Recommended Locations For Smoke Alarms; Locations To Avoid For Smoke Alarms; About Smoke Alarms; Special Compliance Considerations - First Alert 3120B User Manual

After 8 hours, the low battery "chirp" will resume. The Alarm will continue connector from the unit when the power is on may result in electrical
to operate as long as AC power is supplied. However, replace the batteries shock, serious injury or death.
as soon as possible, to maintain protection in event of a power outage.
When an interconnected system of AC powered units is in alarm, the alarm
indicator light on the unit(s) that initiated the alarm will blink rapidly. It will
To silence Alarms in an interconnected series:
remain OFF on any remaining units.
To silence an interconnected series of Smoke/CO Alarms, you must press the
Test/Silence button on the initiating alarm (The unit with the flashing red light;
If the unit alarms, get everyone out of the dwelling immediately.
the red light will be off on all other Alarms.). If you press the Test/Silence on
If the unit alarms and you are certain that the source of smoke is not a fire—
any other Alarm, it will only silence that unit, not the whole interconnected
cooking smoke or an extremely dusty furnace, for example—open a nearby
series.
window or door and fan the smoke away from the unit (Use the Silence Feature
to silence the Alarm). This will silence the alarm, and once the smoke clears the
LATCHING FEATURE
unit will reset itself automatically.
Alarm Latch is activated after an Alarm is exposed to alarm levels of smoke.
This feature will only work with AC power. After smoke levels drop below alarm
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FIRE
levels, the Red LED will begin flashing 2 seconds on, 2 seconds off unless
• Don't panic; stay calm. Follow your family escape plan. reset by test/silence button.
• Get out of the house as quickly as possible. Don't stop to
This feature helps emergency responders, investigators, or service
get dressed or collect anything.
technicians identify which unit(s) in your home were exposed to alarm levels
of smoke. This can help investigators pinpoint the source of smoke.
• Feel doors with the back of your hand before opening them.
If a door is cool, open it slowly. Don't open a hot door. Keep doors
Interconnected Alarms. Latching Alarm Indicator shows which Alarm(s) in the
and windows closed, unless you must escape through them.
series were exposed to alarm levels of smoke. The Latching Alarm Indicator
stays ON until you clear it, so it can alert you to an alarm that occurred while
• Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth (preferably damp).
you were away from home, even though smoke present in the air has dropped
Take short, shallow breaths.
below alarm levels.
• Meet at your planned meeting place outside your home,
Low Battery Latch is activated when the Alarm is in the "low battery
and do a head count to make sure everybody got out safely.
condition". When this occurs, the Green LED flashes 2 seconds on, 2
• Call the Fire Department as soon as possible from outside.
seconds off. This feature is designed to help you identify which Alarm needs
Give your address, then your name.
to have the battery replaced. Although, the Alarm will sound the low battery
• Never go back inside a burning building for any reason.
chirp approximately once every minute, sometimes during the initial stages
of "low battery", the Alarm will chirp in greater intervals than one minute,
• Contact your Fire Department for ideas on making your home safer.
sometimes up to several hours, until the battery reaches a steady low battery
level. This innovative feature eliminates the frustration of waiting for and/or
Alarms have various limitations. See "Limitations of Smoke Alarms" for identifying which unit is chirping.
details.
"SMART INTERCONNECT" FEATURE
USING THE SILENCE FEATURE
This Alarm includes "Smart Interconnect" which enables the Alarm to be
interconnected with other First Alert
The Silence Feature can temporarily quiet an unwanted alarm for up to 15
Interconnect" Smoke, Smoke/CO and CO Alarms. When smoke is detected,
minutes.
all Alarms will sound the smoke horn pattern. When CO is detected, "Smart
Interconnect" Alarms will sound the CO horn pattern. Alarms that do not have
The Silence Feature does not disable the unit—it makes it temporarily
the "Smart Interconnect" feature will remain silent during a CO alarm.
less sensitive to smoke. For your safety, if smoke around the unit is dense
enough to suggest a potentially dangerous situation, the unit will stay in
alarm or may re-alarm quickly. If you do not know the source of the
IF YOU SUSPECT A PROBLEM
smoke, do not assume it is an unwanted alarm. Not responding to an
Smoke Alarms may not operate properly because of dead, missing or weak
alarm can result in property loss, injury, or death.
batteries, a build-up of dirt, dust or grease on the Smoke Alarm cover, or
To silence Smoke Alarms in an interconnected series:
installation in an improper location. Clean the Smoke Alarm as described in
1. To silence multiple alarms in an interconnected series, you must press the
"Regular Maintenance," and install fresh batteries, then test the Smoke Alarm
Test/Silence button on the unit(s) that triggered the alarm.
again. If it fails to test properly when you use the test button, or if the problem
persists, replace the Smoke Alarm immediately.
2. Once you activate the Silence feature, the Red LED will flash approximately
once every 10 seconds.
• If you hear a "chirp" approximately once a minute, replace the
batteries.
