First Alert FA120C Manual

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

General
You've made a wise decision in choosing it, for it represents the latest in security protection technology today, including microcomputer technology to monitor all system status.
Basically, this system offers you three forms of protection: burglary, fire and emergency. Your system may consist of at least one keypad which provides full control of system operation, plus various devices such as door and window sensors and motion detectors. It may also include a selected number of smoke or combustion detectors designed to provide early warning in case of fire. Your system may also have been programmed to automatically transmit alarm or status messages over the phone lines to a central alarm monitoring station.

Keypads
Your keypads allow you to control all system functions and feature a telephone style (digital) keypad and a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) that shows the nature and location of all occurrences and a built-in sounder which sounds during alarms and troubles.
For additional information, see the following section: ABOUT THE KEYPADS.

Zones
Your system's sensing devices have been assigned to various "zones". For example, the sensing device on your Entry/Exit door may have been assigned to zone 01, sensing devices on windows in the master bedroom to zone 02, and so on. These zone numbers will appear on the display when an alarm or trouble condition occurs.

Alarms
When an alarm occurs, both the keypad and external sounders will sound, and a message at the keypad will identify the zone(s) causing the alarm. In addition, if your system is connected to a central monitoring station, an alarm message will be sent. To stop the alarm sounding, you simply disarm the system.

Fire Protection
The fire protection portion of your security system (if used) is always on and will sound an alarm if a fire condition is detected. Refer to the FIRE ALARM SYSTEM section for important information concerning fire protection, smoke detectors and planning emergency exit routes from your premises.

Burglary Protection
The burglary protection portion of your system must be turned on or "armed" before it will sense burglary alarm conditions and sound an alarm. Your system can be armed in one of four modes: STAY, AWAY, INSTANT and MAXIMUM. Refer to the ARMING THE SYSTEM sections for instructions in using these modes of operation.
Your system also provides a CHIME mode for alerting you to the opening and closing of doors and windows while the system is disarmed.

Memory Of Alarm
When an alarm or trouble condition occurs, the keypad displays the number(s) of the zone(s) that caused the problem, and displays the type of alarm or trouble (ex. FIRE, ALARM, CHECK). The display remains until it is cleared by entering the OFF sequence (security code + OFF key) twice.

Pager Notification
If the paging feature has been programmed for your system, a pager will respond to certain conditions as they occur in your system, and display code numbers indicating the type of condition that has occurred, as follows:
1811 = Trouble 1911 = Alarm
1001 = Open 1002 = Close
Check with your installer for additional information.

ABOUT THE KEYPADS

Keypad Types
All commands and procedures described herein are illustrated for FixedWord Display keypads, however, an Alpha Display keypad (with a 2-line LCD display for more detailed protection point identification and system status, but with similar commands and procedures) is available and might have been used instead.

Keypad Styles
Unless noted otherwise, all procedures in this manual apply equally to all keypad types and styles.
Fixed-Word keypads are available in two styles, A and B, either of which may have been used in your system. Although different in appearance, both styles are functionally similar. The keypads on style B keypads are located behind a flip-down door which can be removed, if desired. Words displayed on all Fixed-Word keypads are the same, except that their location in the display window differs slightly with each style.
Note: Style B keypads are equipped with a READY indicator in place of the POWER indicator on style A keypads. The READY indicator is lit when the system is ready for arming (no protection zones open). While the system is disarmed, this indicator will go on and off as protection zones are opened and closed.

STYLE A FIXED-WORD KEYPADS

STYLE B FIXED-WORD KEYPAD

SUMMARY OF SYSTEM STATUS DISPLAYS

STYLE A KEYPAD DISPLAY

STYLE B KEYPAD DISPLAY

SUMMARY OF KEYPAD FUNCTIONS

1. DISPLAY WINDOW: Displays protection zone ID and system status messages.
2. OFF KEY : Disarms burglary portion of the system, silences alarms and audible trouble indicators, and clears visual display after problem's correction.
3. AWAY KEY : Arms the entire burglary system, perimeter and interior.
4. STAY KEY : Arms perimeter portion of burglary system only. Interior protection is not armed, which allows movement within premises without causing alarm.
5. MAXIMUM KEY : Arms in manner similar to AWAY mode, but without the entry delay feature, thus providing maximum protection. An alarm will occur immediately upon opening any protection point, including the main door.
6. TEST KEY : Tests the system and alarm sounder if disarmed. Refer to TESTING THE SYSTEM section for test procedures.
7. BYPASS KEY : Removes individual protection zones from being monitored by the system.
8. INSTANT KEY : Arms in manner similar to STAY mode, but without the entry delay feature. Entering via the main door will cause an instant alarm.

