First Alert SC9120B Hardwired Smoke & Monoxide Alarm Guide

First Alert SC9120B Hardwired Smoke & Monoxide Alarm Guide

INTRODUCTION 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 grease- and debris-free;
6. Never leave anything cooking on the stove unattended;
7. Keep portable heaters and open flames, like candles, away from flammable materials;
8. Don’t let rubbish accumulate. Keep alarms clean, and test them weekly. Replace alarms immediately if they are not working properly. Smoke Alarms that do not work cannot alert you to a fire. Keep at least one working fire extinguisher on every floor, and an additional one in the kitchen. Have fire escape ladders or other reliable means of escape from an upper floor in case stairs are blocked.

Cautions

• This combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm has two separate alarms. The CO Alarm is not designed to detect fire or any other gas. It will only indicate the presence of carbon monoxide gas at the sensor. Carbon monoxide gas may be present in other areas. The Smoke Alarm will only indicate the presence of smoke that reaches the sensor. The Smoke Alarm is not designed to sense gas, heat, or flames.

Warning

• This Smoke/CO Alarm cannot operate without working batteries. Removing the batteries for any reason, or failing to replace the batteries at the end of their service life, removes your protection.
• NEVER ignore any alarm. See “If Your Smoke/CO Alarm Sounds” for more information on how to respond to an alarm. Failure to respond can result in injury or death.
• The Silence Features are for your convenience only and will not correct a problem. See “Using the Silence Features” for details. Always check your home for a potential problem after any alarm. Failure to do so can result in injury or death.
• Test this Smoke/CO Alarm once a week. If the Alarm ever fails to test correctly, have it replaced immediately! If the Alarm is not working properly, it cannot alert you to a problem.
• This product is intended for use in ordinary indoor locations of family living units. It is not designed to measure CO levels in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) commercial or industrial standards. Individuals with medical conditions that may make them more sensitive to carbon monoxide may consider using warning devices that provide audible and visual signals for carbon monoxide concentrations under 30 ppm. For additional information on carbon monoxide and your medical condition contact your physician.

WHERE THIS ALARM SHOULD NOT BE INSTALLED

DO NOT LOCATE THIS SMOKE/CO ALARM:

• In garages, furnace rooms, crawl spaces, and unfinished attics. Avoid extremely dusty, dirty, or greasy 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 (6-meter) 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.
• Within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of any cooking appliance. In air streams near kitchens. Air currents can draw cooking smoke into the smoke sensor and cause unwanted alarms.
• In extremely humid areas. This Alarm should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from a shower, sauna, humidifier, vaporizer, dishwasher, laundry room, utility room, or other source of high humidity.
• In direct sunlight.
• In turbulent air, like near ceiling fans or open windows. Blowing air may prevent CO or smoke from reaching the sensors.
• In areas where the temperature is colder than 40˚ F (4.4˚ C) or hotter than 100˚F (37.8˚ C). These areas include non-airconditioned crawl spaces, unfinished attics, uninsulated or poorly insulated ceilings, porches, and garages.
• In insect-infested areas. Insects can clog the openings to the sensing chamber.
• 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.

AVOIDING DEAD AIR SPACES

“Dead air” spaces may prevent smoke from reaching the Smoke/CO Alarm. To avoid dead air spaces, follow the installation recommendations below. On ceilings, install Smoke/CO Alarms as close to the center of the ceiling as possible. If this is not possible, install the Smoke/CO Alarm at least 4 inches (102 mm) from the wall or corner. For wall mounting (if allowed by building codes), the top edge of Smoke/CO

Alarms should be placed between 4 inches (102 mm) and 12 inches (305 mm) from the wall/ceiling line, below typical “dead air” spaces. On a peaked, gabled, or cathedral ceiling, install the first Smoke/CO Alarm within 3 feet (0.9 meters) of the peak of the ceiling, measured horizontally. Additional Smoke/CO Alarms may be required depending on the length, angle, etc. of the ceiling’s slope. Refer to NFPA 72 for details on requirements for sloped or peaked ceilings.

Important

If you want to lock the battery compartment or lock the Smoke/CO Alarm to the mounting bracket, please read the “Optional Locking Features” section.

