Kidde provides hard wired CO Protection for climbers at N Wales Mountain Hut

One of Kidde Fyrnetics’ recently launched, digital, hard-wired carbon monoxide alarms has been installed at a particularly isolated and unusual property - probably the best equipped mountain hut in the UK.

Owned by the Karabiner Mountaineering Club (www.karabiner.org), ‘Ty Powdwr’ is located near the Welsh village of Dinorwig, with dramatic views out to Snowdon and Anglesey. Originally the black powder store for the miners who blasted the mountain for slate, Ty Powdwr has been converted over 25 years to provide accommodation for members, other mountaineering clubs and educational establishments. But the building continues to be upgraded with the latest technology, including a Kidde Fyrnetics CO alarm in the lounge - an isolated room with a big gas-fired stove. The CO alarm will warn of carbon monoxide escaping from the stove in the event of downdraughts on windy nights in this exposed location, people leaving the stove door open or birds' nests in the chimney - a common problem in Snowdonia.

Kidde Fyrnetics’ latest CO alarms are mains powered with sealed-in, rechargeable lithium cells for back-up, preventing unauthorised access. They use electrochemical sensors sampling the air every 15 seconds – ensuring greater safety than others sampling at longer intervals. Alarms have a product life of 7 years from initial power-up and full guarantee for 6 years. The neat circular design enables either ceiling or wall mounting and units are quick to connect with a snap-on harness, and lock in place by default. There is an easy to use test/reset button while separate user and installer manuals are included and also available on the Kidde Fyrnetics website.
The digital 423D/9HIR model includes a display showing the parts per million (ppm) when CO is detected, calculating the ppm and length of exposure time. A peak recall feature can be used to call up the highest level (above 30 ppm) recorded since the button was last pressed and a memory recall facility enables users to verify if there has been a CO incident in their absence which had ceased before their return. The unique Smart Interconnect feature on both models enables a number of Kidde Fyrnetics hard-wired CO, smoke or heat alarms to be interconnected within a home.

A comprehensive new Guide has just been published for Housing professionals by Kidde Fyrnetics to help all those involved with housing to understand the latest responsibilities and requirements for protecting occupants from carbon monoxide poisoning or fire - available free of charge via kiddefyr@ukgateway.net or on www.smoke-alarms.co.uk using the ‘Contact us’ link; just tick the first box.