Advertisement
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE.
This user's manual contains important information about your Combination Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Alarm's operation. If you are installing this Alarm for use by others, you must leave this manual—or a copy of it—with the end user.
All First Alert® Smoke Alarms conform to regulatory requirements, including UL217 and are designed to detect particles of combustion. Smoke particles of varying number and size are produced in all fires.
Ionization technology is generally more sensitive than photoelectric technology at detecting small particles, which tend to be produced in greater amounts by flaming fires, which consume combustible materials rapidly and spread quickly. Sources of these fires may include paper burning in a wastebasket, or a grease fire in the kitchen.
Photoelectric technology is generally more sensitive than ionization technology at detecting large particles, which tend to be produced in greater amounts by smoldering fires, which may smolder for hours before bursting into flame. Sources of these fires may include cigarettes burning in couches or bedding. For maximum protection, use both types of Smoke Alarms on each level and in every bedroom of your home.
Follow safety rules and prevent hazardous situations:
MINIMUM COVERAGE FOR SMOKE ALARMS, as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is one Smoke Alarm on every floor, in every sleeping area, and in every bedroom (See "Regulatory Information For Smoke Alarms" for details on the NFPA recommendations). For CO Alarms, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that a CO Alarm should be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. For added protection, install additional CO Alarms in each separate bedroom, and on every level of your home. NOTE: For added protection, install an additional Smoke/CO Alarm at least 15 feet (4.6 meters) away from the furnace or fuel burning heat source where possible. In smaller homes or in manufactured homes where this distance cannot be maintained, install the Alarm as far away as possible from the furnace or other fuel burning source. Installing the Alarm closer than 15 feet (4.6 meters) will not harm the Alarm, but may increase the frequency of unwanted alarms.
In general, install combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms:
NOTE: For any location, make sure no door or other obstruction could keep carbon monoxide or smoke from reaching the Alarm.
Installing Smoke/CO Alarms in Mobile Homes
For minimum security install one Smoke/CO Alarm as close to each sleeping area as possible. For more security, put one unit in each room. Many older mobile homes (especially those built before 1978) have little or no insulation. If your mobile home is not well insulated, or if you are unsure of the amount of insulation, it is important to install units on inside walls only.
SUGGESTED AREAS FOR INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS, CO ALARMS, AND COMBO UNITS
In new construction AC and AC/DC smoke alarms MUST be interconnected to meet NFPA recommendations.
KEY:
SMOKE ALARMS | |
SMOKE ALARM WITH SILENCE FEATURE | |
CO ALARMS | |
BOTH, OR COMBINATION SMOKE/CO ALARMS |
Suggested locations are based on NFPA recommendations (NFPA 72 for Smoke Alarms and NFPA 720 for Carbon Monoxide Alarms). Always refer to national and local codes before beginning any installation.
DO NOT LOCATE THIS SMOKE/CO ALARM:
AVOIDING DEAD AIR SPACES
"Dead air" spaces may prevent smoke from reaching the Smoke/CO Alarm. To avoid dead air spaces, follow installation recommendations below.
On ceilings, install Smoke/CO Alarms as close to the center of the ceiling as possible. If this is not possible, install the Smoke/CO Alarm at least 4 inches (102 mm) from the wall or corner.
For wall mounting (if allowed by building codes), the top edge of Smoke/CO Alarms should be placed between 4 inches (102 mm) and 12 inches (305 mm) from the wall/ceiling line, below typical "dead air" spaces.
On a peaked, gabled, or cathedral ceiling, install first Smoke/CO Alarm within 3 feet (0.9 meters) of the peak of the ceiling, measured horizontally. Additional Smoke/CO Alarms may be required depending on the length, angle, etc. of the ceiling's slope. Refer to NFPA 72 for details on requirements for sloped or peaked ceilings.
This combination Smoke/CO Alarm was designed to be mounted on the ceiling or wall. It is not a tabletop device. You must install this device on the ceiling or wall as outlined below. Read "Where To Install This Alarm" before starting.
TOOLS YOU WILL NEED:
THIS UNIT IS DESIGNED TO BE MOUNTED ON THE CEILING, OR ON THE WALL IF NECESSARY.
