First Alert 7020b User Manual

USER’S MANUAL

SMOKE ALARMS

AC Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm
with Batter
Escape Light

Model 7020B

Input: 120V AC ~, 60Hz, 0.05A

y Back-Up, Silence and

®

e

Featur

TANT!

PLEASE READ CAREFULL

This user’

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.

M08-0178-001

IMPOR

s manual contains important

US Patent 6,377,182

Q 06/07 Printed in Mexico

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Fire Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

ou Install This Smoke Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2

Before Y

How To Install This Smoke Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

Optional Locking Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Understanding the Indicator Lights

and Alarm Horn Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Weekly Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Regular Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

If This Smoke Alarm Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

What To Do In Case Of Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Using the Silence Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

If You Suspect a Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Recommended Locations For Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Locations To Avoid For Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

About Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Special Compliance Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Limitations of Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing First Alert®for your Smoke Alarm needs. You have
purchased a state of the art Smoke Alarm designed to provide you with early

ning of a fir

war
Smoke Alarm an integral part of your family’s safety plan.

Key Featur
Photoelectric Sensing Technology: Photoelectric Sensors are generally more

sensitive than ionization sensors in detecting smoldering fires which commonly
occur in couches or bedding.

OptiPath 360 T

access to the smoke sensor.
Single Test/Silence Button: Allows you to test the alarm or silence nuisance

alarms. Testing the Alarm assures you that the unit is functioning correctly

eady to pr

and r
to 15 minutes in the event of a nuisance alarm.

Escape Light®: Bright escape light activates when this unit goes into alarm
to illuminate your path to safety.

Battery Drawer with “battery missing” lockout: Allows you to easily
replace the battery with out removing the alarm from the ceiling.
The battery door will not close if a battery has not been inserted thus alerting
you that the unit is not power

Low batter

the battery needs to be replaced.
Blinking Power Indicator: Confirms that the Smoke Alarm is r

© 2007 BRK Brands, Inc.,
3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122 All rights reserved.
Consumer Af

e. Please take the time to r

es of the 7020B Smoke Alarm:

echnology™:

otect you and your family

y warning:

fairs: [phone] • www.firstalert.com

Patented technology pr

ed and not operating.

The Alarm will sound a “chirp” once per minute when

den Corporation company (NYSE: JAH)

a Jar

ead this manual and make the

ovides 360° of direct

. The Alarm can be silenced for up

eceiving power

.brkelectronics.com

• www

Y AND SAVE.

.

1

Model 7020B

All First Alert®and BRK®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

es.

in all fir

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.

FIRE SAFETY TIPS

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 grease­and 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 fir
means of escape from an upper floor in case stairs are blocked.

e escape ladders or other reliable

BEFORE YOU INSTALL THIS SMOKE ALARM

IMPORTANT! Read “Recommended Locations for Smoke Alarms” and
“Locations to Avoid for Smoke Alarms” before beginning. This unit monitors
the air, and when smoke reaches its sensing chamber, it alarms. It can give

e time to escape befor

you mor
warning of developing fires if it is installed, maintained and located where
smoke can r
manual. This unit will not sense gas, heat, or flame. It cannot prevent or
extinguish fires.

Understand The Different Type of Smoke Alarms

Know Where To Install Your Smoke Alarms

Know What Smoke Alar

Check Y

each it, and wher

Battery power
types of pr

Fire Safety Professionals recommend at least one Smoke Alarm on every
level of your home, in every bedr
separate sleeping area. See “Recommended Locations For Smoke
Alarms” and “Locations To Avoid For Smoke Alarms” for details.

A Smoke Alarm can help alert you to fire, giving you precious time to
escape. It can only sound an alarm once smoke reaches the sensor.
See “Limitations of Smoke Alarms” for details.

This Smoke Alarm is designed to be used in a typical single-family home.
It alone will not meet requirements for boarding houses, apartment buildings,
hotels or motels. See “Special Compliance Considerations”

ed or electrical? Dif

otection. See “About Smoke Alarms” for details.

our Local Building Codes

e spreads. This unit can ONLY give an early

e fir

e all residents can hear it, as described in this

ent Smoke Alarms pr

fer

oom, and in every bedr

ms Can and Can’

t Do

ovide dif

oom hallway or

for details.

fer

ent

4

5

6

8

9

10

7

BEFORE YOU INSTALL THIS SMOKE ALARM, Continued

ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. T
the Smoke Alar
bracket. Failure to turn off the power first may result in serious
electrical shock, injur

• This unit will not alert hearing impaired residents. It is recom-

•

• This unit must be powered by a 24-hour, 120VAC pure sine wave

•

•

• Connect this unit ONLY to other compatible units. See “How To

• This Smoke Alarm has a battery drawer which resists closing

• Do not stand too close to the unit when the alarm is sounding.

