BRK electronic 4120B User Manual

•

User’s Manual

Smoke Alarms

AC Powered Ionization Smoke Alarm

with Battery Back-Up and

Silence Feature

Cat. 4120SB

Input: 120V AC, 60Hz, 0.5A

Ionization smoke alarms are generally more effective at detecting 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 smoke alarms are generally more effective at detecting smoldering fires which 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 of your home.

Model
4120B
4120SB

AC Powered Ionization Smoke Alarm

with Battery Back-up

Cat. 4120B

Input: 120V AC, 60Hz, 0.5A

M06-2016-007 06/00

INSIDE THIS MANUAL

Where To Install Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . .1

Where Not To Install Smoke Alarms . . . . . .3

Important! Read Before You Install

This Smoke Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Understanding the Indicator Lights

and Alarm Horn Patterns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Optional Locking Features . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

How To Install This Smoke Alarm . . . . . . .10

Installing a Single (Stand Alone)

Smoke Alarm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Interconnecting Multiple Smoke Alarms . . . 12

Testing and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

If This Smoke Alarm Sounds. . . . . . . . . . .15

Using The Silence Feature

(Cat. 4120SB Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Protecting Your Family From Fire . . . . . . .17

What To Do In Case Of Fire. . . . . . . . . . . .18

If Your Smoke Alarm Needs Service . . . . .18

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Special Compliance Considerations . . . . .20

Limitations Of Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . .21

10-Year Limited Warranty. . . . BACK COVER

IMPORTANT!
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE.

This user’s manual contains important information
about your smoke 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.

Other Features of Smoke Alarms

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.

AC powered smoke alarms: Can be interconnected so if

one unit senses smoke, all units alarm. They do not operate if
electricity fails. Units must be installed by a qualified
electrician.

AC/DC powered smoke alarms: (AC with battery back­up):

Can be interconnected so if one unit senses smoke, all
units alarm. They will operate if electricity fails, provided the
batteries are fresh and correctly installed. Units must be
installed by a qualified electrician.

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. They do not operate if
electricity fails. Units must be installed by a qualified
electrician.
unit that has an 85 decibel alarm and a 177 candela strobe
light, which flashes rapidly when the unit is in alarm.

All these units 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 them. If you are unsure which
type of unit to install, refer to Chapter 2 of the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 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.

BRK Electronics

®

Cat. 100S is an AC powered

Where To Install Smoke Alarms

Installing Smoke Alarms in Single-Family And Multi-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 fr om reaching the smoke alarms

.

BEDROOM

HALL

LIVING ROOM KITCHEN

NEW CONSTRUCTION

MULTI-STORY RESIDENCE

BEDROOM

LIVING ROOM KITCHEN

EXISTING HOMES

HALL

MULTI-STORY RESIDENCE

BEDROOM

FINISHED BASEMENT

BEDROOM

FINISHED BASEMENT

KITCHEN

DINING ROOM

LIVING ROOM

DINING ROOM

LIVING ROOM

KITCHEN

BEDROOM

BEDROOM

SINGLE-STORY RESIDENCE, APARTMENT,
MOBILE HOME

BEDROOM

BEDROOM

SINGLE-STORY RESIDENCE, APARTMENT,
MOBILE HOME

KEY:

REQUIRED TO MEET
NFPA RECOMMENDATIONS

RECOMMENDED FOR
ADDITIONAL PROTECTION

SMOKE ALARMS WITH SILENCE
FEATURES RECOMMENDED FOR
ADDITIONAL PROTECTION

INTERCONNECTED AC OR
AC/DC SMOKE ALARMS

KEY:

REQUIRED TO MEET
NFPA RECOMMENDATIONS

RECOMMENDED FOR
ADDITIONAL PROTECTION

SMOKE ALARMS WITH SILENCE
FEATURES RECOMMENDED FOR
ADDITIONAL PROTECTION

1

2

More specifically, install smoke alarms:

• On every level of your home, including finished
attics and basements.

• Inside every bedroom, especially if people
sleep with the door partly or completely closed.

