First Alert SM300-AC Smoke Alarm User Manual

01 Introduction

Thank you for choosing First Alert® for your Smoke Alarm needs. This manual provides information on the operation of your state-of-the-art Smoke Alarm, designed to offer early warning of a fire. Please read this manual carefully and integrate the Smoke Alarm into your family's safety plan.

Basic Safety Information

Important! Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions highlight critical operating instructions and potentially hazardous situations. Pay close attention to these items.

This Smoke Alarm is approved for use in single-family residences and is not designed for marine or RV use.

Caution! The Smoke Alarm detects smoke that reaches the sensor. It is not designed to sense gas, heat, or flames.

Warning!

This Smoke Alarm requires working batteries to operate. Failure to replace batteries removes protection. Never ignore an Alarm; respond immediately to prevent injury or death. Silence features are for convenience and do not correct problems. Always check for a potential issue after any Alarm. Test the Smoke Alarm weekly; replace immediately if it fails to test correctly.

02 About Smoke Alarms

Types of Alarms

Smoke Alarms provide early warning of fires when properly located, installed, and maintained, and when smoke reaches the sensor. Refer to NFPA Standard 72 and NFPA 101 for installation guidance. Local building codes may also apply.

• Battery (DC) Operated: Provide protection during power failures if batteries are fresh and installed correctly. Easy installation, but no interconnected functionality.
• AC Powered: Can be interconnected so all units alarm if one detects smoke. Do not operate if electricity fails.
• AC with Battery (DC) Backup: Operates during power failures if batteries are fresh and installed correctly. Requires installation by a qualified electrician.
• Wireless Interconnected Alarms: Offer interconnected functionality without wires. Easy installation and protection during power failures.
• For Solar/Wind Energy Users: AC powered alarms require true or pure sine wave inverters. Operating with square wave or "quasi sine wave" inverters can damage the alarm.
• For Hearing Impaired: Special units with visual and audible alarms are available and can be interconnected.

Smoke Alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless evaluated for suitability. All First Alert® Smoke Alarms conform to UL217 standards and detect combustion particles.

Detection Technologies

• Ionization: More sensitive to small particles produced by flaming fires (e.g., paper in wastebasket, grease fire).
• Photoelectric: More sensitive to large particles produced by smoldering fires (e.g., cigarettes in couches/bedding).

For maximum protection, use both types on each level and in every bedroom.

03 Installation

Where to Install This Alarm

Minimum Coverage (NFPA Recommendation): One Smoke Alarm on every floor, in every sleeping area, and in every bedroom. For added protection, install an additional unit at least 15 feet (4.6 meters) from furnaces or fuel-burning heat sources.

General Installation Locations:

• On every level of your home, including finished attics and basements.
• Inside every bedroom, especially if doors are closed at night.
• In the hall near every sleeping area; if a hall is over 40 feet (12 meters) long, install a unit at each end.
• At the top of first-to-second floor stairs.
• At the bottom of basement stairs.
• For additional coverage, install in all rooms, halls, and storage areas where temperatures are between 40°F (4.4°C) and 100°F (37.8°C).

Recommended Placement Diagram Description: A diagram illustrates recommended placement for Smoke Alarms (one on every level and in every bedroom), Carbon Monoxide Alarms (one on every level and in every bedroom), and Fire Extinguishers (one on every level, plus kitchen and garage).

Wall/Ceiling Mounting:

• Wall: Top edge of alarm between 4-12 inches (102-305 mm) from the wall/ceiling line.
• Ceiling: Place as close to the center as possible.
• In either case, install at least 4 inches (102 mm) from where the wall and ceiling meet.

Ensure no obstructions prevent smoke from reaching the alarm.

Where Not to Install This Alarm

Avoid installing in:

• Garages, furnace rooms, crawl spaces, unfinished attics (dusty, dirty, greasy areas).
• Areas where combustion particles are produced (poorly ventilated kitchens, garages, furnace rooms). Keep at least 20 feet (6 meters) from stoves, furnaces, water heaters, space heaters if possible.
• Within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of cooking appliances or in air streams near kitchens.
• Extremely humid areas (at least 10 feet (3 meters) from showers, saunas, humidifiers, etc.).
• In direct sunlight.
• In turbulent air (near ceiling fans, open windows).
• Areas with temperatures below 40°F (4.4°C) or above 100°F (37.8°C).
• Insect-infested areas.
• Less than 12 inches (305 mm) from fluorescent lights.
• "Dead air" spaces.

Avoiding Dead Air Spaces

Install alarms close to the center of ceilings or at least 4 inches (102 mm) from walls/corners. For sloped ceilings, install within 3 feet (0.9 meters) of the peak.

How to Install This Alarm

Tools Needed: Needle-nose pliers or utility knife, flathead screwdriver, wire strippers.

Warning: Ensure power is not excessively noisy (e.g., from major appliances on the same circuit, generators, dimmers, or near fluorescent lighting), as this can damage the alarm.

Parts of the Alarm:

• Mounting Bracket: Attaches to the junction box.
• Power Connector: Supplies AC power. Contains black (hot), white (neutral), and orange (interconnect) wires.
• Slide-Out Battery Drawer: Resists closing without a battery.

