many causes of reported CARBON MONOXIDE
POISONING indicate that while victims are aware that they are not well, they
become so disoriented that they are unable to save themselves by either exiting
the building or calling for assistance. Also young children and pets may be the
first to be affected.
WARNING! Test units used in RVs after the vehicle has been in stor-
age, before each trip and once a week while in use. Failure to test units used in
RV’s as described may remove your protection.