First Alert 3120B User Manual page 8

ABOUT SMOKE ALARMS, Continued
Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the
combination has been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.
All these Smoke Alarms are designed to provide early warning of fires if
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
to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 72 (National Fire Alarm Code)
and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code). National Fire Protection Association, One
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101. Local building codes may also
require specific units in new construction or in different areas of the home.
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 SPECIAL COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS
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
This Smoke Alarm alone is not a suitable substitute for complete fire
possible. The placement recommendations are intended to keep these
detection systems in places housing many people—like apartment
Alarms at a reasonable distance from a fuel-burning source, and thus
buildings, condominiums, hotels, motels, dormitories, hospitals, long-
reduce "unwanted" alarms. Unwanted alarms can occur if a Smoke
term health care facilities, nursing homes, day care facilities, or group
Alarm is placed directly next to a fuel-burning source. Ventilate these
homes of any kind—even if they were once single-family homes. It is not
areas as much as possible.
a suitable substitute for complete fire detection systems in warehouses,
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
In very damp, humid or steamy areas, or directly near bathrooms with
used to provide additional protection in these facilities.
showers. Keep units at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from showers,
saunas, dishwashers, etc.
The following information applies to all four types of buildings listed below:
Where the temperatures are regularly below 40˚ F (4.4˚ C) or above
In new construction, most building codes require the use of AC or AC/DC
100˚ F (37.8˚ C) including unheated buildings, outdoor rooms, porches,
powered Smoke Alarms only. AC, AC/DC, or DC powered Smoke Alarms can be
or unfinished attics or basements.
used in existing construction as specified by local building codes. Refer to NFPA
In very dusty, dirty, or greasy areas. Do not install a Smoke Alarm directly
72 (National Fire Alarm Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), local building
over the stove or range. Clean a laundry room unit frequently to keep it
codes, or consult your Fire Department for detailed fire protection requirements
free of dust or lint. in buildings not defined as "households."
Near fresh air vents, ceiling fans, or in very drafty areas. Drafts can blow
1. Single-Family Residence:
smoke away from the unit, preventing it from reaching sensing chamber.
Single family home, townhouse. It is recommended Smoke Alarms be installed
In insect infested areas. Insects can clog openings to the sensing chamber
on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and in each bedroom hallway.
and cause unwanted alarms.
2. Multi-Family or Mixed Occupant Residence:
Less than 12 inches (305 mm) away from fluorescent lights. Electrical
Apartment building, condominium. This Smoke Alarm is suitable for use in
"noise" can interfere with the sensor.
individual apartments or condos, provided a primary fire detection system
In "dead air" spaces. "Dead air" spaces may prevent smoke from reaching
already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common areas like
the Smoke Alarm.
lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in common areas may
not provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection
ordinances/regulations.
3. Institutions:
Hospitals, day care facilities, long-term health care facilities. This Smoke
Alarm is suitable for use in individual patient sleeping/resident rooms,
provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet fire detection
requirements in common areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this
Smoke Alarm in common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all
residents or meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.
4. Hotels and Motels:
Also boarding houses and dormitories. This Smoke Alarm is suitable for use
inside individual sleeping/resident rooms, provided a primary fire detection
system already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common areas
like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in common areas
may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection
ordinances/regulations.
LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS
Smoke Alarms have played a key role in reducing deaths resulting from home
fires worldwide. However, like any warning device, Smoke Alarms can only
work if they are properly located, installed, and maintained, and if smoke
reaches the Alarms. They are not foolproof.
Smoke alarms may not waken all individuals. Practice the escape plan
at least twice a year, making sure that everyone is involved – from kids to
grandparents. Allow children to master fire escape planning and practice
before holding a fire drill at night when they are sleeping. If children or others
do not readily waken to the sound of the smoke alarm, or if there are infants
or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is
assigned to assist them in fire drill and in the event of an emergency. It is
recommended that you hold a fire drill while family members are sleeping in
order to determine their response to the sound of the smoke alarm while
sleeping and to determine whether they may need assistance in the event
of an emergency.