• Do not paint over the unit. Paint may clog the openings to the

m is installed before removing it from the mounting

y or death.

mended that you install special units which use devices like
flashing str

Installation of this unit must conform to the electrical codes in
your ar
SBC (SBCCI); UBC (ICBO); NBC (BOCA); OTFDC (CABO), and

any other local or building codes that may apply. Wiring and
installation must be per
follow these guidelines may r

60Hz cir
dimmer
unit to a 24-hour circuit may prevent it from providing constant

otection.

pr
This Smoke 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 AC power fails and the batter
weak, pr
and the battery is dead or missing, the alarm cannot operate.

Never disconnect the power from an AC powered unit to stop an
unwanted alar
protection. In the case of a true unwanted alarm open a window
or fan the smoke away fr
matically when it r
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.

Install 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.

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

It is loud to wake you in an emergency. Exposure to the horn at
close range may harm your hearing.

sensing chambers and prevent the unit from operating properly.

obe lights to alert hearing impaired residents.

ea; Articles 210, 760 of NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 72, NFPA 101;

cuit. Be sure the circuit cannot be turned off by a switch,

, or ground fault circuit interrupter. Failure to connect this

otection should last for at least 7 days. If AC power fails

m. Doing so will disable the unit and remove your

urn off the power to the area where

formed by a licensed electrician. Failure to

esult in injury or property damage.

om the unit. The alarm will reset auto-

eturns to normal operation. Never remove the

y is

HOW TO INSTALL THIS SMOKE ALARM

This Smoke Alarm 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 (if allowed by local
codes). Read “Recommended Locations For Smoke Alarms” and “Locations to Avoid For Smoke Alarms” before you begin installation.

ools you will need: • Needle-nose pliers

T

Make sure the Alarm is not receiving excessively noisy power. Examples of noisy power could be major appliances on the same circuit, power from a
generator or solar power, light dimmer on the same circuit or mounted near fluorescent lighting. Excessively noisy power may cause damage to your
Alarm.

• Standar

d Flathead scr

THE P

The Mounting Bracket:

o remove the mounting bracket from the Smoke

T
Alarm base, hold the Smoke Alarm base firmly
and twist the mounting bracket counterclockwise.
The mounting bracket installs onto the junction box.
It has a variety of screw slots to fit most boxes.

The Power Connector:

The power connector plugs into a power input block on
the Smoke Alarm. It supplies the unit with AC power

• The black wire is “hot.”

• The white wire is neutral.

• The orange wire is used for interconnect.

If you need to remove the power connector, turn
POWER OFF first. Insert a flat screwdriver blade

between the power connector and the security tab
inside the power input block. Gently pry back the tab
and pull the connector fr

ee.

.

ewdriver.

TS OF THIS SMOKE ALARM

AR

The Parts of This Unit

1 Mounting Bracket

Mounting Slots

2
3 Locking Pins (break out of bracket)
4 Hot (Black) AC Wire
5 Neutral (White) AC Wire
6 Interconnect (Orange) Wire
7 Quick-Connect Power Connector

8 Turn this way to remove from bracket
9 Turn this way to attach to bracket

Slide-Out Battery Drawer

10

2

FOLLOW THESE INSTALLATION STEPS

5

}

A

}

B

8

7

6

3

11

2

2

3

4 4

5

The basic installation of this Smoke Alarm is similar whether you want to
install one Smoke Alarm, or inter

e interconnecting more than one Smoke Alarm, you MUST read

If you ar
“Special Requirements For Interconnected Smoke Alarms” below before
you begin installation.

ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. T
will install this unit at the circuit breaker or fuse box before beginning
installation. Failur
in serious electrical shock, injur

1. Remove the mounting bracket from the base, and attach it to the
junction box.

Activate the battery back-up by removing the “Pull to Activate Battery
Back-Up” tab. Or
until you install the battery in the corr
“-” to “-”).

Push and hold test button until the alarm sounds: 3 beeps, pause, 3
beeps, pause. The Escape Light
second.

