The effects of carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs frequently: many people die each year and many others become ill. CO is an invisible, odorless, tasteless, and extremely toxic gas. CO is produced by burning fuels such as gasoline, diesel, coal, oil, natural gas/bottled gas, paraffin, wood, charcoal, etc. The heart and brain are rapidly damaged due to oxygen deprivation because red blood cells in the lungs absorb CO faster than oxygen.
The most common reasons for high CO concentrations in facilities are:
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Car engines, generators, etc. are left to run in confined spaces (e.g., garages).
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The fuel combustion devices are improperly or poorly installed.
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The vents or chimneys/flues are blocked or damaged.
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The airtightness of rooms where fuel-burning appliances or heaters are installed.
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Poor ventilation in a room with a portable gas/paraffin heater.
IMPORTANT : CO alarms should not be used as a substitute for the proper installation, use, and maintenance of fuel combustion equipment, including proper ventilation and exhaust systems.
The duration of CO exposure is also important. Low levels over a long period (e.g., 150 ppm for 90 minutes) can cause symptoms similar to high levels over a short period (e.g., 300 ppm CO for 30 minutes). The table below shows how different CO concentrations affect humans.
FireProtect 2 may not prevent the chronic effects of carbon monoxide exposure and will not fully protect people from high-risk groups.
|
CO concentration in the air, measured in ppm. |
Inhalation time and effects |
|
35 |
The maximum concentration that a human can breathe in for 8 hours. |
|
150 |
Mild headache after 1 hour and 30 minutes |
|
200 |
Mild headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue after 2-3 hours. |
|
400 |
Headache occurs after 1-2 hours, death occurs after 3 hours. |
|
800 |
Dizziness, nausea, and convulsions within 45 minutes. Unconsciousness within 2 hours. Death within 2-3 hours. |
|
1600 |
Headache, dizziness, and nausea within 20 minutes. Death within 1 hour. |
|
3200 |
Headache, dizziness, and nausea within 5-10 minutes. Death within 25-30 minutes. |
|
6400 |
Headache, dizziness, and nausea within 1-2 minutes. Death within 10-15 minutes. |
|
12800 |
Death occurs within 1-3 minutes. |
Even when people realize they are unwell, they become so disoriented by carbon monoxide that they are unable to call for help or leave the room to save their lives. Many cases of carbon monoxide poisoning show that children and household pets are affected first.
Errors
If a FireProtect 2 failure is detected (e.g., no connection to the hub), the failure counter will be displayed in the device field within the Ajax application.
All malfunctions are displayed in detection status. Fields with malfunctions are highlighted in red.
The device can report incidents to the CMS as well as to users via push notifications and SMS.
FireProtect 2 malfunction (Heat/Smoke/CO)
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There is no connection to a central or radio signal range extender.
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The device's casing is open.
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Low battery charge level.
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The device's service life has ended.
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Hardware malfunction (failure of one or more sensors on the device).
Maintenance
The device has a self-checking system and requires no user or installer intervention. The smoke chamber is protected from dust and insects, so no cleaning is necessary. We recommend periodic self-checks to help familiarize everyone with the alarm sound and LED indicator lights.
FireProtect 2 devices connected to the Ajax hub typically do not require routine checks. All connected devices are continuously monitored for potential Fault, Low Battery, and EOL signals.
However, we encourage all users to periodically (monthly) check the FireProtect 2 device so that building residents become familiar with the system's fire alarm signals.
*Please note that regulations in your area may require more frequent inspections (e.g., weekly).
Clean the device casing of dust, cobwebs, and other contaminants as they appear. Use a suitable soft, dry cloth to maintain the device. Do not use substances containing alcohol, acetone, gasoline, or other active solvents to clean the device.
The device has a lifespan of 10 years. After this period, the sensor's sensitivity decreases. We recommend replacing the device with a new one to ensure uninterrupted fire safety at the facility.
The version of the device with a replaceable battery (called RB) operates on the built-in battery for up to 7 years. When the battery runs out, simply replace it with a new one.
Ensure the battery is installed with the correct polarity. The polarity is marked inside the casing. Please run a self-test using the Ajax app or by pressing the Test/Mute button after replacing the battery to check the device's correct operation.
Warning
Avoid the situations listed in the table below. These can affect the reliability of the CO sensor in the short or long term.
|
Situations to avoid |
Possible consequences |
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Alkali metal pollution |
Sensor characteristics change significantly when the sensor is contaminated with alkali metals, especially by salt spray. |
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Exposure to high concentrations of common (non-acidic) gases |
Exposure to high concentrations of common gases such as ammonia can cause irreversible changes. Avoid prolonged exposure or use packaging materials that may release common gases. |
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The impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) |
Prolonged release of such VOCs can cause irreversible changes to:
Avoid packing FireProtect 2 in sealed containers where VOCs may be present. Excessive exposure to alcohol or acetone vapor may cause the sensor to temporarily malfunction. |
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Enter the country |
Soak or splash Water entering the sensor can alter its properties. |
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Exposure to silicone vapors |
Sensor malfunction due to contact with silicone adhesives, hairbrushing materials, or silicone-based rubber/powder. |
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Condensation |
Blockage of the gas diffusion path or damage to the sensor membrane. Avoid severe condensation occurring over extended periods inside or on the sensor surface. |
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Exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas or sulfuric acid |
The sensor components corrode, leading to sensor failure. |
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The appearance of dust and oil mist. |
Internal structure blockage of the sensor due to extremely high concentrations of dust or oil mist. |