Smoke Alarms cannot work without power. Battery operated units cannot
work if the batteries are missing, disconnected or dead, if the wrong type
of batteries are used, or if the batteries are not installed correctly. AC units
cannot work if the AC power is cut off for any reason (open fuse or circuit
breaker, failure along a power line or at a power station, electrical fire that
burns the electrical wires, etc.). If you are concerned about the limitations
of battery or AC power, install both types of units.
Smoke Alarms cannot detect fires if the smoke does not reach the
Alarms. Smoke from fires in chimneys or walls, on roofs, or on the other side
of closed doors may not reach the sensing chamber and set off the Alarm.
That is why one unit should be installed inside each bedroom or sleeping
area—especially if bedroom or sleeping area doors are closed at night—and
in the hallway between them.
Smoke Alarms may not detect fire on another floor or area of the
dwelling. For example, a stand-alone unit on the second floor may not detect
smoke from a basement fire until the fire spreads. This may not give you
Continued...
6
of closed doors may not reach the sensing chamber and set off the Alarm.
That is why one unit should be installed inside each bedroom or sleeping
area—especially if bedroom or sleeping area doors are closed at night—and
in the hallway between them.
USER'S MANUAL
Smoke Alarms may not detect fire on another floor or area of the
dwelling. For example, a stand-alone unit on the second floor may not detect
SMOKE ALARMS
smoke from a basement fire until the fire spreads. This may not give you
enough time to escape safely. That is why recommended minimum protection
is at least one unit in every sleeping area, and every bedroom on every level
of your dwelling. Even with a unit on every floor, stand-alone units may not
AC Powered
provide as much protection as interconnected units, especially if the fire starts
in a remote area. Some safety experts recommend installing interconnected
Photo & Ion Smoke Alarm
AC powered units with battery back-up (see "About Smoke Alarms") or
~
professional fire detection systems, so if one unit senses smoke, all units
Input: 120V AC , 60Hz, 0.07A
alarm. Interconnected units may provide earlier warning than stand-alone
units since all units alarm when one detects smoke.
Model 3120B
Smoke Alarms may not be heard. Though the alarm horn in this unit meets
or exceeds current standards, it may not be heard if: 1) the unit is located
with Battery Back-Up and Silence
outside a closed or partially closed door, 2) residents recently consumed
alcohol or drugs, 3) the Alarm is drowned out by noise from stereo, TV, traffic,
air conditioner or other appliances, 4) residents are hearing impaired or sound
sleepers. Special purpose units, like those with visual and audible alarms,
should be installed for hearing impaired residents.
Smoke Alarms may not have time to alarm before the fire itself causes
damage, injury, or death, since smoke from some fires may not reach
the unit immediately. Examples of this include persons smoking in bed,
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE.
children playing with matches, or fires caused by violent explosions
This user's manual contains important information about your Smoke
resulting from escaping gas.
Alarm's operation. If you are installing this Smoke Alarm for use by
others, you must leave this manual—or a copy of it—with the end user.
Smoke Alarms are not foolproof. Like any electronic device, Smoke Alarms
are made of components that can wear out or fail at any time. You must test
the unit weekly to ensure your continued protection. Smoke Alarms cannot
prevent or extinguish fires. They are not a substitute for property or life
Printed in Mexico
insurance.
M08-0224-000 Q 11/10
Smoke Alarms have a limited life. The unit should be replaced immediately
if it is not operating properly. You should always replace a Smoke Alarm after
10 years from date of purchase. Write the purchase date on the space provided
on back of unit. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing First Alert
purchased a state of the art Smoke Alarm designed to provide you with an
LIMITED WARRANTY
early warning of a fire. Please take the time to read this manual and make
this Smoke Alarm an integral part of your family's safety plan.
BRK Brands, Inc., ("BRK") the maker of First Alert
Key Features of the 3120B Photo & Ion Combo Smoke Alarm:
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.