Using wire nuts, connect the power connector to the household wiring.

2.

e to turn off the power before installation may result

, install battery back-up. Battery back-up cannot work

STAND-ALONE ALARM ONLY:

• Connect the white wire on the power connector to the neutral wire in
the junction box.

Connect the black wire on the power connector to the hot wire in the

•
junction box.

• Tuck the orange wire inside the junction box. It is used for

connect only.

inter

INTERCONNECTED UNITS ONLY:
Strip off about 1/2” (12 mm) of the plastic coating on the orange wire

on the power connector.

• Connect the white wire on the power connector to the neutral wire in
the junction box.

• Connect the black wire on the power connector to the hot wire in the
junction box.

Connect the orange wire on the power connector to the interconnect

•
wire in the junction box. Repeat for each unit you are interconnecting.
Never connect the hot or neutral wires in the junction box to the orange
interconnect wire. Never cross hot and neutral wires between Alarms.

3. Plug the power connector into the back of the Smoke Alarm.
Position the base of the Smoke Alarm over the mounting bracket and

4.
turn. The Alarm can be positioned over the bracket every 90°. Turn the
Smoke Alarm clockwise (right) until the unit is in place.

5. Check all connections.

connect more than one Smoke Alarm.

urn off power to the area where you

y or death.

ect position (Match “+” to “+” and

®

will turn on. LED flashes once every

Special Requirements For Interconnected Smoke Alarms

• Failure to meet any of the above requirements could damage the
units and cause them to malfunction, r

AC and AC/DC Smoke Alarms can be interconnected. Under AC

•
power, all units will alarm when one senses smoke. When power is

rupted, only the AC/DC units in the series will continue to send

inter

eceive signals. AC powered Smoke Alarms will not operate.

and r

connected units can provide earlier warning of fire than stand-alone units,

Inter
especially if a fire starts in a remote area of the dwelling. If any unit in the series
senses smoke, all units will alarm. T
alarm, see table:

o determine which Smoke Alarm initiated an

On Initiating Alarms Red LED flashes rapidly
On All Other Alarms

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:

First Aler

Smoke Alarm Models 100S, 9120, 9120B, 7010, 7010B; BRK Electronics
Heat Alarm Models HD6135F, HD6135FB; Smoke/CO Alarm Model
SC9120B; Relay Module RM4.

Red LED is Off

®

t

Smoke Alarm Model SA9120B and BRK Electr

Interconnected units must meet ALL of the following requirements:

• A maximum of 18 compatible units may be interconnected

(Maximum of 12 Smoke Alarms).

• The same fuse or circuit breaker must power all interconnected units.

The total length of wire interconnecting the units should be less than

•

1000 feet (300 meters). The interconnect wire should be #18 gauge or

ger, rated at least 300V. If an interconnect wire is not already part of

lar
your household wiring, you will need to install one. This type of wir
commonly available at Hardware and Electrical Supply stores.

•

All wiring must conform to all local electrical codes and NFPA 70 (NEC).
Refer to NFPA 72, NFPA 101, and/or your local building code for further
connection requirements.

emoving your protection.

®

onics

®

e is

Improper wiring of the power connector or the wiring leading to the
power connector will cause damage to the Alarm and may lead to a
non-functioning Alarm.

ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Do not restore power until all Smoke
Alarms are completely installed. Restoring power before installation is
complete may r

6.

7.

8. Test each Smoke Alarm. Press and hold the Test/Silence button until the

If any unit in the series does not alarm, TURN OFF POWER and recheck
connections. If it does not alarm when you r
immediately.

AND-ALONE ALARM ONL

ST

• If you are only installing one Smoke Alarm, restore power to the
junction box.

Y:

INTERCONNECTED UNITS ONLY:

connecting multiple Smoke Alarms, repeat steps

e inter

If you ar

•
1-5 for each Smoke Alarm in the series. When you are finished,

e power to the junction box.

estor

r

esult in serious electrical shock, injur

e the Smoke Alarm is receiving AC power. Under normal

Make sur
operation, the Green power indicator light will shine continuously.

een power indicator light does not light,

If the Gr

THE JUNCTION BOX

correct and the Green power indicator still does not light when you

e the power

estor

r

unit alarms.

test each unit individually. Make sure all units alarm when each one
is tested.

When testing a series of inter

and recheck all connections. If all connections are

, the unit should be r

eplaced immediately

estor

y or death.