9. CODE KEY : Used to assign additional user codes for other users of the system.
10. CHIME KEY : Turns CHIME mode on and off. When on, the opening of windows or doors while the system is disarmed will sound 3 beeps at the keypad(s).
11. READY KEY : Displays all open protection zones.
12. KEY: "Quick Arm" key permits ARMING of the system without use of a security code (if so programmed).
13. KEYS 0-9: Used to enter your security code(s).
14. READY INDICATOR: (GREEN) Lit when the system is ready to be armed (no faults present). While the system is disarmed, this indicator will go on and off as protection zones are closed and opened.
    Note: On some keypads (Style A) there is, instead, a POWER INDICATOR (GREEN) which is lit when AC power is present. If the indicator is off, the system may still be operating, but on its backup battery power. See Power Failure in TROUBLE CONDITIONS section.

† Note: Keys through each perform their associated companion functions (OFF, AWAY, STAY, etc.) when preceded by an entry of the security code (as described later).

15. ARMED INDICATOR: (RED). Lit when the system has been armed (STAY, AWAY INSTANT or MAXIMUM).
16. INTERNAL SOUNDER: The built-in keypad sounder mimics the alarm sounder during alarms, and will also "beep" during certain system functions. (see SUMMARY OF AUDIBLE/ VISUAL NOTIFICATION ).
17. EMERGENCY KEYS: Individual keys A, B, and C (key D not used). On some keypads, these keys are not present, and the following key pairs may be available, instead, for emergency functions:
    
    Some or all of these keys/pairs may be programmed for panic functions by your installer (see PANIC KEYS section).

When entering codes and commands, sequential key depressions must be made within 2 seconds of one another. If 2 seconds elapses without a key depression, the entry is aborted and must be repeated from its beginning.

SECURITY CODES

General
At the time of installation, your installer programmed a personal four-digit Master code, known only to you and yours. This code is used to perform most system functions, including arming and disarming of the system. As an additional safety feature, temporary user codes can be assigned (see next page) for use by those not having a need to know the Master code. Note that the Master code remains in effect even when other user codes are assigned.

Duress Code
This feature is intended for use when you are forced to disarm or arm the system under threat. When used, the system will act normally, but can silently notify the central station of your situation, if that service has been provided. The Duress code is defined as user number 8.

The Duress code is useful only when connected to a central station.
Ask your installer if "Duress" is active for your system, and if so, check here:

Quick Arming
If your system supports "Quick Arming", the "#" key can be pressed in place of the security code when arming the system. The security code is always required, however, when disarming the system.
Ask your installer if "Quick Arming" is active for your system, and if so, check here:

To Assign, Change, or Delete User Codes
4-DIGIT USER CODES
It is recommended that obvious codes such as 1 1 1 1 or 1 2 3 4 not be assigned.

Temporary users should not be shown how to use any system function they do not need to know (e.g., bypassing protection zones).

1. Enter your Master code and press theCODE key.
2. Enter single-digit User Number (2—7) for which a code is to beassigned, changed, or deleted.
3. If assigning or changing a user's code, enter the desired 4-digit code for use by that User Number. The keypad will beep once.
   If deleting a user's code, perform steps 1 & 2 and stop. In a few moments the keypad will beep once, indicating that the existing code has been deleted.

To assign your Duress code, do the following:
Enter your [Master code] + [8] + [8] + [desired 4-digit code]. The keypad will beep once.
The Master code can be changed by the main user of the system. To change it, do the following:
Enter your [Master code] + [8] + [1] + [new Master code] + [new Master code] again. The keypad will beep once.

ENTRY/EXIT DELAYS

General Information
Your system has preset time delays, known as exit delay and entry delay. When you arm your system, exit delay gives you time to leave through the main door without setting off an alarm. Entry delay gives you time to disarm the system when you reenter through the main door. The system must be disarmed, however, before the entry delay period ends, or an alarm will occur. The keypad will beep slowly during the entry delay period, reminding you to disarm the system.
You can also arm the system with no entry delay at all by using either INSTANT or MAXIMUM arming modes. These modes can provide greater security while you are sleeping or while you are away for extended periods of time.
See your installer for your delay times and record them here:
Exit Delay: seconds
Entry Delay: seconds

CHECKING FOR OPEN ZONES

Using the READY Key
Before your system can be armed, all protected doors, windows and other protection zones must be closed or bypassed (see BYPASSING PROTECTION ZONES section), otherwise the keypad will display a "Not Ready" message, and if your keypad has a READY indicator light, it will not be lit. The READY key can be used to display all faulted zones, making it easier for you to secure any open zone.
To display faulted zones, simply press and release the READY key (do not enter code first). Secure or bypass the zones displayed before arming the system.
A "Ready" message will be displayed when all protection zones have been either closed or bypassed and the keypad's READY indicator light (if present) will be lit.