1. Hold the base firmly and twist the mounting bracket counterclockwise (left) to separate it from the unit.
2. Hold the mounting bracket against the ceiling (or wall) so the vertical mounting slot is aligned in the 12 o’clock position and trace around the inside of the mounting slots (vertical and horizontal mounting).
3. Put the unit where it won’t get covered with dust when you drill the mounting holes.
4. Using a 3/16” (5 mm) drill bit, drill a hole through the center of the oval outlines you traced.
5. Insert the plastic screw anchors (in the plastic bag with screws) into the holes. Tap the screw anchors gently with a hammer, if necessary, until they are flush with the ceiling or wall.
6. Line the mounting bracket up over the plastic screw anchors.
7. Before attaching the Alarm to the bracket, insert the two (2) AA batteries (included) into the battery compartment. Match the terminals on the end of the battery with the terminals on the unit. Match “+” to “+” and “-” to “-.” If the batteries are not fully inserted, the unit cannot receive battery power. NOTE: The unit may beep briefly when you install the batteries. This is normal. The GREEN Light flashes about every 60 seconds when the unit is receiving battery power.

WEEKLY TESTING

Warning

• NEVER use an open flame of any kind to test this unit. You might accidentally damage or set fire to the unit or to your home. The built-in test switch accurately tests the unit’s operation as required by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL). NEVER use vehicle exhaust! Exhaust may cause permanent damage and voids your warranty.
• 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 the horn starts sounding.

Cautions

t is important to test this unit every week to make sure it is working properly. Using the test button is the recommended way to test this Smoke/CO Alarm. You can test this Smoke/CO Alarm: Press and hold the Test/Silence button for 3-5 seconds until the unit starts to alarm. During testing, you will see and hear the following sequence:

• The Horn will sound 3 beeps, pause, and 3 beeps. The Power/Smoke LED flashes Red and the CO LED will be Off.
• Next, the Horn will sound 4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps. The Power/ Smoke LED will be Off and the CO LED flashes Red.

IF YOUR SMOKE/CO ALARM SOUNDS

WHAT TO DO FIRST–IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF ALARM

USING THE SILENCE FEATURES

The Silence Feature is intended to temporarily silence the horn while you identify and correct the problem. Do not use the Silence Feature in emergency situations. It will not correct a CO problem or extinguish a fire. The Silence Feature can temporarily quiet an unwanted alarm for several minutes. Press the Test/Silence button on the alarm cover for at least 3-5 seconds. After the Test/Silence button is released, the Red LED blinks during the silence mode.

SILENCING THE LOW BATTERY WARNING

This silence feature can temporarily quiet the low battery warning “chirp” for up to 8 hours. Press the Test/Silence button on the alarm cover. Once the low battery warning “chirp” silence feature is activated, the unit continues to flash the Greenlight once a minute for 8 hours. After 8 hours, the low battery “chirp” will resume. Replace the batteries as soon as possible; this unit will not operate without battery power! To deactivate this feature: Press the Test/Silence button again. The unit will go into Test Mode and the low battery warning will resume (LED flashes and unit sounds “chirp” once a minute).

POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CO IN THE HOME

Fuel-burning appliances like portable heater, gas or wood-burning fireplace, gas kitchen range or cooktop, gas clothes dryer. Damaged or insufficient venting: corroded or disconnected water heater vent pipe, leaking chimney pipe or flue, cracked heat exchanger, blocked or clogged chimney opening. Improper use of appliance/device: operating a barbecue grill or vehicle in an enclosed area (like a garage or screened porch). Transient CO Problems: “Transient” or on-again-off-again CO problems can be caused by outdoor conditions and other special circumstances.

The following conditions can result in transient CO situations:

1. Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel appliances caused by outdoor conditions such as:
   • Wind direction and/or velocity, including high, gusty winds. Heavy air in the vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods between cycles).
   • Negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust fans.
   • Several appliances running at the same time competing for limited fresh air.
   • Vent pipe connections vibrate loose from clothes dryers, furnaces, or water heaters.
   • Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs that can amplify the above situations.
2. Extended operation of unvented fuel-burning devices (range, oven, fireplace).
3. Temperature inversions, which can trap exhaust close to the ground.
4. Car idling in an open or closed attached garage or near a home.

