First Alert GCO1CN Plug In Combination Explosive Gas/Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Battery Backup

by First Alert

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, yet many people don't know they are suffering from CO poisoning until its too late. Since symptoms of CO poisoning are like the flu, you might not even know you're in danger at first. That's why a carbon monoxide alarm is an excellent way to protect your family. It can detect the CO you can't see, smell or taste in the air.

The First Alert GCO1CN combination explosive gas and carbon monoxide alarm uses an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor-the most accurate technology available. It also detects natural gas, methane gas, and propane gas. Installation is as simple as plugging it in to any wall outlet or mounting it above an outlet and plugging in the higher line cord. Its easy-to-read large digital display gives you a clear readout of current hazard and levels. A peak level button alerts you to the highest level of explosive gas or carbon monoxide detected. The alarm includes a battery back-up giving you peace of mind in a power outage. The test/silence button both silences a non-threatening alarm or low battery warning and allows you to test the unit's functionality. The unit monitors and alarms if carbon monoxide or explosive gas levels persist sounding a loud 85-decibel horn. A low battery signal alerts you to replace the 9-volt battery (included). UL listed. --Bree Norlander

What's in the Box
One combination carbon monoxide and explosive gas alarm, one 9-volt battery, and user's manual

Amazon.com

Know about Carbon Monoxide (CO)
First Alert CO Alarm Features

• AC/DC Plug-in with Battery Backup and Digital Display of CO Concentration
• AC/DC Plug-in with Battery Backup
• AC/DC Plug-in
• Battery Powered
• Combination Smoke and CO Alarms
• Combination Natural Gas, Propane Gas & CO Gas Alarm

What should you do when a CO alarm sounds?

1. Operate the Test/Silence button.
2. Call your emergency services, fire department or 911.
3. Immediately move to fresh air—outdoors or by an open door or window. Do a head count to check that all persons are accounted for. Do not reenter the premises, or move away from the open door or window until the emergency services responder has arrived, the premises have been aired out, and your CO Alarm remains in its normal condition.
4. After following steps 1-3, if your CO Alarm reactivates within a 24-hour period, repeat steps 1-3 and call a qualified appliance technician to investigate for sources of CO from fuel-burning equipment and appliances, and inspect for proper operation of this equipment. If problems are identified during this inspection have the equipment serviced immediately.
5. Note any combustion equipment not inspected by the technician, and consult the manufacturers’ instructions, or contact the manufacturers directly, for more information about CO safety and this equipment. Make sure that motor vehicles are not, and have not, been operating in an attached garage or adjacent to the residence.

*Per ANSI/UL 2034

Disaster Preparedness and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
At the onset of hurricane season, it’s important for consumers to remember the proper safety precautions to take in the event of a power outage, as several dangers – including accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning – arise when electricity is lost.

During power outages, many consumers turn to various sources of alternative power and cooking as a temporary solution.  From gas-powered generators to gas grills to wood and charcoal, households look for ways to continue their daily lives during a loss of power.  Unfortunately, the incorrect use of many of these products can result in tragic consequences.  For example, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 28 people died from accidental CO poisoning during the 2005 hurricane season as a direct result of portable generator use. The following safety tips will help families avoid CO and other dangers associated with power outages:

• Never run a generator indoors or in a poorly ventilated area such as a garage, basement or porch, and use the appropriate-size power cords to carry the electric load. 
• Install a minimum of one battery-operated CO alarm (or AC-powered alarm with battery backup) outside each sleeping area, and for maximum protection install at least one CO alarm on each level of the home.
• Ensure that CO alarms have working batteries installed.
• Never burn charcoal or other outdoor cooking appliances indoors or in the garage.

Extra Guidelines to Help Prevent Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
A national survey reveals nearly three quarters of Americans think carbon monoxide (CO) can be “very dangerous” in the home, and their fears are warranted. CO is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in the United States, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Often referred to as the silent killer because one can’t see, smell or taste it, CO is a by-product of combustion produced by anything that burns fuel, such as gas furnaces, water heaters, barbeque grills, wood-burning fireplaces, stoves, alternative power sources and autos. Exposure to CO causes many flu-like symptoms and can be fatal.
That’s why it’s so critical for consumers to identify potential dangers and take measures to help protect themselves and their families against this serious threat.  First Alert, a leading manufacturer of home safety products including CO alarms, recommends following these guidelines:

• Have fuel-burning heating equipment and chimneys inspected by a qualified professional every year before cold weather arrives. During the heating season, clear filters and filtering systems of dust and dirt.
• Be sure to open the flue for adequate ventilation when using a fireplace.
• Inspect the pilot lights on natural gas appliances to ensure that the flame is blue. When a flame is mostly yellow in color, it likely is producing CO.
• Clean out the lint and debris that may build up in the clothes dryer vent which leads to the outside of the house.
• Only use generators in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.
• Use barbecue grills only outside and never indoors or in the garage.
• Never leave an auto running in a garage, even for a couple of minutes and not even if the overhead garage door is open.
• Install a CO alarm outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement, as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association. Ensure that the alarms are plugged all the way in the outlet or, if battery operated, have working batteries installed. For better protection go a step further and install CO alarms inside each sleeping area.
• First Alert recommends replacing CO alarms no later than every 5 years.

Product Details

Carbon Monoxide Information [39kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 8.3 x 10.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B000H2651Y
• Item model number: GCO1CN
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,358 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #13 in Home Improvement > Safety & Security > Fire Safety > Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
  • #62 in Home Improvement > Safety & Security > Household Sensors & Alarms

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars You'll go broke replacing the batteries, October 17, 2009

By 

Perpetual Student (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: First Alert GCO1CN Plug In Combination Explosive Gas/Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Battery Backup (Tools & Home Improvement)

This is the worst $50 I've ever spent. I HATE this alarm. Although it's plugged into the wall, you also _have_ to install a 9 volt battery. Most devices that have a battery back up don't drain the battery while the unit is plugged in. Not this alarm! I probably go through 3-4 9 volt batteries each winter. And if the battery starts to lose it's charge, or you dare to leave the battery out, the alarm beeps every few minutes.

Another important thing to note about this alarm... although it can detect carbon monoxide and natural gas, you're supposed to mount the device at different heights depending on the gas you're trying to detect. In other words, it doesn't really serve it's dual purpose.

Although I've already lost the $50, I'll be buying a different alarm for this season. I can't take dealing with its battery problems anymore.

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good protection!, December 27, 2007

By 

Steve Spence (Winthrop, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: First Alert GCO1CN Plug In Combination Explosive Gas/Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Battery Backup (Tools & Home Improvement)

We live offgrid, and use propane for cooking, refrigeration, water heating, clothes drying, and generator. We had a propane leak, and this unit notified us before we could smell it. It also notified us of a CO2 issue when the generator vent was closed off. Well worth the money. Can't put a price on your families life!

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A lot of false alarms, January 2, 2008

By 

Bella Blue - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: First Alert GCO1CN Plug In Combination Explosive Gas/Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Battery Backup (Tools & Home Improvement)

I have received a lot of false alarms with this product. The first time the carbon monoxide alarm went off, I had the fire department out here within minutes thinking we had a big problem. They found nothing in the house. Since then, the alarm sounds about 4 times a week, all false alarms. I've moved the placement of the monitor several times as per the instructions, but it still gives a lot of false alarms.