ENGLISH
•Operation •Maintenance
Effective 5/17/01
LITERATURE NUMBER
MPD 38131
hydro flame
TM
SACO-2 Carbon Monoxide Detector
MONITOR
Owner’s Information Manual
GENERAL INFORMATION
The SACO-2 Carbon Monoxide Detector monitors the presence of CO
(carbon monoxide) with an electrochemical sensor. It is not influenced by
humidity, natural gas or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). It will measure the
concentration of CO between 1-999 PPM (parts per million) with a resolu-
tion of 1 PPM and factors in a small zero float. Typical battery life of this
monitor is 500 hours when used with an alkaline battery. This device can
be used by professional technicians and experts to detect CO build up in
industrial and residential environments. It is able to detect CO in living
areas, garage and around gas burner appliances. The detector will only
indicate the presence of carbon monoxide gas at the sensor. Carbon
monoxide may be present in other areas.
The detector indicates the presence of Carbon Monoxide in two ways:
• By displaying a reading in PPM concentrations of carbon monoxide
on the LCD (liquid crystal display).
• By emitting an audible beep when carbon monoxide is present in
excess of 40 PPM.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CARBON MONOXIDE
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that is formed as a
result of incomplete combustion of carbon based fuels (wood, coal, gaso-
line, LP Gas, etc.). When fuel is burned Carbon (C) and Oxygen (O) will
normally combine to form Carbon Dioxide (CO
2
). If there is insufficient oxy-
gen, due perhaps to a restricted air flow, CO is formed. Internal combus-
tion engines and propane gas fired appliances are typical sources of car-
bon monoxide.
WARNING
Actuation of this device indicates the presence of carbon monoxide
(CO) which can be FATAL.
WHEN MONITOR BEEPS:
If anyone has a headache or an upset stomach call the Fire Department immedi-
ately and move to a location which has fresh air. DO A HEAD COUNT TO CHECK
THAT ALL PERSONS ARE ACCOUNTED FOR. DO NOT RE-ENTER PREMISES
UNTIL IT HAS BEEN AIRED OUT AND THE PROBLEM CORRECTED!
If no one exhibits symptoms of discomfort associated with CO poisoning, simply:
• Turn off appliances and other sources of combustion - furnace, water heater,
range (wood, coal or kerosene burning) stove, heater or fireplace, RV, genera-
tor, automobile.
• Call a qualified technician and have the problem fixed before restarting appli-
ances, the vehicle, and other sources of combustion.
• Immediately get fresh air into premises, RV or vehicle.
EFFECTS ON HUMANS
CO is absorbed by the lungs and reacts with blood hemoglobin to form
carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), which reduces the oxygen carrying capacity
of the blood. If the concentration of CO in air exceeds 2,000 ppm, which
corresponds to 0.2%, it can be fatal in a matter of minutes. In smaller
quantities carbon monoxide will cause a series of symptoms such as
fatigue, headache, nausea, dizziness, collapse and eventually death. The
progression and intensity of these symptoms depends on the time of
exposure and the concentration of CO present in the environment.
Many cases of reported CO poisoning indicate that while victims are aware
they are not feeling well, they become so disoriented they are unable to
save themselves by either exiting the building or calling for assistance. Also
young children and household pets may be the first affected.
LEARN AND RECOGNIZE THE EFFECTS OF CO POISONING.
CONCENTRATION
OF CO IN AIR
INSTRUCTIONS
0-1 PPM
Normal background levels.
9 PPM
ASHRAE standard 62-1989 for living areas
50 PPM
OSHA enclosed space 8 hour average level
100 PPM
OSHA exposure limit
200 PPM
Slight headaches, fatigue, dizziness and nausea
after 2-3 hours.
400 PPM
Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life threatening
after 3 hours.
800 PPM
Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45 min-
utes. Unconsciousness within 2 hours.
Death within 2-3 hours.
*PPM = parts per million
U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
Regulation 1917.24: “The CO content in any enclosed space shall be maintained at
not more than 50 PPM (0.005%). Remove employees from enclosed space if the
CO concentration exceeds 100 PPM (0.01%).”
The table above refers to healthy adults. Anyone with a health condition
may find lower levels of CO more dangerous than shown in this chart.
COMMON SOURCES OF CO
Common sources of potential dangerous levels of CO are:
• Poorly maintained furnaces, gas heaters or fireplaces.
• Dirty or plugged chimneys or flue exhausts.
• Poorly maintained gas, oil or kerosene appliances.
• Internal combustion engines (e.g., automobiles, lawn mowers and
blowers).
APPLIANCE
FUEL
TYPICAL PROBLEMS
Ranges
Natural Gas
• Not enough air to burn fuel
Ovens
LP Gas
• Improperly adjusted burner
• Misuse as a room heater
• System not properly vented
Water
Natural Gas
• Not enough air to burn fuel
Heaters
LP Gas
• Improperly adjusted burner
• Misuse as a room heater
• Systems not properly vented or blocked vent
Stoves
Natural Gas
• Not enough air to burn fuel
Fireplaces
LP Gas
• Improperly adjusted burner
Wood
• Cracked firebox
Coal
• System not properly vented or blocked vent
