Smoke Alarm

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Fire Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Before You Install This Smoke Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
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
“Latching Alarm” Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
If You Suspect a Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Recommended Locations For Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Locations To Avoid For Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
About Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Special Compliance Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Limitations of Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
© 2007 BRK Brands, Inc., a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation.
3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122
All rights reserved.
Consumer Affairs: (800) 323-9005
www.brkelectronics.com • www.firstalert.com

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing BRK Brands, Inc. for your Smoke Alarm needs.
You have purchased a state-of-the-art Smoke Alarm designed to provide
you with early warning of a fire.
Key features include:
Smart Technology designed to help reduce unwanted or nuisance alarms.
Single Button Test/Silence eliminates confusion. Depending on what
mode the alarm is in, pushing the button provides different functions such
as testing the alarm, silencing the alarm, re-testing the alarm when in
silence and clearing the Latching feature.
Latching Alarm Indicator easily identifies initiating alarm even after the
alarm condition has subsided.
Perfect Mount System includes a gasketless base for easy installation and
a new mounting bracket that keeps the alarm secure over a wide rotation
range to allow for perfect alignment.
Dust Cover is included to keep the alarm clean during construction.
Easy Installation/Maintenance features include a large opening in the
mounting bracket for easy access to wiring. A battery pull tab keeps the
battery fresh until the home is occupied. A Side Load Battery Drawer allows
for easy battery replacement without removing the alarm from the ceiling or
wall (Model 9120B only).
Improved UV Resistance keeps the alarm from discoloring over time.

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.

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
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.
Understand The Different Type of Smoke Alarms
Battery powered or electrical? Different Smoke Alarms provide
different types of protection. See “About Smoke Alarms” for details.
Know Where To Install Your Smoke Alarms
Fire Safety Professionals recommend at least one Smoke Alarm on every
level of your home, in every bedroom, and in every bedroom hallway or
separate sleeping area. See “Recommended Locations For Smoke Alarms”
and “Locations To Avoid For Smoke Alarms” for details.
Know What Smoke Alarms Can and Can’t Do
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.
Check Your Local Building Codes
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” for details.

WEEKLY TESTING

REGULAR MAINTENANCE

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’s soft brush
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, replace the 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
protection.

Choosing a replacement battery:

Your Smoke Alarm requires one standard 9V battery. The following batteries
are acceptable as replacements: Duracell #MN1604, (Ultra) #MX1604;
Eveready (Energizer) #522, Eveready (Energizer) #1222. You may also use a
Lithium battery like the Ultralife U9VL-J for longer service life between battery
changes. These batteries are available at many local retail stores.

Actual battery service life depends on the Smoke Alarm and the environment in
which it is installed. All the batteries specified above are acceptable replacement
batteries for this unit. Regardless of the manufacturer’s suggested battery
life, you MUST replace the battery immediately once the unit starts “chirping”
(the “low battery warning”).

IF THIS SMOKE ALARM SOUNDS

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.

USING THE SILENCE FEATURE

The Silence Feature on this unit can temporarily quiet an unwanted alarm for
up to 10 minutes.

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 initiated the alarm.
NOTE: The red LED on the initiating alarm will flash rapidly. The red LED
will be Off on all other non-initiating alarms. No audible sound will be
heard. The unit will exit “silence mode” in approximately 10 minutes.
2. While the unit is in “silence mode”, pressing and holding the Test/Silence
button for approximately 10 seconds will test the unit. After testing, the
unit will re-enter “silence mode” and the 10-minute timer is reset.

“LATCHING ALARM” INDICATOR

The Latching Alarm Indicator is automatically activated after an Alarm is
exposed to alarm levels of smoke. After smoke levels drop below alarm levels,
the green LED will be On for 2 seconds/Off for 2 seconds, repeatedly. This
feature helps emergency responders, investigators, or service technicians
identify which unit(s) in your home were exposed to alarm levels of smoke
after the condition has subsided. The Latching Alarm Indicator stays ON until
you reset it by pressing the Test/Silence button. The Latching Alarm Indicator
is also reset when AC and DC power is removed from the Alarm.

