Instruction Manual: Hardwired Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your First Alert BRK SC9120FF Hardwired Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector. This combination alarm is designed to detect two critical hazards: smoke from fire and the presence of carbon monoxide gas. It features a hardwired connection to your home's electrical system with a 9-volt battery backup for continuous protection during power outages. For optimal safety, please read this manual thoroughly before installation and keep it for future reference.

2. Important Safety Information

WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and deadly gas. It can be produced by any fuel-burning appliance. CO alarms detect this poisonous gas and provide early warning.

Ensure proper ventilation and maintenance of all fuel-burning appliances to prevent CO accumulation. Never ignore an alarm. Always investigate the cause of an alarm and take appropriate action.

Image: Explanation of Carbon Monoxide as an invisible, odorless, and deadly gas, and how CO alarms provide early warning.

Image: Icon indicating common sources of Carbon Monoxide.

Common sources of carbon monoxide include:

• Gas or oil furnaces
• Gas clothes dryers
• Water heaters
• Fireplaces and wood stoves
• Charcoal grills
• Gas ranges
• Space heaters
• Clogged chimneys or improper venting
• Attached garages

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in your package:

• One (1) First Alert BRK SC9120FF Combination Smoke and CO Alarm Unit
• One (1) 9-Volt Backup Battery (included)
• One (1) Mounting Bracket
• One (1) Wiring Harness
• User's Manual
• Dust Cover (for use during construction/installation)

Image: The First Alert BRK SC9120FF combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector unit.

Image: The product packaging for the First Alert BRK SC9120FF, highlighting key features.

4. Setup and Installation

The SC9120FF is a hardwired device, meaning it is powered by your home's electrical system. It is designed to be interconnected with other compatible BRK or First Alert detectors, ensuring that if one unit triggers an alarm, all connected alarms will sound.

4.1 Electrical Installation

Installation of this unit must conform to all local electrical codes. It is recommended to consult a licensed electrician for proper installation. Ensure power is turned off at the circuit breaker before beginning any electrical work.

1. Turn off power to the area where the alarm will be installed at your main electrical panel.
2. Attach the provided wiring harness to your home's electrical wiring (typically black to black, white to white, and red/orange to red/orange for interconnect).
3. Connect the wiring harness to the alarm unit.
4. Secure the mounting bracket to the electrical box on your ceiling or wall.
5. Align the alarm unit with the mounting bracket and twist clockwise until it locks securely into place.

4.2 Battery Backup Installation

The unit comes with a 9-volt battery pre-installed. This battery provides backup power in case of a power outage, ensuring continuous protection.

• Locate the battery compartment on the side of the unit.
• Slide out the battery drawer.
• Ensure the 9-volt battery is properly connected and seated.
• Slide the battery drawer back into the unit until it clicks into place. The battery can be locked into place for tamper resistance.

Image: The side-load battery compartment of the First Alert SC9120FF, showing a 9V battery being inserted.

Note: No official product videos from the seller were available for embedding. Please refer to the detailed instructions in this manual.

5. Operating Your Detector

The First Alert BRK SC9120FF is designed for ease of use with clear indicators and a simple test/silence button.

5.1 Indicator Lights and Alarm Signals

• AC Power Indicator: A green light on the face of the unit indicates that the alarm is receiving AC power.
• Alarm Indicator: Red light flashes and an 85-decibel siren sounds upon detection of smoke or carbon monoxide.
• Latching Alarm Indicator: This feature automatically identifies which unit initiated the alarm in an interconnected system.

5.2 Test/Silence Button

The single test/silence button serves two primary functions:

• Testing Functionality: Press and hold the button to test the unit's functionality. The alarm will sound briefly, indicating it is working correctly.
• Silencing Alarms: Press the button to silence a non-threatening alarm (e.g., from cooking smoke) or a low battery warning chirp.

6. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the continued reliability of your smoke and CO detector.

6.1 Battery Replacement

Although the unit is hardwired, the 9-volt backup battery should be replaced annually, or when the unit chirps to indicate a low battery. The side-load battery compartment allows for easy replacement without removing the entire unit from the ceiling or wall.

6.2 Unit Lifespan

The First Alert BRK SC9120FF has a recommended lifespan of 10 years. After 10 years from the date of manufacture, the unit should be replaced to ensure optimal performance and safety.

6.3 Cleaning

Clean your alarm regularly to prevent dust and debris from interfering with its operation. Use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently remove dust from the alarm's vents. Do not paint the unit.

7. Troubleshooting: What the Beep Means

Your detector uses distinct audible signals to communicate its status or alert you to a potential hazard. Understanding these signals is crucial.

Image: Icon representing 4 beeps and a pause.

• 4 Beeps and a Pause: This indicates a Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm. Immediately move to fresh air and call emergency services if symptoms of CO poisoning are present.

Image: Icon representing 1 beep every minute.

• 1 Beep Every Minute: This indicates a low battery. Replace the 9-volt backup battery immediately.

Image: Icon representing 5 beeps every minute.

• 5 Beeps Every Minute: This indicates the end of the unit's life. The alarm needs to be replaced.

8. Specifications

Image: Side view of the First Alert SC9120FF showing its dimensions (5.6 inches height/width, 1.9 inches depth).

9. Recommended Placement

Proper placement of your smoke and CO alarms is crucial for effective home safety. Follow these guidelines for optimal protection:

Image: Diagram illustrating recommended placement of smoke and CO alarms throughout a home, including bedrooms, hallways, living room, kitchen, basement, and garage.

• Smoke Alarms: Install at least one on every level of your home, including the basement, and inside every bedroom.
• Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Install at least one on every level of your home, and inside or immediately outside every sleeping area.
• For interconnected systems, ensure all alarms are compatible and properly linked.

10. Warranty and Support

10.1 Limited Warranty

The First Alert BRK SC9120FF comes with a 10-year limited warranty. This warranty covers defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. For full warranty details, please refer to the user manual included in your package or visit the First Alert website.

10.2 Additional Resources

For further assistance, detailed instructions, or to download a digital copy of the user manual, please visit the official First Alert support page or refer to the PDF documents provided:

• Installation Manual (PDF)
• Instructions for Use (IFU) (PDF)
• User Manual (PDF)