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PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE
This user's manual contains important information about your Alarm's operation. If you are installing the Alarm for use by others, you must leave this manual — or a copy of it — with the end user.
Key features include:
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Combination Alarm. One alarm protects against two deadly household threats.
Intelligent Sensing Technology designed to help reduce unwanted or nuisance alarms.
Smart Interconnect can be interconnected to BRK Smoke Alarms. One interconnect wire carries both smoke and CO alarm signals.
Single Button Test/Silence eliminates confusion. Depending on what mode the alarm is in, pushing the button provides different functions such as testing the alarm, silencing the alarm, re-testing the alarm when in silence and clearing the Latching feature.
Latching Alarm Indicator easily identifies initiating alarm even after the alarm condition has subsided.
Perfect Mount System includes a gasketless base for easy installation and a new mounting bracket that keeps the alarm secure over a wide rotation range to allow for perfect alignment.
Dust Cover is included to keep the alarm clean during construction.
Easy Installation/Maintenance features include a large opening in the mounting bracket for easy access to wiring. A battery pull tab that keeps the battery fresh until the home is occupied. A Side Load Battery Drawer allows for easy battery replacement without removing the alarm from the ceiling or wall.
Improved UV Resistance keeps the alarm from discoloring over time.
All BRK® and 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: 1) Use smoking materials properly. Never smoke in bed. 2) Keep matches or lighters away 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 one in the kitchen. Have fire escape ladders or other reliable means of escape from an upper floor in case stairs are blocked.
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.
In general, install combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms:
Recommended Placement
SUGGESTED AREAS FOR INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS, CO ALARMS, AND COMBO UNITS
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.
In new construction AC and AC/DC smoke alarms MUST be interconnected to meet NFPA recommendations.
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.
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.
On a peaked, gabled, or cathedral ceiling, install the 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 unit is designed to be mounted on any standard wiring junction box up to a 4-inch (10 cm) size, on either the ceiling or wall. Read "Where to Install This Alarm" and "Where This Alarm Should Not Be Installed " before you begin installation. If a junction box is not already in place, install one using standard #12 or #14 gauge copper wire.
Find the pair of self-adhesive labels included with this Smoke/CO Alarm.
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."
PARTS OF THIS SMOKE/CO ALARM
*Not Included
Tools you will need: Standard Flathead screwdriver, wire strippers.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Turn off power to the area where you will install this unit at the circuit breaker or fuse box before beginning installation. Failure to turn off the power before installation may result in serious electrical shock, injury or death.
To install this unit:
If any unit in the series does not alarm during testing, TURN OFF POWER, REMOVE BATTERIES, and recheck connections. If it does not alarm when you restore power, replace it immediately.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCONNECTED ALARMS
Interconnected units can provide earlier warning of a Smoke/CO problem than stand-alone units, especially if the problem starts in a remote area of the dwelling. If any unit in the series senses Smoke/CO, all units will alarm. To determine which Smoke/CO Alarm initiated an alarm, refer to the table.
During an Alarm:
On Initiating Alarm(s) – Red LED(s) flashes (flash) rapidly
On All Other Alarms – Red LED is Off
After an Alarm (Latching):
On Initiating Alarm(s) – Green LED(s) On, Red LED(s) flash once every 5 seconds
On All Other Alarms – Green LED(s) On, Red LED(s) is Off
Compatible Interconnected Units
Interconnect units within a single family residence only. Otherwise all households will experience unwanted alarms when you test any unit in the series. Interconnected units will only work if they are wired to compatible units and all requirements are met. This unit is designed to be compatible with: BRK Electronics® Smoke Alarm Models 9120, 9120B, 7010, 7010B, 7020B, 4120, 4120B, 4120SB, 4919, 2002RAC, 100S, 5919, 5919TH; BRK Electronics® Heat Alarm Models HD6135F, HD6135FB; BRK Electronics® CO Alarm Models CO5120BN, CO5120PDBN; Smoke/CO Alarm Model SC6120B, SC9120B; and First Alert® Smoke Alarm Models SA4120, SA4120B, SA4121B, SA4919B, SA100B, SC7010B, SC7010BV; Accessory devices models RM3, RM4, SL177.
Interconnected units must meet ALL of the following requirements:
The optional locking features are designed to discourage unauthorized removal of the battery or alarm. It is not necessary to activate the locks in single-family households where unauthorized battery or alarm removal is not a concern.