BYPASSING PROTECTION ZONES

Using the BYPASS Key
LIMITATION
The system will not allow fire zones to be bypassed.
All bypasses are removed when an OFF sequence (security code plus OFF) is performed.
This key is used when you want to arm your system with one or more zones intentionally unprotected. The system must be disarmed first.

1. Enter your security code and press the BYPASS key.
2. Enter zone number(s) for the zone(s) to be bypassed (e.g., 06, 10, 13, etc.). Single digit zone numbers must be preceded by a zero (e.g. 05, 06).
3. When finished, the keypad will display a "Bypass" message along with each bypassed zone number, accompanied by a beep for each. Wait for these zones to be displayed, to confirm their bypass.
4. Arm the system as usual.
   Bypassed zones are unprotected and will not cause an alarm if violated while your system is armed.

ARMING PERIMETER ONLY

1. Enter your security code and press theINSTANT key.
2. The keypad beeps three times and displays the armed message. Thered ARMED indicator lights.
3. The system arms. An alarm sounds immediately if any protectedperimeter door or window is then opened, but you may otherwise move freely throughout the premises.

An alarm sounds immediately if anyone opens an entry/exit door.

ARMING ALL PROTECTION

WITH ENTRY DELAY ON
Using the AWAY Key
BEFORE ARMING close all doors and windows (see CHECKING FOR OPEN ZONES).
Use this key when no one will be staying inside.

1. Enter your security code and press the AWAY key.
2. The keypad beeps twice and displays the armed message. The red ARMED indicator lights.
3. You may leave through an entry/exit door during the exit delay period without causing an alarm. After exit delay, the system arms and sounds an alarm if a protected window or non-entry/exit door is then opened, or if any movement is detected inside your premises.

You may reenter through an entry/exit door, but must disarm the system within the entry delay period to avoid an alarm.

WITH ENTRY DELAY OFF
Using the MAXIMUM Key
BEFORE ARMING close all doors and windows (see CHECKING FOR OPEN ZONES).
Use this key when the premises will be vacant for extended periods of time such as vacations, etc., or when retiring for the night and no one will be moving through protected interior areas.

1. Enter your security code and press the MAXIMUM key.
2. The keypad beeps twice and displays the armed message. The red ARMED indicator lights.
3. You may leave through an entry/exit door during the exit delay period without causing an alarm. After exit delay, the system arms and sounds an alarm immediately if any protected door or window is opened, or if any movement is detected inside your premises.

An alarm sounds immediately, when someone reenters.

DISARMING THE SYSTEM AND SILENCING ALARMS

Using the OFF Key

If you return and the main burglary sounder is on:
DO NOT ENTER, but
CONTACT THE POLICE
from a nearby safe location. If you return after an alarm has occurred and the main sounder
has shut itself off: the keypad will beep rapidly
upon your entering, indicating that an alarm has occurred during your absence
(the Memory of Alarm feature).
LEAVE IMMEDIATELY, and CONTACT THE POLICE
from a nearby safe location. WHEN SAFE TO DO SO, re-enter and follow the procedure for silencing an alarm.

The OFF key is used to disarm the system and to silence alarm and trouble sounds. To Disarm the System
Enter your security code and press the OFF key. The "Ready" message will be displayed, and the keypad will emit a single tone to confirm that the system is disarmed.
To Silence a Burglary Alarm
SEE IMPORTANT NOTE AT LEFT!
Enter your security code and press the OFF key to silence the alarm (or warning tones of a Memory of Alarm). Note the zone in alarm on the keypad display, and make that zone intact (close door, window, etc.). Now enter the security code plus OFF sequence again to clear the keypad's Memory of Alarm display. If the display will not clear and does not provide a "Ready" message, notify the alarm agency.
To Silence a Fire Alarm simply press the OFF key (the security code is not needed to silence FIRE alarms). To then clear the keypad's Memory of Alarm display, enter your security code and press the OFF key.
See additional fire alarm information.
See the SUMMARY OF AUDIBLE/VISUAL NOTIFICATION section for information which will help you to distinguish between FIRE (Interrupted/Pulsed) and BURGLARY (Continuous/Steady) alarm sounds.