3. Pressing the Test/Silence button when in silence will restart the silence
timer.
• If you experience frequent non-emergency alarms (like those caused
by cooking smoke), try relocating the Smoke Alarm.
• If the alarm sounds when no smoke is visible, try cleaning or
The Silence Feature on these units can temporarily quiet an unwanted alarm for
relocating the Smoke Alarm. The cover may be dirty.
up to 15 minutes. To use this feature, press the Test/Silence button on the cover.
If the unit will not silence and no heavy smoke is present, or if it stays in
• If the alarm does not sound during testing, make sure it is receiving
silence mode continuously, it should be replaced immediately.
AC power from the household current.
SILENCING THE LOW BATTERY WARNING
Always discharge the branch circuit before servicing an AC or AC/DC
Smoke Alarm. First, turn off the AC power at the circuit breaker or fuse
This Silence Feature can temporarily quiet the low battery warning "chirp" for
box. Next, remove the batteries from Smoke Alarms with battery back-up.
up to 8 hours. Press the Test/Silence button on the Alarm cover until you hear
Finally, press and hold the test button for 5-10 seconds to discharge the
the acknowledge "chirp".
branch circuit.
Once the low battery warning "chirp" silence feature is activated, the unit
Do not try fixing the alarm yourself – this will void your warranty!
continues to flash the green light once a minute for approximately 8 hours.
After 8 hours, the low battery "chirp" will resume. The Alarm will continue
If the Smoke Alarm is still not operating properly, and it is still under warranty,
to operate as long as AC power is supplied. However, replace the batteries
please see "How to Obtain Warranty Service" in the Limited Warranty.
as soon as possible, to maintain protection in event of a power outage.
To silence Alarms in an interconnected series:
To silence an interconnected series of Smoke/CO Alarms, you must press the
RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR
Test/Silence button on the initiating alarm (The unit with the flashing red light;
SMOKE ALARMS
the red light will be off on all other Alarms.). If you press the Test/Silence on
any other Alarm, it will only silence that unit, not the whole interconnected
Installing Smoke Alarms in Single-Family Residences
series.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), recommends one Smoke
Alarm on every floor, in every sleeping area, and in every bedroom. In new
LATCHING FEATURE construction, the Smoke Alarms must be AC powered and interconnected.
See "Agency Placement Recommendations" for details. For additional cover-
Alarm Latch is activated after an Alarm is exposed to alarm levels of smoke.
age, it is recommended that you install a Smoke Alarm in all rooms, halls,
This feature will only work with AC power. After smoke levels drop below alarm
storage areas, finished attics, and basements, where temperatures normally
levels, the Red LED will begin flashing 2 seconds on, 2 seconds off unless
remain between 40˚ F (4.4˚ C) and 100˚ F (37.8˚ C). Make sure no door or
reset by test/silence button.
other obstruction could keep smoke from reaching the Smoke Alarms.
This feature helps emergency responders, investigators, or service
More specifically, install Smoke Alarms:
technicians identify which unit(s) in your home were exposed to alarm levels
• On every level of your home, including finished attics and basements.
of smoke. This can help investigators pinpoint the source of smoke.
• Inside every bedroom, especially if people sleep with the door partly or
Interconnected Alarms. Latching Alarm Indicator shows which Alarm(s) in the
completely closed.
series were exposed to alarm levels of smoke. The Latching Alarm Indicator
• In the hall near every sleeping area. If your home has multiple sleeping
stays ON until you clear it, so it can alert you to an alarm that occurred while
areas, install a unit in each. If a hall is more than 40 feet long (12 meters),
you were away from home, even though smoke present in the air has dropped
install a unit at each end.
below alarm levels.
• At the top of the first-to-second floor stairway, and at the bottom
Low Battery Latch is activated when the Alarm is in the "low battery of the basement stairway.
condition". When this occurs, the Green LED flashes 2 seconds on, 2
seconds off. This feature is designed to help you identify which Alarm needs
Specific requirements for Smoke Alarm installation vary from state to state
to have the battery replaced. Although, the Alarm will sound the low battery
and from region to region. Check with your local Fire Department for current
and BRK Smoke, Heat, and "Smart
®
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is not normally recommended, as these locations occasionally experience
install a unit at each end.
conditions that can result in improper operation."
• At the top of the first-to-second floor stairway, and at the bottom
of the basement stairway.
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
Specific requirements for Smoke Alarm installation vary from state to state
installed in each separate sleeping area (in the vicinity, but outside bedrooms),
and from region to region. Check with your local Fire Department for current
and Heat or Smoke Alarms in the living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms,
requirements in your area. It is recommended AC or AC/DC units be inter-
kitchens, hallways, finished attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility and storage
connected for added protection.
rooms, basements, and attached garages.