These Smoke/CO Alarms have two separate locking features: one locks the battery compartment, and the other locks the Smoke/CO Alarm to the mounting bracket. You can choose to use either feature independently, or use them both.
Tools you will need:
Both locking features use locking pins, molded into the mounting bracket. Using needle nose pliers or a utility knife, remove one or both pins, depending on which locking features you use.
TO LOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT:
Do not lock the battery compartment until you have activated the battery and tested the battery back-up.
TO UNLOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT:
Once the Smoke/CO Alarm is installed, you must disconnect it from the AC power before unlocking the battery compartment.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Turn off the power to the area where the Smoke/CO Alarm is installed before removing it from the mounting bracket. Failure to turn off the power first may result in serious electrical shock, injury or death.
When replacing the battery, always test the Smoke/CO Alarm before re-locking the battery compartment.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Turn off the power to the area where the Smoke/CO Alarm is installed before removing it from the mounting bracket. Failure to turn off the power first may result in serious electrical shock, injury or death.
Always discharge the branch circuit before servicing an AC or AC/DC Smoke/CO Alarm. First, turn off the AC power at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Next, remove the battery from Smoke/CO Alarms with battery back-up. Finally, press and hold the test button.
Insert the flathead screwdriver between the locking pin and the lock, and pry the pin out of the lock.
Condition | LED (Red or Green Lights) | Horn |
POWER UP | Green LED flashes ON once, then shines continuously | Horn remains silent |
DURING TESTING | Smoke & CO Red LEDs flash once every second during their respective repetitive horn patterns | Horn pattern: (Smoke) 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause; (CO) 4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps, pause |
LOW OR MISSING BATTERY | Green LED flashes (with horn) | Horn "chirps" about once a minute |
ALARM CONDITION Interconnected Series of Smoke/CO Alarms | Smoke or CO Red LED flashes rapidly on the unit that triggered the alarm. LEDs on the other alarms in an interconnected series will not flash. | Horn pattern: (CO) 4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps, pause repeating on all CO Alarms and "Smart Interconnect" Alarms; (Smoke) 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause repeating on all Smoke, Heat, and "Smart Interconnect" Alarms |
IN ALARM SILENCE MODE | Red Smoke or CO LED flashes once every second on initiating unit | Horn remains silent: CO for 4 minutes; Smoke for up to 15 minutes. Horn will sound if Smoke or CO levels increase. |
"LATCHING" ALARM INDICATOR | Red Smoke and/or CO LED flashes once every 5 seconds | Horn remains silent |
MALFUNCTION | Green LED flashes 3 times synchronized with 3 rapid chirps | Horn sounds 3 consecutive rapid chirps every minute |
Type of Alarm | What You See and Hear |
Carbon Monoxide (CO) | CO Light: Flashing RED Horn: 4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps, pause |
Smoke | Smoke Light: Flashing RED Horn: 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause |
"ALARM-MOVE TO FRESH AIR"
If you hear the alarm horn sound 4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps, pause, and the RED CO light is flashing, move everyone to a source of fresh air.
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 SOUNDS:
If you hear the alarm horn sound 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause and the RED SMOKE light is flashing, smoke has been detected. Evacuate everyone from the building.
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 remain OFF on any remaining units.
If the unit alarms, get everyone out of the dwelling immediately.
If the unit alarms and you are certain that the source of smoke is not a fire—cooking smoke or an extremely dusty furnace, for example—open a nearby 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 unit will reset itself automatically.
Alarms have various limitations. See "General Limitations of Smoke/CO Alarms" for details.
This Alarm includes "Smart Interconnect" which enables the Alarm to be interconnected with other BRK Smoke, Heat, and "Smart Interconnect" CO Alarms. When smoke is detected, 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 "Smart Interconnect" Feature will remain silent during a CO alarm.
NEVER disconnect the power to your Smoke/CO Alarm to silence the horn—use the Silence Feature. Disconnecting the Smoke/CO Alarm removes your protection! If the unit will not silence or if it stays in silence mode continuously, it should be replaced immediately.
To silence Alarms in an interconnected series:
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; 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 series.
WHEN THE SMOKE ALARM IS SILENCED...
The Smoke Alarm will remain silent for up to 15 minutes and then return to normal operation. If the smoke has not cleared within the silence period or if smoke increases to a critical level during the silence period, the unit will go back into alarm.