• In the hall near every sleeping area. If your
home has multiple sleeping areas, install a unit
in each. If a hall is more than 40 feet long (12
meters), install a unit at each end.

• At the top of the first-to-second floor stairway,
and at the bottom of the basement stairway.

Specific requirements for smoke alarm installation
vary from state to state and from region to region.
Check with your local Building Inspector and/or Fire
Department for current requirements in your area.
If you install AC or AC/DC units, it is recommended
(and may be required) they be interconnected for
added protection.

IMPORTANT!

Installing Smoke Alarms in Mobile Homes

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)

This equipment should be installed in accordance
with the National Fire Protection Association’s
Standard 72.

IMPORTANT!

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.

Smoke Alarms Recommended In Hotels, Motels,
Hospitals, Extended Care Facilities

INDIVIDUAL ROOMS

HALLWAY

RECOMMENDED STAND-ALONE

Install stand-alone (non-interconnected)
AC powered smoke alarms with battery back-up
for maximum protection in each sleeping room.

(NON-INTERCONNECTED)SMOKE ALARMS

LOBBY

Agency Placement Recommendations

NFPA Standard 72 Section 2-2.1.1.1

2-2.1.1.1 Smoke alarms shall be 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 new construction
a smoke alarm shall also be installed in each sleeping
room. Chapter 2 also reads as follows: 2-2.2.1: In new
construction, where more than one smoke alarm is
required by 2-2.1, alarms shall be so arranged that
operation of any one alarm shall cause the operation of
all alarms within the dwelling. A-2.5.2.1 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 Marshall

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.

Where Not To Install Smoke Alarms

For best performance, do not install the unit:

• 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. 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˚C) or above 100˚ F (38˚ C) including
unheated buildings, outdoor rooms, porches, or
unfinished attics or basements.

• In very dusty, dirty, or gr easy areas. Do not install
a smoke alarm directly over the stove or range.
Clean a laundry room unit frequently to keep it
free of dust or lint.

• Near fresh air vents, ceiling fans, or in very drafty
areas. Drafts can blow smoke away from the
unit, preventing it from reaching the sensing
chamber.

• In insect infested areas. Insects can clog open­ings to the sensing chamber and cause
unwanted alarms.

• Less than 12 inches (305 mm) away from fluo­rescent lights. Electrical “noise” can interfere
with the sensor.

•

In “dead air” spaces. “Dead air” spaces may
prevent smoke from reaching the smoke alarm

.

3

Avoiding Dead Air Spaces

FOR STANDARD, FLAT CEILINGS

3 ft

(0.9m)

3 ft

(0.9m)

4"

4"

Do not install top of

smoke alarm lower than

12" (305 mm) from the

wall/ceiling line

FOR SLOPED CEILINGS

(i.e. great rooms, condominiums, dormers)

FOR PEAKED CEILINGS

(i.e. Cathedral ceilings, A-frames)

4

Best Location
(center of ceiling)

Acceptable
Location

Dead Air Spaces
(4" or 102 mm)

Install first
smoke alarm
in this target area

If required,
install additional
smoke alarms
along the slope.

Install first
smoke alarm
in this target area

If required,
install additional
smoke alarms
along the slope.

“Dead air” spaces may prevent smoke from
reaching the smoke alarm. To avoid dead air
spaces, follow the installation
recommendations below.

On ceilings, install smoke alarms as close to the

center of the ceiling as possible. If this is not
possible, install the smoke 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 alarms should be placed
between 4 inches (102 mm) and 12 inches (305 mm)
from the wall/ceiling line, below typical “dead air”
spaces.

On a peaked, gabled, or cathedral ceiling, install

the first smoke alarm within 3 feet (0.9 meters) of the
peak of the ceiling, measured horizontally. Additional
smoke 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.