USING THE KEYSWITCH

CHIME MODE

Using the CHIME Key
This feature can be used only while the burglary system is disarmed.
Your system can be set to alert you to the opening of a door or window while it is disarmed by using CHIME mode. When activated, three tones will sound at the keypad whenever a protected door or window is opened. Pressing the READY key will display the open points.
To turn Chime Mode on, enter the security code and press the CHIME key. The CHIME message will appear.
To turn Chime Mode off, enter the security code and press the CHIME key again. The CHIME message will disappear.

Using Panic Keys
(for manually activating silent and/or audible alarms)
TO INITIATE A PANIC FUNCTION AT ANY TIME OF DAY OR NIGHT:
Press an active lettered key for at least two seconds. or Press both keys of an active pair at the same time.

Your system may have been programmed to use special keys or combinations of keys to manually activate emergency (panic) functions. The functions that might be programmed are: Silent Emergency, Audible Emergency, Personal Emergency, and Fire.
A silent emergency will send a silent alarm signal to the central station, but there will be no audible alarms or visual displays.
An audible emergency will sound a loud, steady alarm at your keypad(s) and at any external sounders that may be connected (ALARM plus a zone number would also be displayed).
A personal emergency alarm will send an emergency message to the central station (if connected) and will sound at keypad(s), but not at external bells or sirens.
A fire alarm will send a fire alarm message to the central station and will uniquely sound at keypad(s) and external bells and sirens (FIRE plus a zone number would also be displayed).

SEE YOUR INSTALLER AND NOTE HERE THE KEY(S) & FUNCTION(S) PROGRAMMED FOR YOUR SYSTEM

• KEYS [A], [B], AND [C] ARE NOT PRESENT ON ALL KEYPADS.
• KEY [D], IF PRESENT ON YOUR KEYPAD, IS NOT ACTIVE HERE.

TESTING THE SYSTEM

TO BE CONDUCTED WEEKLY
Using the TEST Key
NO ALARM REPORTS WILL BE SENT TO THE CENTRAL MONITORING STATION while the system is in Test mode.
The TEST key puts your system into Test mode, which allows each protection point to be checked for proper operation.

1. Disarm the system and close all protected windows, doors, etc. Thekeypad's READY message should be displayed and the READY indicator (if present) should be lit.
2. Enter your security code and press theTEST key.
3. The keypad will sound a single beep every 40 seconds as a reminderthat the system is in the test mode.
   Each time a protection zone is faulted, the external siren or bell should sound for one second and then turn off, while the keypad sounds 3 beeps. If this does not happen, call for service immediately.
4. Open and close each protected door and window in turn and listen forthe required sounds The identification of each faulted protection point should appear on the display.
5. Walk in front of any interior motion detectors (if used) and listen for therequired sound as movement is detected. The identification of the detector should appear on the display when it is activated.
   Note: Wireless PIR (Passive Infrared) units will send signals out only if they have been inactive for 3 minutes.

6. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to test all smoke detectors, toensure that all are functioning properly. The identification of each detector should appear on the display when each is activated.
7. After all protection points have been checked and restored, thereshould be no zone identification numbers displayed.If a problem is experienced with any protection point (no confirming sounds, no display), CALL FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY.
8. Turn off the Test mode by entering the security code and pressing the OFF key.

"Check" and "Battery" Displays
The word CHECK on the keypad's display, accompanied by a "beeping" at the keypad, indicates a trouble condition in the system. To silence the beeping for these conditions, press any key.

1. A display of "CHECK" and one or more zone numbers indicates that a problem exists with the displayed zone(s) and requires your attention. If the CHECK display relates to a fire zone, CALL FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. Determine if the zone(s) displayed are intact and make them so if they are not. If the problem has been corrected, the display can be cleared if you enter the OFF sequence (user code plus OFF key) twice. If the display persists, CALL FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY.
2. If there are wireless sensors in your system, the C H E C K condition may also be caused by some change in the environment that prevents the receiver from hearing a particular sensor. CALL FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY if this occurs.

3. A display of "BAT" with no zone number or beeping indicates that the main standby battery in your control is weak. If this condition persists for more than one day (with AC present), CALL FOR SERVICE.
4. A display of "BAT" with a zone number and a once per 40 seconds "beeping" at the keypad indicates that a low battery condition exists in the wireless sensor displayed. Either replace the battery yourself, or CALL FOR SERVICE. If the battery is not replaced within 30 days, a CHECK display may occur.