Use the Silence Feature only if you are certain of the source of smoke. If you are not certain of the source or a fire starts while you are clearing smoke, evacuate the house immediately. Not responding to an alarm can result in property loss, injury, or death.
WHEN THE CO ALARM IS SILENCED...
The CO Alarm will remain silent for 4 minutes. While the Alarm is silenced, it will continue to monitor the air for CO. After 4 minutes, if CO levels remain potentially dangerous the horn will start sounding again.
The Silence Feature is intended to temporarily silence the Alarm horn.
It will not correct a CO problem.
LOW BATTERY SILENCE FEATURE
This Silence Feature can temporarily quiet the low battery warning "chirp" for up to 8 hours if AC power is present. Press the Test/Silence button on the Alarm cover until you hear the acknowledge "chirp". 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. The Alarm will continue to operate as long as AC power is supplied. However, replace the battery as soon as possible, to maintain protection in event of a power outage.
The Latching Alarm Indicator is activated after an Alarm is exposed to alarm levels of smoke or carbon monoxide. This feature will only work with AC power. After smoke or CO levels drop below alarm levels, the red smoke or CO LED will begin to flash once every 5 seconds. It will continue to flash or "latch" until you clear it by testing the alarm. This feature helps emergency responders, investigators, or service technicians identify which unit(s) in your home were exposed to alarm levels of smoke or carbon monoxide. This can help investigators pinpoint the source of smoke or CO.
Interconnected Alarms. Latching Alarm Indicator shows which Alarm(s) in the series were exposed to alarm levels of smoke or carbon monoxide. The Latching Alarm Indicator stays ON until you clear it, so it can alert you to an alarm that occurred while you were away from home, even though smoke or CO present in the air has dropped below alarm levels.
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.
If the Smoke/CO Alarm does not test properly:
If the Smoke/CO Alarm is still not working properly, replace it immediately. Refer to the "Limited Warranty" at the end of this manual.
If there is still a problem, do not try to fix the Alarm yourself. This will void your warranty!
Use only the replacement batteries listed below. The unit may not operate properly with other batteries. Never use rechargeable batteries since they may not provide a constant charge.
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:
DO NOT spray cleaning chemicals or insect sprays directly on or near the Alarm. DO NOT paint over the Alarm. Doing so may permanently damage the Alarm.
CHOOSING A REPLACEMENT BATTERY:
Your Smoke/CO Alarm requires one standard 9V battery. The following batteries are acceptable as replacements: Duracell #MN1604, (Ultra) #MX1604; Eveready (Energizer) #522. You may also use a Lithium battery like the Ultralife U9VL-J for longer service life between battery changes. These batteries are available at many local retail stores.
Actual battery service life depends on the Smoke/CO Alarm and the environment in which it is installed. All the batteries specified above are acceptable replacement batteries for this unit. Regardless of the manufacturer's suggested battery life, you MUST replace the battery immediately once the unit starts "chirping" (the "low battery warning").
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.
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.
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.
WHAT LEVELS OF CO CAUSE AN ALARM?
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Standard UL2034 requires residential CO Alarms to sound when exposed to levels of CO and exposure times as described below. They are measured in parts per million (ppm) of CO over time (in minutes).
UL2034 Required Alarm Points*:
* Approximately 10% COHb exposure at levels of 10% to 95% Relative Humidity (RH).
The unit is designed not to alarm when exposed to a constant level of 30 ppm for 30 days.
CO Alarms are designed to alarm before there is an immediate life threat. Since you cannot see or smell CO, never assume it's not present.
Standards: Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Single and Multiple Station carbon monoxide alarms UL2034.
According to Underwriters Laboratories Inc. UL2034, Section 1-1.2: "Carbon monoxide alarms covered by these requirements are intended to respond to the presence of carbon monoxide from sources such as, but not limited to, exhaust from internal-combustion engines, abnormal operation of fuel-fired appliances, and fireplaces. CO Alarms are intended to alarm at carbon monoxide levels below those that could cause a loss of ability to react to the dangers of Carbon Monoxide exposure." This CO Alarm monitors the air at the Alarm, and is designed to alarm before CO levels become life threatening. This allows you precious time to leave the house and correct the problem. This is only possible if Alarms are located, installed, and maintained as described in this manual.
Gas Detection at Typical Temperature and Humidity Ranges: The CO Alarm is not formulated to detect CO levels below 30 ppm typically.
