First Alert BRK PRC710 Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm User Manual

1. Introduction

The First Alert BRK PRC710 is a slim, photoelectric smoke and electrochemical carbon monoxide alarm designed for residential use. It features a built-in 10-year lithium-ion battery, eliminating the need for battery replacements throughout its lifespan. This device provides continuous monitoring for both smoke and carbon monoxide, offering advanced protection with a low-profile design that blends seamlessly into your home decor.

Key Features:

• 10-Year Sealed Battery: Provides continuous power for up to a decade without battery changes.
• 2-in-1 Protection: Detects both smoke from smoldering fires (photoelectric sensor) and carbon monoxide leaks (electrochemical sensor).
• Slim Profile Design: Half the thickness of a standard alarm for discreet placement.
• Loud 85 dB Alarm: Alerts occupants effectively to potential dangers.
• Test/Silence Button: Allows for easy testing of alarm function and silencing of nuisance alarms.
• End-of-Life Signal: Chirps to indicate when the unit needs to be replaced after 10 years.

2. Safety Information

This product is designed to enhance home safety by detecting smoke and carbon monoxide. Proper placement and regular testing are crucial for its effective operation. Please read all instructions carefully before installation and use.

Important Warnings:

• Proposition 65 Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
• Alarm Sound: The alarm produces a loud 85-decibel sound. Prolonged exposure to the alarm sound may cause hearing damage.
• Do Not Paint: Do not paint the alarm unit as paint can interfere with the sensors' ability to detect smoke or carbon monoxide.

Recommended Placement:

Install alarms on every level of your home and in every bedroom. For optimal protection, ensure alarms are placed in areas where they can be heard by all occupants.

Image: Recommended placement of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms throughout a typical home.

Areas to Avoid:

• Garages, Furnace Rooms, Crawl Spaces, Unfinished Attics: Avoid extremely dusty, dirty, or greasy areas.
• Combustion Particle Sources: Keep units at least 20 feet (6 meters) from sources of combustion particles (stove, furnace, water heater, space heater). If a 20-foot distance is not possible, place the alarm as far as possible from these sources and ensure good ventilation.
• Cooking Appliances: Do not locate within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of any cooking appliance.
• Air Streams: Avoid turbulent air near ceiling fans or open windows, as blowing air may prevent smoke or CO from reaching sensors.
• High Humidity Areas: At least 10 feet (3 meters) from showers, saunas, humidifiers, vaporizers, dishwashers, laundry rooms, or utility rooms.
• Direct Sunlight: Avoid direct sunlight exposure.
• Extreme Temperatures: Do not install where temperatures are colder than 40°F (4.4°C) or hotter than 100°F (37.8°C).
• Insect Infested Areas: Insects can clog sensing chambers.
• Fluorescent Lights: Less than 12 inches (305 mm) away from fluorescent lights to avoid electrical interference.
• Dead Air Spaces: Refer to the full user manual for detailed information on avoiding dead air spaces.

3. Setup

Activation:

The PRC710 alarm is activated by mounting it to the mounting bracket. Once activated, the unit cannot be turned off. After activation, the power indicator light may flash. If the unit alarms, the light will blink rapidly, and the horn will repeatedly sound 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps.

Mounting:

The alarm features a simple twist-lock mounting system for easy installation on a wall or ceiling. Secure the mounting bracket to your desired location using appropriate hardware. Once the alarm is on the bracket, you can rotate it to adjust alignment.

Image: Front view of the First Alert BRK PRC710 alarm, showing the test/silence button.

4. Operating

Normal Operation:

During normal operation, the alarm's power indicator light will flash periodically. The alarm continuously monitors for smoke and carbon monoxide levels.

Testing the Alarm:

Regularly test your alarm to ensure it is functioning correctly. Press and hold the Test/Silence button on the front of the unit. The alarm will sound a loud 85-decibel alert, indicating that the alarm's electronics, battery, and horn are working.

Silencing Nuisance Alarms:

In case of a nuisance alarm (e.g., from cooking smoke), press the Test/Silence button to temporarily silence the alarm. The alarm will reset after a few minutes if the condition has cleared.

Image: Test alarms regularly and replace alarms at least every 10 years.

5. Maintenance

To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your First Alert BRK PRC710 alarm, regular maintenance is recommended.

Cleaning:

• Clean the Smoke/CO Alarm at least once a month.
• Gently vacuum the outside of the alarm using your household vacuum’s soft brush attachment.
• Alternatively, a can of clean compressed air may be used to clear dust from the unit.
• Do NOT use water, cleaners, or solvents as they may damage the unit.
• If the alarm becomes contaminated by excessive dirt, dust, or grime and cannot be cleaned to prevent unwanted alarms, replace the unit immediately.

6. Troubleshooting

If your alarm is not functioning as expected, refer to the following common issues and solutions:

Common Issues:

• Alarm Chirping: A periodic chirp (e.g., every minute) indicates a low battery or an end-of-life warning. If the unit is chirping, it may be time to replace the alarm.
• False Alarms: If the alarm sounds without an apparent emergency, it might be a nuisance alarm. Press the Test/Silence button to temporarily silence it. Ensure proper placement away from cooking fumes or high humidity areas.
• No Power Indicator Light: If the power indicator light does not flash after activation, ensure the unit is correctly mounted to the bracket.

When the Alarm Sounds:

• Smoke Alarm: If the smoke alarm sounds, immediately evacuate all occupants from the building. Call your local emergency services (fire department) from a safe location. Do not re-enter until authorities have declared it safe.
• Carbon Monoxide Alarm: If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, immediately move to fresh air. Call your local emergency services (fire department or 911) from a safe location. Do not re-enter until the building has been aired out and CO levels have returned to normal.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

Warranty Information:

The First Alert BRK PRC710 Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm comes with a 10-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in material and workmanship. To validate your warranty, retain your original sales receipt.

The alarm is equipped with an end-of-life signal chirp, which will alert you when it's time to replace the unit for continued safety. The date printed on the item is the manufacturing date, not the expiration date.

Customer Support:

For technical assistance, warranty claims, or any questions regarding your alarm, please contact First Alert Customer Service. Refer to the full user manual for detailed contact information.

9. Product Videos

Product Summary Video

Video: A brief overview of the First Alert BRK PRC710 Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm, highlighting its key features and benefits.