Diagram of Parts Description: Illustrates the mounting bracket, mounting slots, locking pins, AC wires (black, white, orange), quick-connect power connector, and battery drawer.

Installation Steps:

1. Turn off power at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Danger! Electrical Shock Hazard.
2. Remove the mounting bracket and attach it to the junction box.
3. Connect the power connector to household wiring using wire nuts:
   • Stand-Alone: White to neutral, black to hot. Tuck orange wire away.
   • Interconnected: White to neutral, black to hot, orange to interconnect wire. Repeat for each unit. Never cross hot/neutral wires or connect them to the orange wire.
4. Activate battery backup by removing the tab or installing a battery (ensure correct polarity).
5. Plug the power connector into the back of the alarm.
6. Position the alarm base over the bracket and turn clockwise until secure. Adjust for level if wall-mounted.
7. Check all connections.

Warning: Improper wiring can damage the alarm.

Restoring Power and Testing:

7. If stand-alone, restore power. If interconnected, repeat steps 1-5 for all units, then restore power. Danger! Electrical Shock Hazard.
8. Verify the Green power indicator light is continuously lit. If not, turn off power and recheck connections. If it still doesn't light, replace the unit.
9. Test each alarm by pressing and holding the Test/Silence button until it sounds. Ensure all interconnected units alarm when each is tested. Danger! If any unit in a series fails to alarm, turn off power, recheck connections, and replace if necessary.

Special Requirements for Interconnected Alarms

Warning: Failure to meet requirements can damage units and remove protection.

• AC and AC/DC alarms can be interconnected. All units alarm when one detects smoke/CO. Only AC/DC units continue to signal when AC power is interrupted.
• Interconnected units provide earlier warning.
• Alarm Indication: Initiating alarms have rapidly flashing red LEDs; other alarms have normal green LEDs. After an alarm, initiating alarms show a repeating red LED pattern.

Compatible Interconnected Units:

This unit is compatible with specific First Alert Smoke, Smoke & CO, and CO Alarms, as well as First Alert Heat Alarms, RM4 Relay, and SLED177 Strobe (via RM4 Relay). Interconnect only within a single-family residence.

Interconnection Requirements:

• Maximum 18 compatible units (12 Smoke Alarms).
• All units must be powered by the same fuse or circuit breaker.
• Total interconnect wire length less than 1000 feet (300 meters).
• All wiring must conform to local electrical codes and NFPA 70 (NEC).

Diagram Description: Shows AC power source connection (A) and connection to additional units (B), illustrating the power connector, wire nuts, junction box, and wires.

Alarm Status Indicators:

Note: On battery only, low battery/alarm latches engage for ~15 minutes to conserve power.

04 Alarm Features

• Dual Sensor: Provides protection against fast flaming and slow smoldering fires.
• Battery Backup: Ensures operation during power outages.
• Quick Connect Plug: Facilitates easy installation without rewiring.

Latching Feature

Activated after exposure to alarm levels of smoke (AC power required). Helps identify which unit(s) initiated an alarm, aiding investigators. The Latching Alarm Indicator remains on until cleared, alerting to alarms that occurred while away.

Latching Alarm: Unit was exposed to alarm levels of smoke.

Latching Not Activated: Unit was not exposed to alarm levels of smoke.

Low Battery Latch: Activates when the alarm is in a low battery condition, indicated by the Green LED flashing 2 seconds on, 2 seconds off, helping identify which alarm needs a battery replacement.

"Smart Interconnect" Feature

Allows interconnection with other First Alert® Smoke, Heat, and "Smart Interconnect" CO Alarms. All alarms sound the smoke pattern for smoke; "Smart Interconnect" alarms sound the CO pattern for CO. Non-"Smart Interconnect" alarms remain silent during a CO alarm.

Locking Features

Optional features to prevent unauthorized removal of batteries or the alarm. Can be used independently or together.

Tools: Needle-nose pliers, flathead screwdriver.

Locking Pins: Molded into the mounting bracket. Remove with pliers.

To Lock Battery Compartment:

1. Test the alarm first.
2. Detach one locking pin.
3. Push the pin through the hole near the battery drawer.

To Unlock Battery Compartment:

1. Turn off AC power.
2. Remove the alarm from the mounting bracket.
3. Disconnect the power connector.
4. Pry out the locking pin with a flathead screwdriver.
5. Replace batteries, test, reassemble, and restore power.

To Lock Mounting Bracket:

1. Detach one locking pin.
2. Insert the pin into the lock opposite the battery drawer.
3. The pin's head fits into a notch on the bracket when the alarm is attached.

To Unlock Mounting Bracket:

1. Turn off AC power.
2. Insert a flathead screwdriver between the pin and bracket.
3. Pry the alarm away by turning the screwdriver and alarm counterclockwise.

05 Testing & Maintenance

Weekly Testing

Warning: Never use an open flame to test. If the alarm fails to test, replace it immediately. Do not stand close to the alarm when it sounds.

Caution: Test weekly using the Test/Silence button. Press and hold until the alarm sounds (3 beeps, pause, repeating; Red LED flashes rapidly). If it doesn't sound, check power and battery, then replace if still non-functional.

