First Alert 9120B Hardwired Smoke Alarm with Battery Backup - User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your First Alert 9120B Hardwired Smoke Alarm. This device is designed to provide early warning of smoke and fire hazards in residential environments.

Key features include:

• Ionization Sensor: Detects smoke from fast-flaming fires.
• Hardwired with Battery Backup: Ensures continuous operation even during power outages using a 9-volt battery.
• Interconnectivity: Can be linked with compatible BRK or First Alert alarms, causing all connected alarms to sound when one is triggered.
• 85-Decibel Alarm: Provides a loud alert upon smoke detection.
• Test/Silence Button: Allows for easy testing of alarm functions and silencing of nuisance alarms.
• Latching Alarm Indicator: Identifies the initiating alarm unit after an event.
• End-of-Life Signal: Notifies you when the unit needs replacement.

Image 1.1: First Alert 9120B Hardwired Smoke Alarm. This image shows the front view of the smoke alarm with its test/silence button and speaker grille.

2. Safety Information

Please read and understand all instructions before installing and operating this smoke alarm. Keep this manual for future reference.

• Electrical Safety: Installation involves electrical wiring. Ensure power is turned off at the circuit breaker before beginning installation. If you are unsure about electrical wiring, consult a qualified electrician.
• Wiring Polarity: Confirm correct wiring polarity and secure all wire nut connections. A loose neutral (white wire) connection within the home junction box can cause device malfunction.
• Battery Backup: The 9-volt battery backup is crucial for operation during power failures. Ensure a fresh battery is installed and replaced annually.
• Placement: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in each bedroom for optimal protection.
• Testing: Test the smoke alarm weekly to ensure proper function.

3. Package Contents

Your package should contain the following items:

• First Alert 9120B Hardwired Smoke Alarm Unit
• Mounting Bracket
• Wiring Harness
• 9-Volt Battery
• Instruction Manual

Note: This product is typically sold in multi-packs (e.g., 6-pack), meaning you will receive multiple sets of the above items.

4. Setup and Installation

Follow these steps for proper installation of your hardwired smoke alarm:

1. Turn Off Power: Before starting, turn off the power to the circuit where you will be installing the smoke alarm at your main electrical panel.
2. Remove Old Alarm (if applicable): If replacing an existing alarm, carefully remove it and its mounting bracket. Disconnect the wiring harness.
3. Prepare Wiring: Connect the new wiring harness to your household wiring. Typically, this involves connecting:
   • Black wire (hot) to black wire
   • White wire (neutral) to white wire
   • Red/Orange wire (interconnect) to red/orange wire (if interconnecting multiple alarms)
   Ensure all wire nut connections are secure and wiring polarity is correct.
4. Install Mounting Bracket: Secure the universal mounting bracket to the electrical junction box using the provided screws.
5. Install Battery: Open the side-load battery compartment and insert the 9-volt battery, observing the correct polarity. Close the compartment.
6. Attach Alarm Unit: Connect the alarm unit to the wiring harness. Align the alarm unit with the mounting bracket and twist clockwise until it locks securely into place.
7. Restore Power: Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker. The alarm should chirp once and the power indicator light should illuminate.
8. Test Alarm: Press and hold the Test/Silence button until the alarm sounds. This confirms proper operation.

Recommended Placement

For optimal safety, follow these placement guidelines:

• Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, including the basement.
• Install a smoke alarm inside every bedroom.
• Install a smoke alarm in the hallway outside of each sleeping area.
• Avoid placing alarms near windows, doors, or forced-air vents where drafts could interfere with smoke detection.
• Keep alarms away from cooking appliances to prevent nuisance alarms.

Image 4.1: Recommended Smoke Alarm Placement. This diagram illustrates ideal locations for smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers throughout a typical home, including bedrooms, hallways, living room, kitchen, basement, and garage.

5. Operating Instructions

Testing the Alarm

Test your smoke alarm weekly to ensure it is functioning correctly:

• Press and hold the Test/Silence button firmly for a few seconds.
• The alarm will sound a loud, pulsating horn. This indicates the electronic circuitry, horn, and battery are working.
• Release the button. The alarm will stop.

If the alarm does not sound during testing, refer to the Troubleshooting section.

Silencing Nuisance Alarms

If a non-emergency situation (e.g., cooking smoke) triggers the alarm, you can temporarily silence it:

• Press the Test/Silence button briefly.
• The alarm will enter a temporary silence mode for approximately 10 minutes.
• The alarm will automatically reset after the silence period if the smoke condition has cleared. If smoke is still present, the alarm will reactivate.

Alarm Indicators

• Power/Alarm LED: A red LED light indicates the status of the alarm. It flashes periodically during normal operation and rapidly during an alarm condition.
• Latching Alarm: If multiple interconnected alarms are present, the unit that initiated the alarm will have its red LED flash rapidly, while other interconnected alarms will sound but their LEDs will not flash as quickly. This helps identify the source of the alarm.

6. Maintenance

Battery Replacement

The 9-volt battery should be replaced at least once a year, or immediately when the low battery chirp sounds. The alarm will chirp approximately once every minute to indicate a low battery.

1. Turn off power to the alarm at the circuit breaker.
2. Twist the alarm counter-clockwise to remove it from the mounting bracket.
3. Open the battery compartment.
4. Remove the old 9-volt battery and dispose of it properly.
5. Insert a new 9-volt battery, ensuring correct polarity.
6. Close the battery compartment.
7. Reattach the alarm to the mounting bracket by twisting clockwise until secure.
8. Restore power at the circuit breaker and test the alarm.

Cleaning Your Smoke Alarm

Clean your smoke alarm at least once a month to remove dust and debris that can interfere with its operation:

• Turn off power to the alarm at the circuit breaker.
• Remove the alarm from its mounting bracket.
• Use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently vacuum the alarm's cover and vents.
• Do not paint the alarm. Paint can clog the openings and interfere with the sensor's ability to detect smoke.
• Reinstall the alarm, restore power, and test.

End-of-Life Signal

The smoke alarm is designed to provide reliable protection for approximately 10 years. After this period, the unit will emit an end-of-life signal (typically a chirp every 30-40 seconds) to indicate it needs to be replaced. Replace the entire unit immediately upon hearing this signal.

7. Troubleshooting

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

Warranty Information

This First Alert 9120B Smoke Alarm comes with a 10-year limited warranty. For specific terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty documentation included with your product or visit the official First Alert website.

Customer Support

For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty claims, please contact First Alert customer support. Contact information can typically be found on the product packaging or the official First Alert website.