Introduction
The Kidde i12060 is an AC-powered, hardwired ionization smoke alarm designed to provide early warning of smoke and fire. This alarm features a front-loading battery backup for continuous operation during power outages and a hush feature to temporarily silence nuisance alarms. It is designed for residential use and can interconnect with up to 24 compatible Kidde devices.
Important Safety Information
Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and operation. Keep this manual for future reference. This device detects smoke particles. It does not detect heat, flames, or carbon monoxide. For complete fire safety, ensure your home has both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Styrene, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, refer to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Setup and Installation
Package Contents:
- One Kidde i12060 120-volt AC wire-in smoke alarm
- One 9-volt battery
- Operating and installation instructions
Location Guidelines:
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area.
- Avoid installing near windows, doors, or forced-air vents where drafts could interfere with smoke detection.
- Do not install in kitchens, garages, or furnace rooms where combustion particles are normally present, as this may cause nuisance alarms.
- Refer to local building codes for specific installation requirements.
Wiring and Mounting:
- Power Off: Ensure power to the circuit is turned off at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.
- Connect Wiring: The alarm comes with a pre-stripped wiring harness with tinned strands. Connect the appropriate wires (black to hot, white to neutral, orange to interconnect if applicable) to your household wiring using wire nuts.
- Attach Mounting Bracket: Secure the mounting bracket to the ceiling or wall using the provided screws. The large mounting base helps cover imperfections.
- Install Battery: Open the front battery door and insert the included 9-volt battery. Ensure the battery pull tab is removed to activate the battery. The front-loading battery door allows for easy battery replacement without removing the alarm from its base.
- Attach Alarm to Bracket: Align the alarm with the mounting bracket and twist clockwise until it locks into place.
- Restore Power: Turn the power back on at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.
- Test Alarm: Press and hold the test button for a few seconds until the alarm sounds. This confirms proper operation.

Figure 1: Kidde i12060 Hardwired Smoke Detector Alarm. This image shows the complete smoke alarm unit, highlighting its compact design and the front-loading battery compartment.
Operating Instructions
Normal Operation:
During normal operation, the red LED indicator will flash approximately once every 30-40 seconds, indicating that the alarm is receiving power and functioning correctly.
Testing the Alarm:
Test the alarm weekly by pressing and holding the "Push and Hold to Test" button. The alarm will sound a loud, pulsating horn. Release the button to stop the alarm. This tests the unit's electronic circuitry, horn, and battery.

Figure 2: A person pressing the test button on a ceiling-mounted Kidde smoke detector. This demonstrates the simple action required to test the alarm's functionality.
Hush Feature:
The hush feature temporarily silences nuisance alarms caused by non-emergency situations like cooking smoke. To activate, press the "Hush" button. The alarm will be desensitized for approximately seven minutes. During this time, the alarm will chirp every 30 to 40 seconds. If smoke density is too high, the hush feature will be overridden, and the alarm will sound. The alarm automatically resets after seven minutes.
Maintenance
Battery Replacement:
The 9-volt battery provides backup power during outages. Replace the battery at least once a year, or immediately when the alarm chirps approximately once a minute (indicating a low battery). To replace, open the front battery door, remove the old battery, and insert a new 9-volt battery. Close the battery door securely.
Cleaning Your Alarm:
Clean your smoke alarm at least once a month to remove dust and debris. Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to clean the exterior of the alarm and the openings. Do not paint the alarm.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm chirps once every minute | Low battery | Replace the 9-volt battery. |
| Nuisance alarms (false alarms) | Cooking smoke, steam, dust, high humidity | Use the hush feature. Relocate the alarm if nuisance alarms persist due to environmental factors. Clean the alarm. |
| Alarm does not sound during test | No power, dead battery, faulty unit | Check power supply. Replace battery. If still not working, replace the unit. |
| Alarm sounds continuously | Presence of smoke/fire, or unit malfunction | Evacuate immediately if smoke/fire is present. If no smoke/fire, use hush feature or replace unit if malfunction persists. |
Specifications
- Model: i12060
- Detection Method: Ionization
- Power Source: 120VAC, 9V Battery Backup
- Audible Alert: 85dB @ 10 ft. Horn
- Visual Alert: Red LED
- Diameter: 5 inches
- Height: 1-3/4 inches
- Interconnection Capability: Up to 24 Units
- Hush Button: Yes
- Test Button: Yes
- Locking Pin: Yes
- Operating Temperature: 40°F to 100°F (4.4°C to 37.8°C)
- Standards: UL Listed
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 10 Year Limited Warranty
- GTIN: 047871260546
- Model Number (Mfr Part Number): 21026054
Warranty Information
The Kidde i12060 smoke alarm comes with a 10-year limited warranty from the manufacturer. For detailed warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the documentation included with your product or contact Kidde customer support.
Support and Contact
For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or warranty claims, please contact Kidde customer support. For comprehensive fire preparedness information and local safety guidelines, contact your local fire department.