IF YOU SUSPECT A PROBLEM

Smoke Alarms may not operate properly because of dead, missing or weak
batteries, a build-up of dirt, dust or grease on the Smoke Alarm cover, or
installation in an improper location. Clean the Smoke Alarm as described in
“Regular Maintenance,” and install a fresh battery, then test the Smoke Alarm
again. If it fails to test properly when you use the Test/Silence button, or if the
problem persists, replace the Smoke Alarm immediately.
• If you hear a “chirp” once a minute, replace the battery.
• If you experience frequent non-emergency alarms (like those caused
by cooking smoke), try relocating the Smoke Alarm.
• If the alarm sounds when no smoke is visible, try cleaning or
relocating the Smoke Alarm. The cover may be dirty.
• If the alarm does not sound during testing, make sure it is receiving
AC power from the household current.

RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS
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 (12 meters) long,
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. It is recommended AC or AC/DC units be
interconnected for added protection.

INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS IN MOBILE HOMES & RVS

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). WARNING: Test units used in RVs after the vehicle has
been in storage, before every trip, and once a week while in use. Failure
to test units used in RVs as described may remove your protection.

AGENCY PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

NFPA 72 (National Fire Code) Chapter 11
“For your information, the National Fire Protection Association's Standard 72,
reads as follows:
11.5.1 One- and Two-Family Dwelling Units.
11.5.1.1 Smoke Detection. Where required by applicable laws, codes, or
standards for the specified occupancy, approved single- and multiple-station
Smoke Alarms shall be installed as follows: (1) In all sleeping rooms.
Exception: Smoke Alarms shall not be required in sleeping rooms in existing
one- and two-family dwelling units. (2) Outside of each separate sleeping
area, in immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms. (3) On each level of the
dwelling unit, including basements. Exception: In existing one- and two family
dwelling units, approved Smoke Alarms powered by batteries are permitted.
A.11.8.3 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, unfinished attics, or
garages is not normally recommended, as these locations occasionally
experience conditions that can result in improper operation.”
California State Fire Marshal (CSFM)
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.

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 (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.
• 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 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.

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, 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.

ABOUT 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. However, they do not provide interconnected
functionality.
AC powered Smoke Alarms: Can be interconnected so if one unit senses smoke,
all units alarm. They do not operate if electricity fails. AC with battery (DC) backup:
will operate if electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly
installed. AC and AC/DC units must be 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 require
professional installation. They provide protection even when electricity fails,
provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed.
Smoke Alarms for Solar or Wind Energy users and battery backup power
systems: AC powered Smoke Alarms should only be operated with true or pure
sine wave inverters. Operating this Smoke Alarm with most battery-powered UPS
(uninterruptible power supply) products or square wave or “quasi sine wave”
inverters will damage the Alarm. If you are not sure about your inverter or UPS
type, please consult with the manufacturer to verify.
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.
Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the combination
has been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.
All these Smoke Alarms 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 the
Alarm. If you are unsure which type of unit to install, refer to NFPA (National Fire
Protection Association) 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.

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. 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 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 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.
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 the Alarms.
They are not foolproof.
Smoke alarms may not waken all individuals. Practice the escape plan at least
twice a year, making sure that everyone is involved – from kids to grandparents.
Allow children to master fire escape planning and practice before holding a fire drill
at night when they are sleeping. If children or others do not readily waken to the
sound of the smoke alarm, or if there are infants or family members with mobility
limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in fire drill and in
the event of an emergency. It is recommended that you hold a fire drill while family
members are sleeping in order to determine their response to the sound of the
smoke alarm while sleeping and to determine whether they may need assistance
in the event of an emergency.
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 the Alarms.
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 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 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. You should always replace a Smoke Alarm after 10 years from
date of purchase. Write the purchase date on the space provided on back of unit.

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

Printed in Mexico M08-0134-003 K1 04/07