LOCATIONS TO AVOID FOR SMOKE ALARMS

For best performance, AVOID installing Smoke Alarms in these areas:
• Where combustion particles are produced. Combustion particles form
when something burns. Areas to avoid include poorly ventilated kitchens,
garages, and furnace rooms. Keep units at least 20 feet (6 meters) from
the sources of combustion particles (stove, furnace, water heater, space
heater) if possible. In areas where a 20-foot distance is not possible – in
modular, mobile, or smaller homes, for example – it is recommended
the Smoke Alarm be placed as far from these fuel-burning sources as
possible. The placement recommendations are intended to keep these
Alarms at a reasonable distance from a fuel-burning source, and thus
reduce "unwanted" alarms. Unwanted alarms can occur if a Smoke
Alarm is placed directly next to a fuel-burning source. Ventilate these
areas as much as possible.
• In air streams near kitchens. Air currents can draw cooking smoke into
the sensing chamber of a Smoke Alarm near the kitchen.
• In very damp, humid or steamy areas, or directly near bathrooms with
showers. Keep units at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from showers,
saunas, dishwashers, etc.
• Where the temperatures are regularly below 40˚ F (4.4˚ C) or above
100˚ F (37.8˚ C) including unheated buildings, outdoor rooms, porches,
INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS IN MOBILE HOMES & RVS
or unfinished attics or basements.
For minimum security install one Smoke Alarm as close to each sleeping area
• In very dusty, dirty, or greasy areas. Do not install a Smoke Alarm directly
as possible. For more security, put one unit in each room. Many older mobile
over the stove or range. Clean a laundry room unit frequently to keep it
homes (especially those built before 1978) have little or no insulation. If your
free of dust or lint.
mobile home is not well insulated, or if you are unsure of the amount of
• Near fresh air vents, ceiling fans, or in very drafty areas. Drafts can blow
insulation, it is important to install units on inside walls only. Smoke Alarms
smoke away from the unit, preventing it from reaching sensing chamber.
should be installed where temperatures normally remain between 40˚ F (4.4˚ C)
• In insect infested areas. Insects can clog openings to the sensing chamber
and 100˚ F (37.8˚ C).
and cause unwanted alarms.
WARNING: Test units used in RVs after the vehicle has been in storage,
before every trip, and once a week while in use. Failure to test units • Less than 12 inches (305 mm) away from fluorescent lights. Electrical
"noise" can interfere with the sensor.
used in RVs as described may remove your protection.
• In "dead air" spaces. "Dead air" spaces may prevent smoke from reaching
the Smoke Alarm.
AGENCY PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
AVOIDING DEAD AIR SPACES
NFPA 72 (National Fire Code) Chapter 11
"Dead air" spaces may prevent smoke from reaching the Smoke Alarm. To
"For your information, the National Fire Protection Association's Standard 72,
avoid dead air spaces, follow the installation recommendations below.
reads as follows:"
On ceilings, install Smoke Alarms as close to the center of the ceiling as
"11.5.1 One- and Two-Family Dwelling Units."
possible. If this is not possible, install the Smoke Alarm at least 4 inches
"11.5.1.1 Smoke Detection. Where required by applicable laws, codes, or
(102 mm) from the wall or corner.
standards for the specified occupancy, approved single- and multiple-station
For wall mounting (if allowed by building codes), the top edge of Smoke
Smoke Alarms shall be installed as follows: (1) In all sleeping rooms.
Alarms should be placed between 4 inches (102 mm) and 12 inches (305 mm)
Exception: Smoke Alarms shall not be required in sleeping rooms in existing
from the wall/ceiling line, below typical "dead air" spaces.
one- and two-family dwelling units. (2) Outside of each separate sleeping area,
On a peaked, gabled, or cathedral ceiling, install the first Smoke Alarm
in immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms. (3) On each level of the dwelling
within 3 feet (0.9 meters) of the peak of the ceiling, measured horizontally.
unit, including basements. Exception: In existing one- and two family dwelling
Additional Smoke Alarms may be required depending on the length, angle,
units, approved Smoke Alarms powered by batteries are permitted."
etc. of the ceiling's slope. Refer to NFPA 72 for details on requirements for
sloped or peaked ceilings.
"A.11.8.3 Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable? The required number of
Smoke Alarms might not provide reliable early warning protection for those
areas separated by a door from the areas protected by the required Smoke
Alarms. For this reason, it is recommended that the householder consider

