First Alert SA4121C, SA4120C User guide

OTHER FEATURES OF SMOKE ALARMS
User’s Manual
Smoke Alarms
AC Powered Ionization Smoke Alarm
with Battery Back-Up and
Silence Feature
Cat. SA4121C, SA4121B
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.
M06-2071-002 6/00
INSIDE THIS MANUAL
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.
THIS USER’S MANUAL HAS BEEN RESIZED TO PRINT OUT ON 8-1/2 x 11” PAGES.
Limitations Of Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Protecting Your Family From Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/3
What To Do In Case Of Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/3
Important! Read Before Installing This Smoke Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/3
How To Install This Smoke Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/4
Weekly Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/5
Regular Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/5
If This Smoke Alarm Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/5
Using The Silence Feature (Smoke Alarms SA4121B and SA4121C Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/5
If This Smoke Alarm Is Not Working Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/5
10-Year Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/6
All Rights Reserved. ©2000 BRK Brands, Inc. BRK Brands, Inc., 3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122 Consumer Affairs: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5pm (Central Time): (800) 323-9005 • Internet: www.firstalert.com
BLACK page numbers reference the original printed document.
RED page numbers reference this web version.
AC Powered Ionization Smoke Alarm
with Battery Back-up
Cat. SA4120C, SA4120B
Input: 120V AC, 60Hz, 0.5A
Model
SA4120B SA4121B
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 back-up): 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.
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. powered 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.
They include a visual alarm and an audible alarm horn, and meet the requirements of the Americans With
First Alert
®
smoke alarm model SA100B is an AC
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, long-term health care facilities, nursing homes, day care facilities, or group homes of any kind—even if they were once single-family homes. It is not a suitable substitute for complete fire detection systems in warehouses, industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and special-purpose non-residential buildings which require special fire detection and alarm systems. Depending on the building codes in your area, this 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. In existing construction, AC, AC/DC, or DC powered smoke alarms can be used as specified by local building codes. Refer to NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm Code) or 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 recommended smoke alarms be installed 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, provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this smoke alarm in common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.
3. Institutions: Hospitals, day care facilities, long-term health care facilities. This smoke alarm is suitable for use in
individual patient sleeping/resident rooms, provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet fir e detection requirements in common areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this smoke alarm in common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.
4. Hotels and Motels: Also boarding houses and dormitories. This smoke alarm is suitable for use inside individual
sleeping/resident rooms, provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this smoke alarm in common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.
LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS
Smoke alarms have played a key role in reducing deaths resulting from home fires worldwide. However, like any warning device, smoke alarms can only work if they are properly located, installed, and maintained, and if smoke reaches them. They are not foolproof.
Smoke alarms cannot work without power. Battery operated units cannot work if the batteries are missing,
disconnected or dead, if the wrong type of batteries are used, or if the batteries are not installed correctly. AC units cannot work if the AC power is cut off for any reason (open fuse or circuit breaker, failure along a power line or at a power station, electrical fire that burns the electrical wires, etc.). If you are concerned about the limitations of battery or AC power, install both types of units.
Smoke alarms cannot detect fires if the smoke does not reach them. Smoke from fires in chimneys or walls, on
roofs, or on the other side of closed doors may not reach the sensing chamber and set off the alarm. That is why one unit should be installed inside each bedroom or sleeping area—especially if bedroom or sleeping area doors are closed at night—and in the hallway between them.
Smoke alarms may not detect fire on another floor or area of the home. 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 pr otection is at least one unit in every sleeping area, and every bedroom on every level of your home. 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 r ecommend installing interconnected AC powered units with battery back-up (see “Other Features Of Smoke Alarms”) or professional fire detection systems, so if one unit senses smoke, all units alarm. Interconnected units may provide earlier warning
1
than stand-alone 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, injury, or death, since
smoke from some fires may not reach the unit immediately. Examples of this include persons smoking in bed, children playing with matches, or fires caused by violent explosions resulting from escaping gas.
Smoke alarms are not foolproof. Like any electronic device, smoke alarms are made of components that can
wear out or fail at any time. You must test the unit weekly to ensure your continued protection. Smoke alarms cannot prevent or extinguish fires. They are not a substitute for property or life insurance.
Smoke alarms have a limited life. The unit should be replaced immediately if it is not operating properly. It is
recommended you replace a smoke alarm
manufacture date
.
after 10 years from date of manufacture. See back of smoke alarm for
WHERE TO INSTALL SMOKE ALARMS
INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS IN SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCES
The National Fire Protection Association (NFP A), r ecommends 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.
Where To Install Smoke Alarms
KEY:
BEDROOM
LIVING ROOM KITCHEN
HALL
EXISTING HOMES
MULTI-STORY RESIDENCE
BEDROOM
HALL
LIVING ROOM KITCHEN
NEW CONSTRUCTION
MULTI-STORY RESIDENCE
BEDROOM
FINISHED BASEMENT
BEDROOM
FINISHED BASEMENT
BEDROOM
KITCHEN
BEDROOM
SINGLE-STORY RESIDENCE, APARTMENT, MOBILE HOME
KITCHEN
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
SINGLE-STORY RESIDENCE, APARTMENT, MOBILE HOME
DINING ROOM
LIVING ROOM
DINING ROOM
LIVING ROOM
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.
IMPORTANT!
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. If you install AC or AC/DC units, it is recommended they be interconnected for added protection.
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).
REQUIRED TO MEET NFPA RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDED FOR ADDITIONAL PROTECTION
SMOKE ALARMS WITH SILENCE FEATURES RECOMMENDED FOR ADDITIONAL PROTECTION
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
AGENCY PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
IMPORTANT!
This equipment should be installed in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association’s Standard 72. National Fire Protection Association, One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101
and regulatory codes may apply in your area. Always check compliance requirements before beginning any installation.
.
Additional local building
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 pr otected 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 greasy 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 (see “Avoiding Dead Air Spaces” below).
FOR STANDARD FLAT CEILINGS
Do not install smoke alarm
lower than 12" (305mm)
from the wall/ceiling line
Best Location (center of ceiling) Acceptable Location Dead Air Spaces (4" or 102 mm)
AVOIDING DEAD AIR SPACES
“Dead air” spaces may prevent smoke from reaching the smoke alarm. To avoid dead air spaces, follow the installation recommendations below.
On ceilings,
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.
install smoke alarms as close to the center of the ceiling as possible. If this is not possible, install the
FOR SLOPED CEILINGS
(i.e. great rooms, dormers, condominiums )
Install first smoke alarm
in this target area
3 ft
0.9 m
If required, install additional smoke alarms along the slope.
2
FOR PEAKED CEILINGS
(i.e. Cathedral ceilings, A-frames)
3 ft
0.9 m
Install first smoke alarm in this target area
If required, install additional smoke alarms along the slope.
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