THE PARTS OF THIS SMOKE/CO ALARM
NOTE: Be sure to mount the product in the orientation specified in the next steps as this provides the most stability for mounting the product to the wall or ceiling.
FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS
It is important to test this unit every week to make sure it is working properly.
Using the test button is the recommended way to test this Smoke/CO Alarm.
You can test this Smoke/CO Alarm: Press and hold the Test/Silence button 3-5 seconds until unit starts to alarm. During testing, you will see and hear the following sequence:
If the unit does not alarm, make sure the batteries are correctly installed, and test again. If the unit still does not alarm, replace it immediately.
This unit has been designed to be as maintenance free as possible, but there are a few simple things you must do to keep it working properly.
Actual battery service life depends on the Smoke/CO Alarm and the environment in which it is installed. Regardless of the manufacturer's suggested battery life, you MUST replace the Alarm immediately once the unit starts "chirping" (the "low battery warning").
WHAT TO DO FIRST–IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF ALARM
Type of Alarm | What You See and Hear |
Carbon Monoxide (CO) | CO LED: Flashes Red Horn: 4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps, pause |
Smoke Smoke LED: Flashes Red | Horn: 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause |
"ALARM-MOVE TO FRESH AIR" If you hear the CO alarm horn and the CO red light is flashing, move everyone to a source of fresh air.
DO NOT remove the batteries!
Actuation of your CO Alarm indicates the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) which can kill you. In other words, when your CO Alarm sounds, you must not ignore it!
IF THE CO ALARM SIGNAL SOUNDS:
NOTE: A qualified appliance technician is defined as "a person, firm, corporation, or company that either in person or through a representative, is engaged in and responsible for the installation, testing, servicing, or replacement of heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, combustion appliances and equipment, and/or gas fireplaces or other decorative combustion equipment."
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FIRE:
Alarms have various limitations. See "General Limitations of Smoke/ CO Alarms" for details.
Never deactivate the unit to quiet an unwanted alarm. Deactivating the alarm disables the unit and removes your protection. The Silence Feature is intended to temporarily silence the horn while you identify and correct the problem. Do not use the Silence Feature in emergency situations. It will not correct a CO problem or extinguish a fire. The Silence Feature can temporarily quiet an unwanted alarm for several minutes. Press the Test/Silence button on the alarm cover for at least 3-5 seconds. After the Test/Silence button is released, the Red LED blinks during the silence mode.
When the Smoke Alarm is Silenced | When the CO Alarm is Silenced |
The Smoke Alarm will remain silent for up to 15 minutes, then return to normal operation. If the smoke has not cleared–or continues to increase–the device will go back into alarm. | The CO Alarm will remain silent for up to 4 minutes. After 4 minutes, if CO levels remain potentially dangerous the horn will start sounding again. |
This silence feature can temporarily quiet the low battery warning "chirp" for up to 8 hours. Press the Test/Silence button on the alarm cover. Once the low battery warning "chirp" silence feature is activated, the unit continues to flash the Green light once a minute for 8 hours. After 8 hours, the low battery "chirp" will resume.
Replace the Alarm as soon as possible; this unit will not operate without battery power!
To deactivate this feature: Press the Test/Silence button again. The unit will go into Test Mode and the low battery warning will resume (LED flashes and unit sounds "chirp" once a minute).
This silence feature can temporarily quiet the End of Life warning "chirp" for up to 2 days. You can silence the End of Life warning "chirp" by pressing the Test/Silence button. The horn will chirp, acknowledging that the End of Life silence feature has been activated. After approximately 2 days, the End of Life "chirp" will resume.
CO is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas produced when fossil fuels do not burn completely, or are exposed to heat (usually fire). Electrical appliances typically do not produce CO. These fuels include: Wood, coal, charcoal, oil, natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, and propane. Common appliances are often sources of CO. If they are not properly maintained, are improperly ventilated, or malfunction, CO levels can rise quickly. CO is a real danger now that homes are more energy efficient. "Air-tight" homes with added insulation, sealed windows, and other weatherproofing can "trap" CO inside.
SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING
These symptoms are related to CO POISONING and should be discussed with ALL household members.
Mild Exposure: Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue ("flu-like" symptoms).
Medium Exposure: Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
Extreme Exposure: Convulsions, unconsciousness, heart and lung failure. Exposure to Carbon Monoxide can cause brain damage, death.