ABOUT SMOKE ALARMS

the use of additional Smoke Alarms for those areas for increased protection.
Battery (DC) operated Smoke Alarms: Provide protection even when
The additional areas include the basement, bedrooms, dining room, furnace
electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed. Units
room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the required Smoke Alarms.
are easy to install, and do not require professional installation. They do not,
The installation of Smoke Alarms in kitchens, unfinished attics, or garages
however, provide interconnected functionality.
is not normally recommended, as these locations occasionally experience
conditions that can result in improper operation."
AC powered Smoke Alarms: Can be interconnected so if one unit senses
smoke, all units alarm. They do not operate if electricity fails.
California State Fire Marshal (CSFM)
AC with battery (DC) back-up: will operate if electricity fails, provided the
Early warning detection is best achieved by the installation of fire detection
batteries are fresh and correctly installed. AC and AC/DC units must be
equipment in all rooms and areas of the household as follows: A Smoke Alarm
installed by a qualified electrician.
ABOUT SMOKE ALARMS, Continued
installed in each separate sleeping area (in the vicinity, but outside bedrooms),
Wireless Interconnected Alarms: Offer the same interconnected functionality
Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the
and Heat or Smoke Alarms in the living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms,
as with hardwired alarms, without wires. Units are easy to install and do not
combination has been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.
kitchens, hallways, finished attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility and storage
require professional installation. They provide protection even when electricity
rooms, basements, and attached garages. All these Smoke Alarms are designed to provide early warning of fires if
fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed.
located, installed and cared for as described in the user's manual, and if
smoke reaches the Alarm. If you are unsure which type of unit to install, refer Smoke Alarms for Solar or Wind Energy users and battery backup power
systems: AC powered Smoke Alarms should only be operated with true or
to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 72 (National Fire Alarm Code)
LOCATIONS TO AVOID FOR SMOKE ALARMS
and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code). National Fire Protection Association, One pure sine wave inverters. Operating this Smoke Alarm with most battery-
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101. Local building codes may also
For best performance, AVOID installing Smoke Alarms in these areas: powered UPS (uninterruptible power supply) products or square wave or
require specific units in new construction or in different areas of the home.
"quasi sine wave" inverters will damage the Alarm. If you are not sure about
• Where combustion particles are produced. Combustion particles form
your inverter or UPS type, please consult with the manufacturer to verify.
when something burns. Areas to avoid include poorly ventilated kitchens,
garages, and furnace rooms. Keep units at least 20 feet (6 meters) from
Smoke Alarms for the hearing impaired: Special purpose Smoke Alarms

SPECIAL COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS

the sources of combustion particles (stove, furnace, water heater, space
should be installed for the hearing impaired. They include a visual alarm and
heater) if possible. In areas where a 20-foot distance is not possible – in
an audible alarm horn, and meet the requirements of the Americans With
modular, mobile, or smaller homes, for example – it is recommended Disabilities Act. These units can be interconnected so if one unit senses
This Smoke Alarm alone is not a suitable substitute for complete fire
the Smoke Alarm be placed as far from these fuel-burning sources as smoke, all units alarm.
detection systems in places housing many people—like apartment
possible. The placement recommendations are intended to keep these
buildings, condominiums, hotels, motels, dormitories, hospitals, long-
Alarms at a reasonable distance from a fuel-burning source, and thus
term health care facilities, nursing homes, day care facilities, or group
reduce "unwanted" alarms. Unwanted alarms can occur if a Smoke
homes of any kind—even if they were once single-family homes. It is not
Alarm is placed directly next to a fuel-burning source. Ventilate these
a suitable substitute for complete fire detection systems in warehouses,
areas as much as possible.
industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and special-purpose non-resi-
• In air streams near kitchens. Air currents can draw cooking smoke into
dential buildings which require special fire detection and alarm systems.
the sensing chamber of a Smoke Alarm near the kitchen.
Depending on the building codes in your area, this Smoke Alarm may be
used to provide additional protection in these facilities.
• In very damp, humid or steamy areas, or directly near bathrooms with
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