First Alert BRK 7020BSL Hardwired Smoke Detector with LED Strobe Light for Hearing Impaired

Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your First Alert BRK 7020BSL Hardwired Smoke Detector with LED Strobe Light. This device is designed to provide both audible and visual warnings in the event of smoke or fire, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with hearing impairments. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and keep it for future reference.

Product Features

• Hardwired with 10-Year Sealed Battery Backup: Ensures continuous operation even during power outages.
• Powerful 177 Candela LED Strobe Light: Provides a bright visual warning, ideal for the hearing impaired.
• Smart Strobe Technology: Distinguishes between smoke/heat and carbon monoxide (CO) dangers with different flash patterns.
• Strobe Signal Synchronization: When multiple compatible units are installed, all strobes flash in unison for enhanced alert.
• Photoelectric Sensor: Designed to detect smoke from smoldering fires, which typically produce more smoke.
• Interconnectable: Compatible with other First Alert and BRK smoke, CO, and combination alarms (up to 18 devices, 12 of which can be smoke alarms).
• Easy Installation: Designed for quick and straightforward installation into a standard junction box.

Package Contents

Your First Alert BRK 7020BSL package should contain the following items:

• First Alert BRK 7020BSL Hardwired Smoke Detector with LED Strobe Light
• Mounting Bracket
• Wiring Harness
• Installation Screws and Anchors
• Instruction Manual (this document)
• 1 Lithium Metal Battery (sealed, included)

Image: First Alert BRK 7020BSL smoke detector with its wiring harness, showing the main unit and the separate wiring component.

Important Safety Information

Please read and understand all instructions before installing and operating this smoke detector. Failure to follow these instructions may result in property damage, injury, or death.

• WARNING: Installation must be performed by a qualified electrician or in accordance with local electrical codes.
• DANGER: Turn off power at the circuit breaker before beginning installation or maintenance.
• Do not paint the smoke detector. Paint can clog the sensing chambers and prevent the unit from operating correctly.
• Test the smoke detector weekly to ensure proper function.
• Replace the unit every 10 years from the date of manufacture, regardless of battery status or apparent functionality.
• This smoke detector is designed for residential use only.

Setup and Installation

Follow these steps to properly install your First Alert BRK 7020BSL smoke detector:

1. Power Off: Before starting, ensure the power to the circuit where you will install the alarm is turned off at the main electrical panel.
2. Remove Old Alarm (if applicable): Carefully disconnect and remove any existing smoke alarm from the junction box.
3. Mounting Bracket Installation:
   • Attach the mounting bracket to the electrical junction box using the provided screws. Ensure it is securely fastened.
   • If no junction box is present, use the provided screws and anchors to mount the bracket directly to the ceiling or wall.
   

   Image: Side profile of the First Alert BRK 7020BSL smoke detector, showing its compact design.

4. Wiring Connections:
   • Connect the white wire from the alarm's wiring harness to the neutral (white) wire from your household wiring using a wire nut.
   • Connect the black wire from the alarm's wiring harness to the hot (black) wire from your household wiring using a wire nut.
   • If interconnecting multiple alarms, connect the orange wire from the alarm's wiring harness to the interconnect (orange or red) wire from your household wiring. If not interconnecting, cap the orange wire with a wire nut.
   • Connect the ground wire from the household wiring to the ground screw on the mounting bracket or junction box.
5. Attach Alarm to Bracket: Plug the wiring harness into the back of the smoke detector. Align the alarm with the mounting bracket and twist clockwise until it locks securely into place.
6. Power On: Restore power to the circuit at the main electrical panel.
7. Test Unit: Press and hold the Test/Silence button on the front of the alarm until the alarm sounds and the strobe light flashes. This confirms proper operation.

Operating Instructions

Once installed and powered, your First Alert BRK 7020BSL smoke detector operates automatically. Familiarize yourself with its indicators and functions:

• Normal Operation: The green LED indicator will glow continuously, indicating that the unit is receiving AC power. The red LED will flash approximately once every 60 seconds, indicating normal operation and that the battery backup is functioning.
• Alarm Condition (Smoke/Heat): If smoke or heat is detected, the alarm will sound a loud, continuous horn pattern (three beeps, pause, three beeps) and the LED strobe light will flash rapidly.
• Alarm Condition (Carbon Monoxide - if interconnected with CO alarm): If interconnected with a compatible CO alarm and CO is detected, the alarm will sound a distinct horn pattern (four quick beeps, pause, four quick beeps) and the LED strobe light will flash in a specific pattern to indicate CO.
• Test/Silence Button:
  • Press and hold to test the alarm's functionality.
  • Press briefly to silence nuisance alarms for approximately 10 minutes. The strobe light will continue to flash during the silence period.
• Low Battery Warning: The unit will chirp approximately once every minute, and the red LED will flash, indicating that the sealed 10-year battery is nearing the end of its life. The entire unit must be replaced.

Image: Front view of the First Alert BRK 7020BSL smoke detector, highlighting the test/silence button and the LED strobe light.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures your smoke detector remains in optimal working condition.

• Weekly Testing: Press and hold the Test/Silence button until the alarm sounds and the strobe flashes. This verifies the electronic circuitry, horn, and battery are working.
• Monthly Cleaning: Vacuum the cover of the smoke detector with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris. Do not use water or cleaning solvents.
• Battery: The unit features a sealed 10-year lithium metal battery. This battery is not replaceable. When the low battery warning sounds (chirping every minute), the entire unit must be replaced.
• Unit Replacement: Replace the entire smoke detector unit every 10 years from the date of manufacture. The manufacture date is printed on the back of the unit.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Warranty Information: First Alert warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of ten (10) years from the date of purchase. This warranty extends to the original retail purchaser only. Proof of original sales receipt is required for warranty claims. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from accident, misuse, abuse, lack of reasonable care of the product, or any other use not in accordance with the instructions. For full warranty details, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official First Alert website.

Customer Support: For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or general inquiries, please contact First Alert customer support. Contact information can typically be found on the product packaging or the official First Alert website. Please have your model number (BRK 7020BSL) and date of purchase available when contacting support.