TURN OFF POWER TO

.

connected units you must

e power, replace it

A. Unswitched 120VAC

60 Hz sour

1. Smoke Alarm

2. Ceiling or Wall

3. Power Connector

ce

B. To additional units; Maximum = 18 total

(Maximum 12 Smoke Alarms)

4. Wire Nut

5. Junction Box

6. Neutral Wire (Wht)

7. Interconnect Wire
(Orange)

8. Hot Wire (Blk)

3

The locking featur
households where unauthorized battery or Alarm removal is not a concern.

These Smoke Alarms have two separate locking featur
to the mounting bracket. Y

Tools you will need: • Needle-nose pliers • Standard Flathead screwdriver.
Both locking features use locking pins, which are molded into the mounting bracket. Using needle-nose pliers, remove one or both pins

om the mounting bracket, depending on how many locking features you want to use.

fr

To permanently remove either lock, insert a flathead screwdriver between the locking pin and the lock, and pry the pin out of the lock.

es are designed to discourage unauthorized removal of the battery or Alarm. It is not necessary to activate the locks in single-family

ou can choose to use either feature independently, or use them both.

es: one to lock the battery compartment, and the other to lock the Smoke Alarm

OPTIONAL LOCKING FEATURES

TO LOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT

Do not lock the battery compartment until you have installed the
battery and tested the battery back-up.

1. Push and hold Test/Silence button until the alarm sounds:
3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause. The
LED flashes once every second.

If the unit does not alar
compartment! Install a new battery and test again. If the Smoke
Alarm still does not alarm, replace it immediately.

2. Using needle-nose pliers, detach one locking pin from the mounting
bracket.

3. Push the locking pin through the hole near the battery drawer on the
back of the Smoke Alarm.

m during testing, DO NOT lock the battery

Escape Light

®

will tur

n on.

TO LOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET

1. Using needle-nose pliers, detach one locking pin from mounting bracket.

TO UNLOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT

Once the Smoke Alarm is installed, you must disconnect it fr
before unlocking the battery compartment.

ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Turn off the power to the area where the
Smoke Alar
Failur
injury or death.

Always dischar
Smoke Alar
box. Next, remove the battery from Smoke Alarms with battery back-up.
Finally
dischar

1.

2. Disconnect the power connector by gently prying

3. Insert a flathead screwdriver under the head

4. To relock the battery compartment, close the battery door and reinsert

5. Reconnect the power connector to the back of the Smoke Alarm, reattach

When replacing the battery, always test the Smoke Alarm before relocking the
battery compartment.

m is installed before removing it from the mounting bracket.

e to turn off the power first may result in serious electrical shock,

ge the branch circuit before servicing an AC or AC/DC

m. First, turn off the AC power at the circuit breaker or fuse

, press and hold the Test/Silence button for 5-10 seconds to

ge the branch circuit.

Remove the Smoke Alarm from the mounting bracket. If the unit is locked
to the bracket, see the section “T

om the back of the Smoke Alarm.

it away fr

of the locking pin, and gently pry it out of the
battery compartment lock. (If you plan to relock
the battery compartment, save the locking pin.)

locking pin in lock.

the Smoke Alarm to the mounting bracket, and restore the power.

o Unlock the Mounting Bracket.”

om the AC power

TO UNLOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET

ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Turn off the power to the area where
the Smoke 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.

2. Insert the locking pin into the lock located
opposite fr
in the diagram.

3. When you attach the Smoke Alarm to the mounting bracket, the locking
pin’s head will fit into a notch on the bracket.

om the battery drawer as shown

Always discharge the branch circuit before servicing an AC or AC/DC
Smoke Alar
box. Next, r
Finally, press and hold the Test/Silence button for 5-10 seconds to
discharge the branch circuit.

1.

2. Pry the Smoke Alarm away from the bracket by

4

m. First, tur
emove the batter

Insert a flathead scr
mounting bracket pin and the mounting bracket.

ning both the scr

tur
Alarm counterclockwise (left) at the same time.

f the AC power at the circuit breaker or fuse

n of

y from Smoke Alarms with battery back-up.

ewdriver between the

ewdriver and the Smoke

UNDERSTANDING THE INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND ALARM HORN PATTERNS

AC Power

mal Operation

Nor

est Condition

T

m Condition*

Alar
(Initiating Unit)

Silence Mode Red LED flashes once

Low Batter

NOTE: When power is applied, unit(s) may alar
*

When any Smoke Alarm in an inter
red LED will flash rapidly. The red LEDs will remain OFF on any remaining
alarms in the series. This featur
trigger

y

ed the alarm.