This CO Alarm measures exposure to CO over time. It alarms if CO levels are extremely high in a short period of time, or if CO levels reach a certain minimum over a long period of time. The CO Alarm generally sounds an alarm before the onset of symptoms in average, healthy adults. Why is this important? Because you need to be warned of a potential CO problem while you can still react in time. In many reported cases of CO exposure, victims may be aware that they are not feeling well, but become disoriented and can no longer react well enough to exit the building or get help. Also, young children and pets may be the first affected. The average healthy adult might not feel any symptoms when the CO Alarm sounds. However, people with cardiac or respiratory problems, infants, unborn babies, pregnant mothers, or elderly people can be more quickly and severely affected by CO. If you experience even mild symptoms of CO poisoning, consult your doctor immediately!
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas, which often makes it difficult to locate the source of CO after an alarm. These are a few of the factors that can make it difficult to locate sources of CO:
Because CO may dissipate by the time an investigator arrives, it may be difficult to locate the source of CO. BRK Brands, Inc. shall not be obligated to pay for any carbon monoxide investigation or service call.
Fuel-burning appliances like: portable heater, gas or wood burning fireplace, gas kitchen range or cooktop, gas clothes dryer.
Damaged or insufficient venting: corroded or disconnected water heater vent pipe, leaking chimney pipe or flue, or cracked heat exchanger, blocked or clogged chimney opening.
Improper use of appliance/device: operating a barbecue grill or vehicle in an enclosed area (like a garage or screened porch).
Transient CO Problems: "transient" or on-again-off-again CO problems can be caused by outdoor conditions and other special circumstances.
The following conditions can result in transient CO situations:
These conditions are dangerous because they can trap exhaust in your home. Since these conditions can come and go, they are also hard to recreate during a CO investigation.
A CO Alarm is an excellent means of protection. It monitors the air and sounds a loud alarm before Carbon Monoxide levels become threatening for average, healthy adults. A CO Alarm is not a substitute for proper maintenance of home appliances.
To help prevent CO problems and reduce the risk of CO poisoning:
In addition, familiarize yourself with all enclosed materials. Read this manual in its entirety, and make sure you understand what to do if your CO Alarm sounds.
RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR SMOKE ALARMS
INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS IN SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCES
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), recommends one Smoke Alarm on every floor, in every sleeping area, and in every bedroom. In new construction, the Smoke Alarms must be AC powered and interconnected. See "Agency Placement Recommendations" for details. For additional coverage, it is recommended that you install a Smoke Alarm in all rooms, halls, storage areas, finished attics, and basements, where temperatures normally remain between 40˚ F (4.4˚ C) and 100˚ F (37.8˚ C). Make sure no door or other obstruction could keep smoke from reaching the Smoke Alarms.
MORE SPECIFICALLY, INSTALL SMOKE ALARMS:
Specific requirements for Smoke Alarm installation vary from state to state and from region to region. Check with your local Fire Department for current requirements in your area. It is recommended AC or AC/DC units be interconnected for added protection.
KEY
SMOKE ALARMS FOR MINIMUM PROTECTION | |
ADDITIONAL SMOKE ALARMS FOR BETTER, COVERAGE | |
SMOKE ALARMS WITH SILENCE FEATURE. RECOMMENDED FOR KITCHENS | |
INTERCONNECTED AC OR AC/DC SMOKE ALARMS |
STANDARDS: Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Single and Multiple Station Smoke Alarms 217.
NFPA 72 CHAPTER 29 "For your information, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, NFPA 72, reads as follows:"
29. 5.1* REQUIRED DETECTION.
29.5.1.1* Where required by other governing laws, codes, or standards for a specific type of occupancy, approved single and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed as follows:
(Reprinted with permission from NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Copyright © 2010 National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the National Fire Protection Association, on the referenced subject which is represented only by the standard in its entirety), (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code® and NFPA 72® are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269).
CALIFORNIA STATE FIRE MARSHAL (CSFM) Early warning detection is best achieved by the installation of fire detection equipment in all rooms and areas of the household as follows: A Smoke Alarm installed in each separate sleeping area (in the vicinity, but outside bedrooms), and Heat or Smoke Alarms in the living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, finished attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility and storage rooms, basements, and attached garages.