Audible Alarm: 85dB minimum at 10 feet (3 meters).
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˚ C) and 100˚ F (38˚ 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.
For minimum security install one Smoke 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. Smoke Alarms should be installed where temperatures normally remain between 40˚ F (4˚ C) and 100˚ F (38˚ C).
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 used in RVs as described may remove your protection.
This equipment should be installed in accordance with NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 72 and 101. National Fire Protection Association, One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101. Additional local building and regulatory codes may apply in your area. Always check compliance requirements before beginning any installation.
NFPA 72 (National Fire Code)
Smoke Alarms shall be installed in each separate sleeping room, outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each additional story of the family living unit, including basements and excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics.
In new construction, Alarms shall be so arranged that operation of any one Alarm shall cause the operation of all Alarms within the dwelling.
Smoke Detection-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 the use of additional Smoke Alarms for those areas for increased protection. The additional areas include the basement, bedrooms, dining room, furnace room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the required Smoke Alarms. The installation of Smoke Alarms in kitchens, attics (finished or unfinished), or garages is not normally recommended, as these locations occasionally experience conditions that can result in improper operation.
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.
Battery (DC) operated Smoke Alarms: Provide protection even when electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed.
Units are easy to install, and do not require professional installation. However, they do not provide interconnected functionality.
AC powered Smoke Alarms: Can be interconnected so if one unit senses smoke, all units alarm. They do not operate if electricity fails. AC with battery (DC) back-up: will operate if electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed. AC and AC/DC units must be installed by a qualified electrician.
Wireless Interconnected Alarms: Offer the same interconnected functionality as with hardwired alarms, without wires. Units are easy to install and do not require professional installation. They provide protection even when electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed.
Smoke Alarms for Solar or Wind Energy users and battery backup power systems: AC powered Smoke Alarms should only be operated with true or pure sine wave inverters. Operating this Smoke Alarm with most battery-powered UPS (uninterruptible power supply) products or square wave or "quasi sine wave" inverters will damage the Alarm. If you are not sure about your inverter or UPS type, please consult with the manufacturer to verify.
Smoke Alarms for the hearing impaired: Special purpose Smoke Alarms should be installed for the hearing impaired. They include a visual alarm and an audible alarm horn, and meet the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act. These units can be interconnected so if one unit senses smoke, all units alarm.
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.
This unit alone is not a suitable substitute for complete fire detection systems in places housing many people—like apartment buildings, condominiums, hotels, motels, dormitories, hospitals, long-term health care facilities, nursing homes, day care facilities, or group homes of any kind—even if they were once single-family homes. It is not a suitable substitute for complete fire detection systems in warehouses, industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and special-purpose non-residential buildings which require special fire detection and alarm systems. Depending on the building codes in your area, this unit may be used to provide additional protection in these facilities.
The following information applies to all four types of buildings listed below:
In new construction, most building codes require the use of AC or AC/DC powered Smoke Alarms only. AC, AC/DC, or DC powered Smoke Alarms can be used in existing construction as specified by local building codes. Refer to NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), local building codes, or consult your Fire Department for detailed fire protection requirements in buildings not defined as "households."
This Smoke/CO Alarm is intended for residential use. It is not intended for use in industrial applications where Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for Carbon Monoxide Alarms must be met. The Smoke Alarm portion of this device is not intended to alert hearing impaired residents. Special purpose Smoke Alarms should be installed for hearing impaired residents (CO Alarms are not yet available for the hearing impaired).
Smoke/CO 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/CO 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/CO Alarm while sleeping and to determine whether they may need assistance in the event of an emergency.
Smoke/CO 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.
This Smoke/CO Alarm will not sense smoke or CO that does not reach the sensors. It will only sense smoke or CO at the sensor. Smoke or CO may be present in other areas. Doors or other obstructions may affect the rate at which CO or smoke reaches the sensors. If bedroom doors are usually closed at night, we recommend you install an alarm device (Combination CO and Smoke Alarm, or separate CO Alarms and Smoke Alarms) in each bedroom and in the hallway between them.
This Smoke/CO Alarm may not sense smoke or CO on another level of the home. Example: This alarm device, installed on the second floor, may not sense smoke or CO in the basement. For this reason, one alarm device may not give adequate early warning. Recommended minimum protection is one alarm device in every sleeping area, every bedroom, and on every level of your home. Some experts recommend battery powered Smoke and CO Alarms be used in conjunction with interconnected AC powered Smoke Alarms. For details, see "About Smoke Alarms" for details.