Constant Gr
Flashing Red LED

approx. once/minute
No Audible Alarm
Constant Gr

Rapidly Flashing
Red LED

Audible Alarm
Constant Gr
Rapidly Flashing

Red LED
Audible Alarm

every 10 seconds

Not Applicable

een LED

een LED

een LED

connected series triggers an alarm, its

e helps responders identify which unit(s)

DC Power

een LED Off

Gr
Flashing Red LED

approx. once/minute
No Audible Alarm

een LED Off

Gr
Rapidly Flashing

Red LED
Audible Alarm

een LED Off

Gr
Rapidly Flashing

Red LED
Audible Alarm

Red LED flashes once
every 10 seconds

Alarm “chirp’’ approx.
once/minute

m momentarily.

WEEKLY TESTING

• NEVER use an open flame of any kind to test this unit. You might
accidentally damage or set fir
in test switch accurately tests the unit’s operation as required by
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL).

• If the Alarm ever fails to test properly, replace it immediately.
Products under warranty may be returned to the manufacturer

replacement. See “Limited Warranty” at the end of this manual.

for

DO NOT stand close to the Alarm when the horn is sounding. Exposure
at close range may be harmful to your hearing. When testing, step away
when horn starts sounding.

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 Alarm. Press and hold the Test/Silence button on the cover of the unit

until the alarm sounds and the
to alarm for a few seconds after you release the button). If it does not alarm,
make sure the unit is receiving power and test it again. If it still does not alarm,
replace it immediately.

pattern: 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause.
LED flashes once every second.

When testing a series of interconnected units you must test each unit individ­ually. Make sure all units alarm when each one is tested.

During testing, you will hear a loud, repeating horn

e to the unit or to your home. The built-

Escape Light®turns on (the unit may continue

The Escape Light®will turn on.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE

Use only the r
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:

• Test it at least once a week.

• Clean the Smoke Alarm at least once a month; gently vacuum the
outside of the Smoke Alarm using your household vacuum’
attachment. Test the Smoke Alarm. Never use water, cleaners or solvents
since they may damage the unit.

• If the Smoke Alarm becomes contaminated by excessive dirt, dust and/or
grime, and cannot be cleaned to avoid unwanted alarms, r
unit immediately.

• Relocate the unit if it sounds frequent unwanted alarms. See “Locations
To Avoid For Smoke Alarms” for details.

• When the battery back-up becomes weak, the Smoke Alarm will “chirp”
about once a minute (the low battery warning). This warning should last 7
days, but you should replace the battery immediately to continue your
pr

eplacement batteries listed below

otection.

. The unit may not

s soft brush

eplace the

Choosing a replacement battery:

our Smoke Alarm requires one standard 9V battery. The following batteries

Y

e acceptable as replacements: Duracell #MN1604, (Ultra) #MX1604;

ar
Eveready (Energizer) #522. You may also use a Lithium battery like the Ultralife
U9VL-J for longer service life between battery changes.

available at many local r

Actual battery service life depends on the smoke alarm and the envir
in which it is installed. All the batteries specified above are acceptable

eplacement batteries for this unit. Regardless of the manufacturer’s suggest-

r
ed battery life,

starts “chirping” (the “low battery warning”).

you MUST r

etail stores.

eplace the battery immediately once the unit

These batteries ar

e

onment

IF THIS SMOKE ALARM SOUNDS

RESPONDING TO AN ALARM

During an alarm, you will hear a loud, repeating horn pattern: 3 beeps,
pause, 3 beeps, pause. The Escape Light

y second.

ever

•

If the unit alar
of a potentially dangerous situation that requires your immediate
attention. NEVER ignore any alarm. Ignoring the alarm may result in

y or death.

injur

Never disconnect the AC power to quiet an unwanted alarm.

•
Disconnecting the power disables the Alarm so it cannot sense
smoke. This will r
or fan the smoke away from the unit. The Alarm will reset auto­matically.

• If the unit alarms get everyone out of the house immediately.