If the Alarm... | Problem... | You should... |
Horn "chirps" about once per minute. | Low battery warning. | Immediately replace the Alarm |
Horn does three "chirps" every minute; LED has 3 rapid Green flashes with "chirps" | MALFUNCTION SIGNAL. Device is not working properly, and needs to be replaced. | Units under warranty should be returned to manufacturer for replacement. See "Limited Warranty" for details. |
The light flashes GREEN and the horn sounds 5 "chirps" every minute. | END OF LIFE SIGNAL. Alarm needs to be replaced. | Immediately replace the Alarm. |
Carbon Monoxide Alarm ONLY:
CO Alarm goes back into alarm 4 minutes after you Silence it. | CO levels indicate a potentially dangerous situation. | IF YOU ARE FEELING SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING, EVACUATE your home and call 911 or the Fire Department. Refer to "If The CO Alarm Sounds" for details. |
CO Alarm sounds frequently even though no high levels of CO are revealed in an investigation. | The CO Alarm may be improperly located. Refer to "Where to Install This Alarm" for details. | Relocate your Alarm. If frequent alarms continue, have home rechecked for potential CO problems. You may be experiencing an intermittent CO problem |
Smoke Alarm ONLY:
Smoke Alarm sounds when no smoke is visible. | Unwanted alarm may be caused by non-emergency source like cooking smoke. | Silence Alarm using Test/Silence button; clean the Alarm's cover with a soft, clean cloth. If frequent unwanted alarms continue, relocate your Alarm. Alarm may be too close to a kitchen, cooking appliance, or steamy bathroom. |
If you have questions that cannot be answered by reading this manual, call Consumer Affairs at 1-800-323-9005.
BRK Brands, Inc., ("BRK") the maker of First Alert® brand products warrants that for a period of ten years from the date of purchase, this product will be free from defects in material and workmanship. BRK, at its option, will repair or replace this product or any component of the product found to be defective during the warranty period. Replacement will be made with a new or remanufactured product or component. If the product is no longer available, replacement may be made with a similar product of equal or greater value. This is your exclusive warranty. This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser from the date of initial retail purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales receipt. Proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty performance. BRK dealers, service centers, or retail stores selling BRK products do not have the right to alter, modify or any way change the terms and conditions of this warranty.
This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or damage resulting from any of the following: negligent use or misuse of the product, use on improper voltage or current, use contrary to the operating instructions, disassembly, repair or alteration by anyone other than BRK or an authorized service center. Further, the warranty does not cover Acts of God, such as fire, flood, hurricanes and tornadoes or any batteries that are included with this unit.
BRK shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages caused by the breach of any express or implied warranty. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration to the duration of the above warranty. Some states, provinces or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state or province to province.
HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE
Service: If service is required, do not return the product to your retailer. In order to obtain warranty service, contact the Consumer Affairs Division at 1-800-323-9005. To assist us in serving you, please have the model number and date of purchase available when calling. For Warranty Service return to: 1301 Joe Battle El Paso, TX 79936
Battery: BRK Brands, Inc. make no warranty, express or implied, written or oral, including that of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with respect to battery.
Disposal: Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with regular household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check local requirements for disposal of Li-Ion electronic devices.
The Alarm should be deactivated before disposal. See "To Permanently Deactivate the Smoke/CO Alarm".
You can also return your Alarm to us for disposal. For return address see above. Please include a note confirming the product is being returned for disposal.
For your records, please record: Date Purchased: Where Purchased: Date Installed: Month/Year | Replace alarm 10 years after installation. Please write the date in the space provided: Month/Year The alarm will also provide an audible End-of-Life Signal approximately 10 years after installation to remind you to replace the unit. The End-of-Life Signal can be silenced for up to 2 days. Do not unplug or deactivate the alarm until you get replacement. |
© 2015 BRK Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by BRK Brands, Inc. First Alert® is registered trademark of The First Alert Trust
3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122 Consumer Affairs: (800) 323-9005
• www.firstalert.com ; www.brkelectronics.com
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
Download First Alert PC910 - Combination Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Alarm Manual
Advertisement
Thank you! Your question has been received!
Need Assistance?
Do you have a question about the PC910 that isn't answered in the manual? Leave your question here.