These conditions are dangerous because they can trap exhaust in your home. Since these conditions can come and go, they are also hard to recreate during a CO investigation.

OPTIONAL LOCKING FEATURES

The optional locking features are designed to discourage unauthorized removal of the batteries or Alarm. It is not necessary to activate the locks in single-family households where unauthorized battery or Alarm removal is not a concern. This Smoke Alarm has two separate locking features: one to lock the battery compartment, and the other to lock the Smoke Alarm to the mounting bracket. You can choose to use either feature independently or use them both. Tools you will need: Needle-nose pliers or utility knife Standard flathead screwdriver. Both locking features use locking pins, which are molded into the mounting bracket. Depending on which locking features you use, remove one or both pins from the mounting bracket using needle-nose pliers or a utility knife.

TO LOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT
Do not lock the battery compartment until you activate the battery and test the Smoke/CO Alarm.

1. Install the batteries before attaching the Alarm to the bracket. Insert the two (2) AA batteries (included) into the battery compartment. Match the terminals on the end of the battery with the terminals on the unit. Match “+” to “+” and “-” to “-.” If the batteries are not fully inserted, the unit cannot receive battery power.
2. Push and hold Test/Silence button until the alarm sounds.
   
3. Using needle-nose pliers or a utility knife, detach one locking pin from the mounting bracket.
4. Push the locking pin through the hole near the battery door latch on the back of the Smoke/CO Alarm

LOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET

1. Using needle-nose pliers or a utility knife, detach one locking pin from the mounting bracket.
2. Insert the locking pin through the hole on the back of the Smoke/CO Alarm as shown in the diagram.
3. When you attach the Smoke/CO Alarm to the mounting bracket, the locking pin’s head will fit into a notch on the bracket.

TO UNLOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT

1. Remove the Smoke/CO Alarm from the mounting bracket. If the unit is locked to the bracket, see the section “To Unlock the Mounting Bracket.”
2. Insert a flathead screwdriver under the head 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.)
3. To relock the battery compartment, close the battery door and reinsert the locking pin in the lock.
4. Reattach the Smoke/CO Alarm to the mounting bracket.

UNLOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET

1. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the rectangular cut-out on the mounting bracket nearest to the locking pin.
2. Pry the Smoke/CO Alarm away from the bracket by pushing up on the screwdriver and turning the Smoke/ CO Alarm counterclockwise (left) at the same time.

REGULATORY INFORMATION 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 (4.4˚ C) and 100˚ F (37.8˚ 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.

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. It is recommended AC or AC/DC units be interconnected for added protection.

SPECIAL COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS

This Smoke Alarm is suitable for use in apartments, condominiums, townhouses, hospitals, daycare facilities, health care facilities, boarding houses, group homes, and dormitories 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.

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, health care facilities, nursing homes, daycare facilities, or group homes of any kind. 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.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

LIMITED WARRANTY

BRK Brands, Inc., (“BRK”) the maker of First Alert® brand products warrants that for a period of seven years from the date of purchase, this product will be free from defects in material and workmanship. BRK, at its option, will repair or replace this product or any component of the product found to be defective during the warranty period. Replacement will be made with a new or remanufactured product or component.

If the product is no longer available, a replacement may be made with a similar product of equal or greater value. This is your exclusive warranty. This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser from the date of the initial retail purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales receipt. Proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty performance. BRK dealers, service centers, or retail stores selling BRK products do not have the right to alter, modify or in 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,

Continued

repair, or alteration by anyone other than BRK or an authorized service center.  Further, the warranty does not cover Acts of God, such as fire, flood, hurricanes, and tornadoes, or any batteries that are included with this unit. BRK shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages caused by the breach of any express or implied warranty. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration to the duration of the above warranty.

Some states, provinces, or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state or province to province.

REFERENCE LINK

https://www.firstalert.com/us/en/products/alarms/combo-smoke-carbon-monoxide-alarms/sc9120b-hardwired-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarm-with-battery-backup-sc9120b/

Download Link

First Alert SC9120B Hardwired Smoke & Monoxide Alarm Guide