Important! Read Before You Install This Smoke Alarm

Read “Where To Install Smoke Alarms” and “Where Not
To Install Smoke Alarms” before beginning. This unit
monitors the air, and when smoke reaches its sensing
chamber, it alarms. It can give you more time to escape
before fire spreads. This unit can ONLY give an early
warning of developing fires if it is installed, maintained
and located where smoke can reach it, and where all
residents can hear it, as described in this manual. This
unit will not sense gas, heat, or flame. It cannot prevent
or extinguish fires.

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.

DANGER!

WARNING!

This unit will not alert hearing impaired residents. It
is recommended that you install special units which
use devices like flashing strobe lights to alert hearing
impaired residents.

WARNING!

Installation of this unit must conform to the electrical
codes in your area; Article 760 of the National
Electrical Code (NFPA 70), NFP A 72, 101; SBC (SBCCI);
UBC (ICBO); NBC (BOCA); OTFDC (CABO), and any
other local or building codes that may apply. Wiring
and installation must be performed by a licensed
electrician. Failure to follow these guidelines may
result in injury or property damage.

WARNING!

This unit must be powered by a 24-hour, 120VAC 60Hz
circuit. Be sure the circuit cannot be turned off by a

switch, dimmer, or gr ound fault cir cuit interrupter.
Failure to connect this unit to a 24-hour circuit may
prevent it from providing constant protection

.

WARNING!

This alarm must have AC or battery power to operate. If
the AC power fails, battery back-up will allow the alarm
to sound for at least 4 minutes (if the battery is weak,
protection should last for up to 7 days.) If AC power
fails and the battery is dead or missing, the alarm
cannot operate.

WARNING!

It is possible an electrical fire could occur on the
circuit powering this unit. If this happened, the power
to the unit could be cut off and it may fail to alarm.
Some safety experts recommend wiring warning
devices like this unit on separate circuits from other
appliances, since these circuits are not as likely to be
overloaded. Other safety experts recommend wiring
these units on the same circuits as appliances so it is
more readily apparent if the circuit fails. Whichever
circuit you choose, it is recommended you also install
battery powered units as back-ups in case of fire on
the circuit powering the AC powered units.

WARNING!

Never disconnect the power from an AC powered unit
to stop an unwanted alarm. Doing so will disable the
unit and remove your protection. In the case of a true
unwanted alarm open a window or fan the smoke
away from the unit. The alarm will reset automatically
when it returns to normal operation. Never remove the
batteries from a battery operated unit to stop an
unwanted alarm (caused by cooking smoke, etc.).
Instead open a window or fan the smoke away from
the unit. The alarm will reset automatically.

5

Connect this unit ONLY to other compatible units.
See “How To Install and Interconnect This Smoke
Alarm” for details. Do not connect it to any other type
of alarm or auxiliary device. Connecting anything else
to this unit may damage it or prevent it from
operating properly.

Do not stand too close to the unit when the alarm is
sounding. It is loud to wake you in an emergency.
Exposure to the horn at close range may harm your
hearing. When testing the unit, step back when the
horn starts sounding.

CAUTION!

CAUTION!

Do not paint over the unit. Paint may clog the
openings to the sensing chamber and prevent the
unit from operating properly.

The battery door will not close unless a battery is
installed. This warns you the unit will not operate
under DC power without a battery.

CAUTION!

CAUTION!

Understanding The Indicator Lights and Alarm Horn Patterns

Normal Operation Test Condition Alarm Condition*

AC Power Constant Green LED

DC Power Green LED Off

NOTE: When power is applied, unit(s) may alarm momentarily.

*When any smoke alarm in an interconnected series triggers an alarm, its red LED will flash rapidly. The red
LEDs will remain OFF on any remaining alarms in the series. This feature helps responders identify which
unit(s) triggered the alarm.

6

Flashing Red LED
No Audible Alarm

Flashing Red LED
No Audible Alarm

Constant Green LED
Rapidly

Flashing Red LED

Audible Alarm
Green LED Off

Flashing LED

Rapidly
Audible Alarm

(Initiating Unit)

Constant Green LED
Rapidly Flashing Red LED
Audible Alarm

Green LED Off
Rapidly Flashing LED
Audible Alarm