Kidde Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Digital Display #900-0146

The Kidde 900-0146 battery-operated carbon monoxide (CO) alarm uses the patented Nighthawk electrochemical CO sensor to help protect you and your family from the dangers of CO. Easy to install, the 900-0146's backlit digital display shows CO levels in parts per million and updates every 15 seconds. When the unit is operating properly and hazardous CO levels are not detected, its green LED flashes every 30 seconds. In a CO emergency, the red LED pulses and an 85 db horn sounds at specific intervals until the CO threat is eliminated. Because it's powered by 3 AA batteries, the 900-0146 is able to provide continuous monitoring of CO levels, even during power outages. And the unit has an alarm that tells you when the batteries need to be replaced. The snap-open cover makes this task simple, and a special safety feature makes the cover difficult to put back on if you forget to install new batteries. For peace of mind, a test/reset button allows you to test that alarm is functioning properly. Plus a peak-level memory keeps track of the maximum CO level detected between resets. The 900-0146 is covered with a five-year manufacturer's limited warranty and replacement is recommended after seven years.

What is Carbon Monoxide?
CO is an invisible, odorless poisonous gas that can be fatal when inhaled. It is the number one cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in the United States.
CO causes approximately 2,100 deaths and more than 10,000 injuries annually. Some experts believe the actual numbers may be much higher because CO symptoms mimic the flu and other common illnesses. Thus, CO poisoning can be easily missed during a routine medical examination.

Where Does Carbon Monoxide Come From?

CO is produced when any fuel is incompletely burned because of insufficient oxygen. Wood fires and charcoal grills produce large amounts of CO. Malfunctioning heating systems also produce CO.
There are two ways to discover if carbon monoxide is present in your home: one is to become very ill and possibly die--the other way is to install a carbon monoxide alarm.

How Carbon Monoxide Affects You
CO combines with hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying agent in the red blood cells. When oxygen is robbed from the brain and other organs, death can result. In addition, up to 40 percent of survivors of severe CO poisoning develop memory impairment and other serious illnesses.
Many cases of reported carbon monoxide poisoning indicate that victims are aware they are not well but become so disoriented that they are unable to save themselves.

How To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends every residence with fuel-burning appliances be equipped with at least one UL Listed CO alarm.
In addition, take the following measures:

• Make sure appliances are installed and operated according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Have the heating system, chimney and vents inspected and serviced annually.
• Examine vents and chimneys regularly for improper connections, cracks, rust or stains.
• Make sure to read your CO alarm's user's guide and keep it near your CO alarm for quick reference.

How A CO Alarm Works
If CO does find its way into your home, the levels may build, creating a dangerous situation. In the UL2034 Standard, Underwriters Laboratories specifies response times for CO alarms as follows:

• At 70 parts per million: Unit must sound alarm within 60-240 minutes.
• At 150 parts per million: Unit must sound alarm within 10-50 minutes.
• At 400 parts per million: Unit must sound alarm within 4-15 minutes.

Basic CO Alarm Features

• Test button so that you can make sure unit is working.
• LED light that tells you the unit has power.

Premium CO Alarm Features

• Digital Display: Displays carbon monoxide levels in parts per million.
• Peak Level Memory: Reports the highest level of CO registered by the unit.
• Voice Alarm: Eliminates confusion and warns of a dangerous level of CO.
• Electrochemical Sensor: State-of-the-art sensing technology provides optimum protection.
• Battery Backup: Offers continuous protection even during power outages.
• Combination sensors: Provides protection from multiple hazards.

What To Do If Your CO Alarm Sounds
1. Operate the test/reset button.
2. Call your emergency services (fire department or 911).
3. Immediately move to fresh air--outdoors or by an open door/window.
4. After following steps 1-3, if your alarm reactivates within a 24 hour period, repeat steps 1-3 and call a qualified appliance technician to investigate for sources of CO.