Not all systems use wireless sensors.

Power Failure
If there is no keypad display at all, and the POWER indicator (if present) is not lit, operating power for the system has stopped and the system is inoperative. CALL FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY.
If the message "AC LOSS" or "NO AC" is displayed, and the POWER indicator (if present) is off, the keypad is operating on battery power only. If only some lights are out on the premises, check circuit breakers and fuses and reset or replace as necessary. CALL FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY if AC power cannot be restored.

Other Displays
dl: If this remains displayed for more than 1 minute, your system is disabled. CALL FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY.
CC: The system is in communication with the central station for change of function or status verification. If this message persists for more than 10 minutes, CALL YOUR SERVICE COMPANY.
FC: A communication failure has occurred. CALL FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY.
OC
The keypad is not receiving signals from the control panel and sees an open circuit. If this message persists for more than 10 minutes, CALL YOUR SERVICE COMPANY.

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

IF INSTALLED

TYPICAL FIRE EMERGENCY DISPLAY

Silencing Fire Alarms

1. Silence the alarm by pressing theOFF key (security code not needed to silence fire alarms). To clear the display, enter your code and press the OFF key again (Memory of Alarm).
2. If the keypad does not indicate a READY condition after the secondOFF sequence, press theREADY key to display the zone(s) that are faulted. Be sure to check that smoke detectors are not responding to smoke or heat producing objects in their vicinity. Should this be the case, eliminate the source of heat or smoke.
3. If this does not remedy the problem, there may still be smoke in thedetector. Clear it by fanning the detector for about 30 seconds.
4. When the problem has been corrected, clear the display by enteringyour code and pressing theOFF key.

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDATIONS ON SMOKE DETECTORS

General
With regard to the number and placement of smoke/heat detectors, we subscribe to the recommendations contained in the National Fire Protection Association's Standard #74 noted below.

Early warning fire detection is best achieved by the installation of fire detection equipment in all rooms and areas of the premises as follows: A smoke detector installed outside of each separate 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 addition, it is recommended that the owner consider the use of heat or smoke detectors in the living room, dining room, bedroom(s), kitchen, hallway(s), attic, furnace room, utility and storage rooms, basements and attached garages.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION

Steps to Safety
Establish and regularly practice a plan of escape in the event of fire. The following steps are recommended by the National Fire Protection Association:

1. Plan on your detector or your interior and/or exterior sounders warningall occupants.
2. Determine two means of escape from each room. One path of escape should lead to the door that permits normal exit from the building. The other may be a window, should your path be unpassable. Station an escape ladder at such windows if there is a long drop to the ground.
3. Sketch a floor plan of the building. Show windows, doors, stairs androoftops that can be used to escape. Indicate escape routes for each room. Keep these routes free from obstruction and post copies of the escape routes in every room.
4. Assure that all bedroom doors are shut while you are asleep. Thiswill prevent deadly smoke from entering while you escape.
5. Try the door. If the door is hot, check your alternate escape route. Ifthe door is cool, open it cautiously. Be prepared to slam the door if smoke or heat rushes in.
6. In smoky areas, crawl close to floor, hold your breath, and/or covermouth and nose with a wet cloth.
7. Escape quickly; don't panic.
8. Establish a common meeting place outdoors, away from yourpremises, where everyone can meet and then take steps to contact the authorities and account for those missing. Choose someone to assure that nobody returns to the premises many die going back.

QUICK GUIDE TO ALARM SYSTEM FUNCTIONS

SUMMARY OF AUDIBLE/VISUAL NOTIFICATIONS

If bell is used as external sounder, fire alarm is pulsed ring; burglary/audible emergency is steady ring.

Notes:

• BAT displayed (with no beeping or zone number) indicates system main battery is weak.
• Also see Power Failure, and Other Displays under TROUBLE CONDITIONS.

PROTECTION ZONES LIST

One or more sensing devices will have been assigned by the installer of your alarm system to each of the various protection zones in your system (although not every zone number can be used). For example, the sensing device on your Entry/Exit door may have been assigned to zone 06, sensing devices on windows in the master bedroom to zone 10, and so on.
Zone numbers 07, 95 and 96 represent keypad "Panic" alarm functions assigned by the installer (see Page 23). Zone numbers 08 and 09 are reserved for Duress and Tamper signal reporting to the central station.
This chart may be used to record the specific zone number assignments for your system. Your installer will assist you in recording this information.

PROTECTION ZONE DESCRIPTIONS