•

ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD: Attempting to disconnect the power
connector from the unit when the power is on may result in electrical
shock, serious injur

When an inter
indicator light on the unit(s) that initiated the alarm will blink rapidly
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
Feature to silence the Alarm). This will silence the alarm, and once the smoke
clears the unit will reset itself automatically.

ms and you are not testing the unit, it is warning you

emove your protection. Instead, open a window

y or death.

connected system of AC powered units is in alarm, the alarm

door and fan the smoke away from the unit (Use the Silence

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FIRE

• Don’t panic; stay calm. Follow your family escape plan.

• Get out of the house as quickly as possible. Don’t stop to
get dressed or collect anything.

• Feel doors with the back of your hand before opening them.
If a door is cool, open it slowly. Don’t open a hot door. Keep doors
and windows closed, unless you must escape through them.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth (preferably damp).
Take short, shallow breaths.

• Meet at your planned meeting place outside your home,
and do a head count to make sure everybody got out safely.

• Call the Fire Department as soon as possible from outside.
Give your address, then your name.

• Never go back inside a burning building for any reason.

• Contact your Fire Department for ideas on making your home safer.

ms have various limitations. See "Limitations of Smoke Alar

Alar
details.

USING THE SILENCE FEATURE

The Silence Feature can temporarily quiet an unwanted alarm for up to 15
minutes.

The Silence Featur
less sensitive to smoke. For your safety, if smoke around the unit is
dense enough to suggest a potentially dangerous situation, the unit will
stay in alar
the smoke, do not assume it is an unwanted alarm. Not responding to
an alarm can result in property loss, injury, or death.

To silence Smoke Alarms in an interconnected series:

1. To silence multiple alarms in an interconnected series, you must press the
Test/Silence button on the unit(s) that triggered the alarm.

2. Once you activate the Silence feature, the Red LED will flash approxi­mately once every 10 seconds.

essing the T

Pr

3.
timer.

e does not disable the unit—it makes it temporarily

m quickly

m or may r

e-alar

est/Silence button when in silence will restart the silence

®

will turn on. LED flashes once

. It will

. If you do not know the sour

ms" for

ce of

The Silence Feature on these units can temporarily quiet an unwanted alarm
for up to 15 minutes. T
cover.

If the unit will not silence and no heavy smoke is present, or if it

stays in silence mode continuously, it should be replaced immediately.

5

o use this featur

e, press the Test/Silence button on the

IF YOU SUSPECT A PROBLEM

Smoke Alarms may not operate pr
batteries, a build-up of dirt, dust or grease on the Smoke Alarm cover, or
installation in an impr
“Regular Maintenance,” and install a fresh battery, then test the Smoke Alarm
again. If it fails to test properly when you use the test button, or if the prob­lem persists, r

If you hear a “chirp” approximately once a minute, replace the

•
battery.

• If you experience frequent non-emergency alarms (like those caused
by cooking smoke), tr

If the alarm sounds when no smoke is visible, try cleaning or

•

elocating the Smoke Alarm. The cover may be dirty.

r

• If the alarm does not sound during testing, make sure it is receiving

power from the household current.

AC

• The Escape Light
the Escape Light
warranty service.

Always dischar
Smoke Alarm. First, turn off the AC power at the circuit breaker or fuse
box. Next, r
Finally
branch circuit.

If the Smoke Alarm is still not operating pr
please see “How to Obtain W

emove the battery from Smoke Alarms with battery back-up.

, press and hold the test button for 5-10 seconds to discharge the

Do not tr

oper location. Clean the Smoke Alarm as described in

eplace the Smoke Alarm immediately.

®

bulb is not replaceable. In the unlikely event that

®

does not operate during testing, please obtain

ge the branch circuit before servicing an AC or AC/DC

y fixing the alarm yourself – this will void your warranty!

RECOMMENDED LOCA

operly because of dead, missing or weak

y relocating the Smoke Alarm.

arranty Service” in the Limited Warranty.

operly, and it is still under warranty,

TIONS

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:

• 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 Fire Department for current
requirements in your area.

connected for added protection.

It is recommended AC or AC/DC units be inter-

INST

ALLING SMOKE ALARMS IN MOBILE HOMES

For minimum security install one Smoke Alarm as close to each sleeping ar
as possible. For mor
homes (especially those built befor
mobile home is not well insulated, or if you ar
tion, it is important to install units on inside walls only. Smoke Alarms should be
installed wher

This equipment should be installed in accor
Protection Association) 72 and
Batterymar

regulatory codes may apply in your area. Always check compliance
requirements before beginning any installation.

