Carbon Monoxide Detection System
(490-0463)                 Features                   Faxback Doc. # 18556

Your Radio Shack Household/RV/Marine/Auto Compatible Carbon Monoxide
Detection System is an important addition to your household safety program.
It helps guard your family against the toxic hazards of carbon monoxide
poisoning.

Its features include:

      Advanced Sensor - has a 10 year life expectancy.

       Powerful Alarm - produces a loud 85 dB alert.

Permanent Calibration - ensures that the system is always accurate and
                        never needs recalibration.

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE

The combustion of fuel produces carbon monoxide (C0) which is a highly 
toxic, lighter-than-air gas.  Fuel-burning appliances, such as stoves,
ranges, space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, and boilers, can produce
carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide hazardous conditions can result from a variety of sources:

    Corroded or damaged appliances.

    Malfunctioning parts or equipment.

    Blocked exhaust draft heads or poor ventilation intake vents
    (insufficient oxygen to allow complete combustion of fuel).

Carbon monoxide can be very dangerous for the following reasons:

    It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-irritating, and virtually
    impossible to detect without a specialized testing instrument.

    It can build up quickly inside enclosed, well insulated spaces such as
    small kitchens, furnace rooms, cars, recreational vehicles, or boats.
    Backdraft areas, prevalent in stationwagons and boat cabins, are areas
    of special concern.

    It is a cumulative poison.  CO can slowly build up in the bloodstream
    where it combines with the blood hemoglobin.  Gradually, CO replaces
    oxygen in the bloodstream until there is too little oxygen to support
    life.

The early stages of carbon monoxide poisoning are characterized by
headache, dizziness, fatigue, and sleepiness.  As more carbon monoxide is
absorbed, the symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fluttering and throbbing
of the heart, and finally unconsciousness and death.

Death from CO poisoning can happen suddenly.  Many victims of CO poisoning
are overcome and helpless before they realize that any danger exists, and
become so disoriented they cannot telephone for help or exit the building.
CO poisoning is frequently confused with other ailments because the
symptoms are similar to flu or the common cold.  Over 800 people die each
year from CO poisoning in the United States alone.

Should you be alarmed?  No.  When properly installed and maintained, 
natural gas furnaces, water heaters, propane heating devices and 
gas-powered motors do not pollute your home or vehicle.  Your best defense
against the threat of carbon monoxide is knowledge about the danger,
regular maintenance of appliances, and the proper use of a reliable
detection device such as your Radio Shack Carbon Monoxide Detection System.

IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS

    Never leave your car running in the garage with the garage door closed.
    Never leave the door from the house to the garage open if the car is 
    running.

    Do not open the rear window of a camper, stationwagon, or RV while 
    driving, as this will pull exhaust fumes into the vehicle.

    Make sure your furnace is inspected annually to ensure it is operating
    correctly and not venting carbon monoxide into your home.

    Never use a gas oven or range top for home heating.

    Never burn charcoal in your home.

    Never adjust your own furnace pilot light.

    Maintain positive air pressure in automotive, RV, and marine interiors
    by keeping front venting or hatches open to allow outside air to enter.

    All fuel-burning appliances and equipment should be checked
    periodically for safety and efficiency by a qualified service
    technician.  For more complete information about the dangers of carbon
    monoxide build-up in your home or vehicle, contact the Consumer Product
    Safety Commission, your local gas company or furnace contractor.

UNDERSTANDING THE DETECTOR

CAUTIONS:  Do not try to use this carbon detector as a smoke detector.

           This detector does not detect the presence of natural gas
           (methane), propane, butane or other combustible fuels.

The Carbon Monoxide Detection System samples the surrounding air for carbon
monoxide every 2 1/2 minutes.  A computer microchip in the system's 
internal circuitry monitors each reading, and triggers the detector's 85 dB
alarm and the red alarm light at different response times depending on the
CO concentration.

       Alarm Response Time

    30 ppm - approx. 118 minutes
   100 ppm - approx. 35 minutes
   200 ppm - approx. 18 minutes
   400 ppm - approx. 8 minutes
   500+ppm - approx. 2 1/2 minutes or less

NOTE:  Humidity extremes might affect the detector's response time.


(CS 12/14/95)