Photo & Ion Smoke Sensors: Dual photoelectric and ionization smoke
BRK, at its option, will repair or replace this product or any component of
sensing technologies for optimal sensing of smoke particles produced in
the product found to be defective during the warranty period. Replacement
both flaming and smoldering fires.
will be made with a new or remanufactured product or component. If the
Optipath 360 Technology
product is no longer available, replacement may be made with a similar
access to the smoke sensor.
product of equal or greater value. This is your exclusive warranty.
Two Silence Features: Low Battery Silence temporarily silences low
This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser from the date of initial
battery chirp for up to eight hours before replacing low battery.
retail purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales receipt.
Alarm Silence silences an unwanted alarm for several minutes.
Proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty performance.
Two Latching Features: Alarm Latch remembers which unit initiated an
BRK dealers, service centers, or retail stores selling BRK products do not
alarm. Low Battery Latch visually identifies which unit is in low battery
have the right to alter, modify or any way change the terms and conditions
of this warranty. condition.
Perfect Mount: Mounting bracket keeps alarm secure over a wide rotation
This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or damage resulting
range to allow for perfect alignment.
from any of the following: negligent use or misuse of the product, use on
improper voltage or current, use contrary to the operating instructions,
Battery back-up: Keeps alarm functioning during a power interruption
disassembly, repair or alteration by anyone other than BRK or an authorized
provided batteries are fresh and installed properly.
service center. Further, the warranty does not cover Acts of God, such as
© 2010 BRK Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by BRK Brands, Inc.
fire, flood, hurricanes and tornadoes or any batteries that are included with
3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122
this unit.
Consumer Affairs: (800) 323-9005
BRK shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages
www.firstalert.com • www.brkelectronics.com
caused by the breach of any express or implied warranty. Except to the
extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of merchantability
All First Alert and BRK
®
or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration to the duration of
requirements, including UL217 and are designed to detect particles of
the above warranty. Some states, provinces or jurisdictions do not allow
combustion. Smoke particles of varying number and size are produced
the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or
in all fires.
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
Ionization technology is generally more sensitive than photoelectric
rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state or
technology at detecting small particles, which tend to be produced
province to province.
in greater amounts by flaming fires, which consume combustible
materials rapidly and spread quickly. Sources of these fires may include
How to Obtain Warranty Service
paper burning in a wastebasket, or a grease fire in the kitchen.
Service: If service is required, do not return the product to your retailer.
Photoelectric technology is generally more sensitive than ionization
In order to obtain warranty service, contact the Consumer Affairs Division
technology at detecting large particles, which tend to be produced in
at 1-800-323-9005, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Central Standard Time, Monday
greater amounts by smoldering fires, which may smolder for hours
through Friday. To assist us in serving you, please have the model number
before bursting into flame. Sources of these fires may include cigarettes
and date of purchase available when calling.
burning in couches or bedding.
For Warranty Service return to:
BRK Brands, Inc., 25 Spur Drive, El Paso, TX 79906
For maximum protection, use both types of Smoke Alarms on each
level and in every bedroom of your home.
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.
FIRE SAFETY TIPS
Follow safety rules and prevent hazardous situations: 1) Use smoking
First Alert is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust.
®
materials properly. Never smoke in bed. 2) Keep matches or lighters away
BRK is a registered trademark of BRK Brands, Inc.
®
from children; 3) Store flammable materials in proper containers;
4) Keep electrical appliances in good condition and don't overload electrical
circuits; 5) Keep stoves, barbecue grills, fireplaces and chimneys grease-
and debris-free; 6) Never leave anything cooking on the stove unattended;
7) Keep portable heaters and open flames, like candles, away from flammable
materials; 8) Don't let rubbish accumulate.
Keep alarms clean, and test them weekly. Replace alarms immediately if they
are not working properly. Smoke Alarms that do not work cannot alert you to a
fire. Keep at least one working fire extinguisher on every floor, and an additional
LISTED TO
UL 217
STANDARD
for your Smoke Alarm needs. You have
®
brand and BRK
®
: Patented technology provides 360˚ of direct
TM
Smoke Alarms conform to regulatory
®
Printed in Mexico M08-0224-000 Q 11/10
7
Model 3120B
brand
®