AGENCY PLACEMENT RECOMMENDA

A 72 (National Fire Code)

NFP

Smoke Alarms shall be installed in each separate sleeping r
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?

of Smoke Alarms might not provide reliable early warning protection for those

eas separated by a door from the areas protected by the required Smoke

ar
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 ar
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 r
experience conditions that can r

California State Fire Marshal (CSFM)

ning detection is best achieved by the installation of fire detection

Early war
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.

e security, put one unit in each room. Many older mobile

e temperatures remain between 40˚ F (4˚ C) and 100˚ F (38˚ C).

ch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101.

e 1978) have little or no insulation. If your

101. National Fire Protection Association, One

e unsure of the amount of insula-

dance with NFPA (National Fire

Additional local building and

TIONS

oom, outside each

The required number

eas include the basement, bedrooms, dining room, furnace

ecommended, as these locations occasionally

esult in improper operation.

ea

LOCATIONS TO AVOID FOR SMOKE ALARMS

For best performance, AVOID installing Smoke Alarms in these areas:

• Where combustion particles are produced. Combustion particles form
when something burns. Areas to avoid include poorly ventilated kitchens,
garages, and furnace rooms. Keep units at least 20 feet (6 meters) from
the sources of combustion particles (stove, furnace, water heater, space
heater) if possible. In areas where a 20-foot distance is not possible – in
modular, mobile, or smaller homes, for example – it is recommended
the Smoke Alarm be placed as far from these fuel-burning sources as
possible. The placement recommendations are intended to keep these
Alarms at a reasonable distance from a fuel-burning source, and thus
reduce “unwanted” alarms. Unwanted alarms can occur if a Smoke Alarm
is placed directly next to a fuel-burning source. Ventilate these areas as
much as possible.

• In air streams near kitchens. Air currents can draw cooking smoke into
the sensing chamber of a Smoke Alarm near the kitchen.

• In very damp, humid or steamy areas, or directly near bathrooms with
showers. Keep units at least 10 feet (3 meters) away fr
saunas, dishwashers, etc.

• Where the temperatures are 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

•
over the stove or range. Clean a laundry room unit frequently to keep it

ee of dust or lint.

fr
Near fr

•
smoke away from the unit, preventing it from reaching 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 interfer

• In “dead air” spaces. “Dead air” spaces may prevent smoke from reaching
the Smoke Alarm.

, dirty

esh air vents, ceiling fans, or in very drafty ar

easy areas. Do not install a Smoke Alarm directly

, or gr

e with the sensor

.

om showers,

eas. Drafts can blow

AVOIDING DEAD AIR SPACES

“Dead air” spaces may prevent smoke from reaching the Smoke Alarm.

o avoid dead air spaces, follow the installation recommendations below.

T
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 NFP
sloped or peaked ceilings.

6

A 72 for details on r

equir

ements for

ABOUT SMOKE ALARMS

y (DC) operated Smoke Alarms:Provide protection even when

Batter

electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed.

e easy to install, and do not require professional installation.

Units ar
However, they do not provide interconnected functionality.

AC power

smoke, all units alarm. They do not operate if electricity fails.

AC with batter

batteries ar
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

equire professional installation. They provide protection even when electricity

r
fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed.

Smoke Alar
systems: AC powered Smoke Alarms should only be operated with true or

pur
power
“quasi sine wave” inverters
your inverter or UPS type, please consult with the manufactur

Smoke Alarms for the hearing impaired: Special purpose Smoke Alarms
should be installed for the hearing impair
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 alar

combination has been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.
All these Smoke Alarms ar

installed and car
the Alarm. If you ar
Fir
Safety Code). National Fir
Quincy
in new construction or in dif

ed Smoke Alarms:

y (DC) back-up:

e fresh and correctly installed. AC and AC/DC units must be

ms for Solar or Wind Energy users and battery backup power

e sine wave inverters. Operating this Smoke Alarm with most battery-

ed UPS (uninterruptible power supply) products or square wave or

ms are not to be used with detector guards

ed for as described in the user’s manual, and if smoke reaches

e Protection Association) 72 (National Fire Alarm Code) and NFPA 101 (Life

, MA 02269-9101.

e unsure which type of unit to install, refer to NFPA (National

Can be inter

will operate if electricity fails, pr

will damage the Alarm. If you are not sure about

e designed to provide early warning of fires if located,

e Protection Association, One Batterymarch Park,
Local building codes may also r

ferent areas of the home.

connected so if one unit senses

ovided the

er to verify.

ed. They include a visual alarm and

unless the

equire specific units

SPECIAL COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS

This Smoke Alarm alone is not a suitable substitute for complete fire
detection systems in places housing many people—like apartment
buildings, condominiums, hotels, motels, dormitories, hospitals, long­term 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 Smoke Alarm 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.”

