USL-Smoke Compliance Requirement

Safety and Compliance Information

This article provides required safety and compliance information for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. It explains how the device works, proper placement, maintenance requirements, alarm limitations, and actions to take during an emergency.

Always follow local building codes, fire authority guidance, and applicable regulations.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Overview

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas produced when fuels do not burn completely.

Common sources include:

• Gas or oil furnaces
• Water heaters
• Fireplaces and wood stoves
• Gas ovens and grills
• Gasoline-powered vehicles and generators

CO can accumulate quickly in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Modern airtight homes may trap CO indoors. Electrical appliances typically do not produce CO.

Many U.S. states require carbon monoxide alarms in residential buildings due to the serious health risks.

Carbon Monoxide Levels in Your Home

The alarm is designed to respond to CO concentrations in accordance with UL 2034 standards:

• 70 ppm: alarm within 60–240 minutes
• 150 ppm: alarm within 10–50 minutes
• 400 ppm: alarm within 4–15 minutes

The alarm indicates the presence of carbon monoxide at the sensor location only. CO may be present in other areas.

The device is not a low-level CO monitor and is not intended to measure OSHA commercial or industrial exposure standards.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Symptoms may resemble flu-like illness.

Mild exposure

• Headache
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Moderate exposure

• Severe headache
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Increased heart rate

Severe exposure

• Unconsciousness
• Convulsions
• Cardiorespiratory failure
• Death

Infants, pets, elderly individuals, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or respiratory conditions may be more vulnerable. Exposure during sleep is especially dangerous.

Features

The device includes:

• Smoke detection sensor
• Carbon monoxide detection sensor
• Audible alarm (distinct patterns for smoke and CO)
• Visual LED indicators
• Test/Silence button
• Low battery warning
• End-of-life warning
• Trouble warning indicators

Alarm Patterns

Smoke Alarm

• Three short sirens with corresponding red LED flashes
• Repeats until smoke clears

Carbon Monoxide Alarm

• Four short sirens with corresponding red LED flashes
• Initial pattern repeats frequently, then at longer intervals
• Continues until CO levels return to safe levels

Alarm Limitations

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms may not:

• Wake all occupants
• Operate without power or proper battery installation
• Detect fires if smoke cannot reach the sensor
• Be heard in high-noise environments

They are not substitutes for complete fire detection systems in commercial, industrial, or multi-occupancy buildings.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon monoxide alarms:

• Must never be ignored
• Are designed for residential use only
• Do not correct a CO problem when silenced
• Are not substitutes for complete detection systems in non-residential environments

Recommended Installation Locations

Based on NFPA guidance, alarms are typically recommended:

• Inside and outside sleeping areas
• On every level of the home, including basements
• Near stairways between floors

Ceiling installation is recommended. If installed on a wall, mount within 12 inches (30.5 cm) of the ceiling.

Follow local code requirements.

Locations Not Recommended

Avoid installing alarms:

• In kitchens or within 10 feet (3 m) of cooking appliances
• In unfinished attics or garages
• In furnace rooms unless proper distance is maintained
• In areas with extreme temperatures (below 40°F / 4°C or above 100°F / 38°C)
• In high humidity, dusty, drafty, or insect-infested areas
• Near fluorescent lighting (within 5 ft / 1.5 m)

What to Do If Carbon Monoxide Is Detected

If the CO alarm sounds:

1. Press the reset/silence button if necessary.
2. Call emergency services (911 or local fire department).
3. Immediately move to fresh air outdoors or near an open door/window.
4. Account for all occupants.
5. Do not reenter until emergency responders confirm it is safe.

If the alarm reactivates within 24 hours:

• Repeat the steps above.
• Contact a qualified technician to inspect fuel-burning appliances and ventilation systems.

What to Do If Smoke Is Detected

If the smoke alarm sounds:

• Follow your evacuation plan.
• Alert children and individuals needing assistance.
• Leave immediately using a safe exit.
• Stay low if smoke is present.
• Call emergency services.
• Do not reenter until authorities say it is safe.

Emergency Shutoff (If Applicable)

If connected to a compatible heating system:

• During a carbon monoxide emergency, fossil-fuel heating systems may be shut off.
• During a smoke emergency, fan-based systems may be shut off to prevent smoke spread.

Emergency shutoff is not a substitute for evacuation. Always leave the premises during an alarm event.

Cleaning and General Maintenance

To maintain proper operation:

• Test the alarm at least once per week.
• Replace batteries when indicated.
• Vacuum vents and openings monthly using a soft brush attachment.
• Keep the device free from dust and debris.

Do not:

• Use solvents or detergents
• Spray aerosols near the device
• Paint the device
• Disassemble internal components

Cleaning chemicals, adhesives, paint fumes, and solvents may damage sensors.

Low Battery and Trouble Warnings

• Low battery: chirp and yellow LED flash periodically
• CO trouble warning: periodic single beep with yellow LED flashes
• Smoke trouble warning: periodic beep pattern with yellow LED
• End-of-life warning: periodic beep indicating replacement required

Low battery warnings cannot be permanently silenced. Replace batteries immediately.

Deactivation of Detector

When disposing of the device, it must be permanently deactivated.

To deactivate:

1. Remove from mounting bracket.
2. Locate the deactivation switch on the back of the unit.
3. Turn the switch to the OFF position using a screwdriver.

Once deactivated:

• The device cannot be reactivated.
• It will no longer detect smoke or carbon monoxide.
• The battery will discharge to a safe level for disposal.

Follow local recycling regulations.

Regulatory Notice

This device is intended for indoor residential use only. It is not designed to measure compliance with OSHA commercial or industrial standards.

Installation and operation must comply with applicable local, state, and national regulations.