Smoke/CO Alarms may not be heard. The alarm horn loudness meets or exceeds current UL standards of 85 dB at 10 feet (3 meters). However, if the Smoke/CO Alarm is installed outside the bedroom, it may not wake up a sound sleeper or one who has recently used drugs or has been drinking alcoholic beverages. This is especially true if the door is closed or only partly open. Even persons who are awake may not hear the alarm horn if the sound is blocked by distance or closed doors. Noise from traffic, stereo, radio, television, air conditioner, or other appliances may also prevent alert persons from hearing the alarm horn. This Smoke/CO Alarm is not intended for people who are hearing impaired.
The Alarm 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, children playing with matches, or fires caused by violent explosions resulting from escaping gas.
This Smoke/CO Alarm is not a substitute for life insurance. Though this Smoke/CO Alarm warns against increasing CO levels or the presence of smoke, BRK Brands, Inc. does not warrant or imply in any way that they will protect lives. Homeowners and renters must still insure their lives.
This Smoke/CO Alarm has a limited life. Although this Smoke/CO Alarm and all of its parts have passed many stringent tests and are designed to be as reliable as possible, any of these parts could fail at any time. Therefore, you must test this device weekly. The unit should be replaced immediately if it is not operating properly.
This Smoke/CO Alarm is not foolproof. Like all other electronic devices, this Smoke/CO Alarm has limitations. It can only detect smoke or CO that reaches the sensors. It may not give early warning of the source of smoke or CO is in a remote part of the home, away from the alarm device.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Turn off the power to the area where the Alarm is installed BEFORE removing it from the mounting bracket or checking any electrical connections! Failure to turn off the power first may result in serious electrical shock, injury or death.
If your Alarm does this... | It means... | You should... |
Green light is OFF. Unit will not alarm when you press the Test/Silence button. | Unit may not be receiving any power. | Check the AC power supply. Make sure the power connector is securely attached to the alarm. Make sure a fresh 9V battery is installed to power the battery back-up*. |
Green light flashes ON, once a minute (horn is silent). | Alarm is not receiving AC power. | Unit is operating on battery back-up. Check the AC power supply. |
Once a minute, the Green light flashes and the horn "chirps". | Low battery warning. Battery is low or missing. | Replace the battery, avoid interrupting AC power. |
Once a minute, the alarm sounds 3 quick "chirps", and the green light flashes quickly three times. | MALFUNCTION SIGNAL. Unit needs to be replaced. Based on self-diagnostic tests, the unit has detected a fault. | Units under warranty should be returned to manufacturer for replacement. See "Limited Warranty" for details. |
Alarm goes back into alarm after you pressed the Test/Silence button to silence an alarm. | Smoke and/or CO levels are still potentially dangerous. | Refer to "If Your Smoke/CO Alarm Sounds" for details on how to respond to an alarm. If anyone is feeling ill, EVACUATE your home immediately and call 911. |
Alarm sounds frequently even though no high levels of smoke or CO are revealed in an investigation. | The Alarm may be improperly located. Refer to "Where to Install This Alarm." | Relocate your alarm. If frequent alarms continue, have home rechecked for potential problems. You may be experiencing an intermittent smoke or CO problem. |
*For a list of acceptable replacement batteries, see "Regular Maintenance."
If you have any questions that cannot be answered by reading this manual, call Consumer Affairs: 1-800-323-9005.
BRK Brands, Inc., ("BRK") the maker of BRK® brand and First Alert® brand products, warrants that for a period of five 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, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday. To assist us in serving you, please have the model number and date of purchase available when calling.
For Warranty Service return to: BRK Brands, Inc., 25 Spur Drive, El Paso, TX 79906
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.
For your records, please record:
Date Purchased: _______________________________
Where Purchased: __________________________________________
Date Installed: ____________/____________Month/Year
Replacement date is five years after installation: ________/______ Month/Year
NOTE: End of Life Signal — Once the unit reaches the end of its lifecycle, the MALFUNCTION SIGNAL will sound once a minute to indicate the need to immediately replace the Alarm.
BRK Electronics® is a registered trademark of BRK Brands, Inc.
First Alert® is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust.
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
Download FIRST ALERT Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Alarm SC9120B Manual
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