1. Single-Family Residence:

Single family home, townhouse. It is r
on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and in each bedroom hallway.

2. Multi-Family or Mixed Occupant Residence:

Apartment building, condominium. This Smoke Alarm is suitable for use in
individual apartments or condos, pr
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

dinances/r

or

3. Institutions: Hospitals, day car
This Smoke Alarm is suitable for use in individual patient sleeping/resident
r

ooms, provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet fire

egulations.

ecommended Smoke Alarms be installed

ovided a primary fir

e facilities, long-term health care facilities.

e detection system

detection requirements in common areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches.
Using this Smoke Alarm in common ar

esidents or meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.

to all r

4. Hotels and Motels: Also boar

Alarm is suitable for use inside individual sleeping/r
primary fire detection system already exists to meet fire detection require­ments in common ar
Alarm in common ar
meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.

eas like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this Smoke

eas may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or

eas may not provide sufficient warning

ding houses and dormitories. This Smoke

esident rooms, provided a

LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS

Smoke Alarms have played a key role in reducing deaths resulting from home

es worldwide. However, like any warning device, Smoke Alarms can only

fir
work if they ar
reaches the Alarms. They are not foolproof.

Smoke alar

least twice a year
parents. Allow children to master fire escape planning and practice before
holding a fir

eadily waken to the sound of the smoke alarm, or if there are infants or family

r
members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to
assist them in fir
that you hold a fir
mine their response to the sound of the smoke alarm while sleeping and to
determine whether they may need assistance in the event of an emer

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 ar
cannot work if the AC power is cut of
breaker, failure along a power line or at a power station, electrical fire that

ns the electrical wires, etc.). If you are concerned about the limitations of

bur
battery or AC power

Smoke Alarms cannot detect fires if the smoke does not reach the

ms.

Alar

of closed doors may not reach the sensing chamber and set of
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 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 provide as much protection as interconnected units, especially if
the fire starts in a remote area. Some safety experts recommend installing
interconnected AC powered units with battery back-up (see “About Smoke
Alarms”) or professional fire detection systems, so if one unit senses smoke,
all units alarm. Interconnected units may provide earlier warning than stand­alone units since all units alarm when one detects smoke.

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 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, injur
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.

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 ensur
vent or extinguish fires. They are not a substitute for property or life insurance.

Smoke Alarms have a limited life. The unit should be replaced immediately if
it is not operating pr
years from date of purchase. Write the purchase date on the space provided
on back of unit.

e properly located, installed, and maintained, and if smoke

ms may not waken all individuals.

, making sure that everyone is involved – from kids to grand-

e drill at night when they are sleeping. If children or others do not

e drill and in the event of an emergency. It is recommended

e drill while family members are sleeping in order to deter-

e used, or if the batteries are not installed correctly. AC units

, install both types of units.

om fires in chimneys or walls, on roofs, or on the other side

Smoke fr

, or death, since smoke from some fires may not reach

y

e your continued pr

operly. You should always replace a Smoke Alarm after 10

f for any r

Practice the escape plan at

eason (open fuse or circuit

f the Alarm.

otection. Smoke Alarms cannot pr

gency.

-

e

LIMITED WARRANTY

BRK Brands, Inc., ("BRK") the maker of First Alert®brand and BRK®brand 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. 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 r
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 r
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

, any implied warranty of mer

law
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 fr

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 Standar
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.

First Alert®is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust.
BRK

®

is a r

ed trademark of BRK Brands, Inc.

egister

eceipt. Pr

chantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration to the duration of the above warranty

d Time, Monday thr

emanufactur

oof of purchase is required to obtain warranty performance. BRK dealers, service centers, or retail stores selling BRK

ough Friday. To assist us in serving you, please have the model number and date of purchase available when

oduct or component. If the product is no longer available, replacement may be made with a

ed pr

. Some states, pr

om state to state or pr

Printed in Mexico M08-0178-001 Q 06/07

7

ovinces or

ovince to pr

ovince.