Regular Maintenance

• Test weekly.
• Clean monthly: Gently vacuum dust with a soft brush attachment. Test after cleaning. Do not use water, cleaners, or solvents.
• Replace immediately if contaminated and cannot be cleaned.
• Relocate if frequent unwanted alarms occur.
• Cover the alarm during home maintenance (sanding, painting) to prevent contamination.

Important: Replace the alarm immediately if it starts "chirping" (End of Life or Malfunction warning).

Choosing a Replacement Battery

Requires two standard AA batteries (Eveready Energizer E91 or Duracell MN1500). Available locally.

Warning: Use only specified batteries. Do not use rechargeable batteries. Clean contacts before installation. Install with correct polarity. Dispose of/recycle batteries properly. Do not dispose of in fire.

Warning: Keep batteries out of reach of children.

Battery Replacement Steps:

1. Open the battery compartment.
2. Press tabs A and B to remove old batteries.
3. Insert new batteries, ensuring they snap in and terminals match.
4. Close compartment and test the unit.

Troubleshooting Guide

Danger: Turn off power before checking connections.

*For acceptable replacement batteries, see "Regular Maintenance."

Contact Consumer Support at 1-800-323-9005 for questions not answered in this manual.

Fire Safety Tips

Follow safety rules: Use smoking materials properly, never smoke in bed. Keep matches/lighters away from children. Store flammables properly. Maintain electrical appliances and circuits. Keep stoves, grills, fireplaces clean. Never leave cooking unattended. Keep heaters and flames away from flammables. Don't let rubbish accumulate. Keep alarms clean and test weekly. Replace non-working alarms immediately. Keep at least one working fire extinguisher on every level and in the kitchen. Have fire escape ladders. Practice your escape plan regularly.

06 If This Smoke Alarm Sounds

Responding to an Alarm

During an alarm, you will hear a loud, repeating horn pattern (3 beeps, pause, repeating) and the Red LED will flash rapidly.

Warning: If the unit alarms, get everyone out of the house immediately. Never ignore an alarm; failure to respond can result in injury or death. Do not remove batteries from battery-operated alarms to stop unwanted alarms; open a window or fan smoke away instead.

What to Do in Case of Fire

• Stay calm and follow your family escape plan.
• Evacuate quickly; do not stop for belongings.
• Feel doors with the back of your hand before opening. Open cool doors slowly; do not open hot doors. Keep doors and windows closed unless escaping through them.
• Cover nose and mouth with a cloth (preferably damp) and take shallow breaths.
• Meet at a planned location outside and perform a head count.
• Call the Fire Department from outside, providing your address and name.
• Never go back inside a burning building.
• Contact your Fire Department for home safety advice.

Warning: Alarms have limitations; see "General Limitations of Smoke Alarms."

07 Using the Silence Features

The Silence Feature can temporarily quiet an unwanted alarm for up to 8 minutes. It makes the unit less sensitive but does not disable it. If smoke is dense, the unit may re-alarm.

Warning: Do not assume an alarm is unwanted if the source is unknown. Not responding can lead to property loss, injury, or death.

Silencing Smoke Alarms in an Interconnected Series

Press the Test/Silence button on the unit(s) that initiated the alarm. The initiating alarm's red LED will flash rapidly; others will show a constant green LED. The unit exits silence mode in approximately 8 minutes.

Silencing the Low Battery Warning

Press the Test/Silence button to temporarily quiet the low battery "chirp" for up to 8 hours. The Green LED will continue to flash. Replace batteries promptly.

Silencing the End of Life Signal

Press the Test/Silence button to temporarily quiet the End of Life warning "chirp" for up to 8 hours. The Green LED will flash 5 times per minute. The signal may resume after 8 hours; the timer cannot be reset after 7 days from the initial signal.

If You Suspect a Problem

Problems may arise from dead batteries, dirt/dust/grease buildup, or improper location. Clean the alarm and test again. If issues persist or it fails testing, replace it immediately.

• 3 or 5 chirps per minute: Replace the Smoke Alarm.
• Chirp every minute: Replace the battery.
• Frequent non-emergency alarms: Relocate the alarm.
• Alarm sounds with no visible smoke: Clean or relocate the alarm.
• Alarm does not sound during testing: Ensure the power pack activating lever is secure.

Do not attempt to fix the alarm yourself; this voids the warranty.

08 Regulatory Information

Recommended Locations for Smoke Alarms

Single-Family Residences: NFPA recommends one alarm per level, in every sleeping area, and in every bedroom. New construction typically requires AC-powered and interconnected alarms.

For additional coverage, install alarms in all rooms, halls, storage areas, finished attics, and basements where temperatures are between 40°F (4.4°C) and 100°F (37.8°C). Ensure no obstructions block smoke.

More Specifically:

• On every level, including finished attics and basements.
• Inside every bedroom, especially with closed doors.
• In halls near sleeping areas; at each end of halls over 40 feet (12 meters).
• At the top of first-to-second floor stairs and bottom of basement stairs.

Important: Installation requirements vary by region. Check with your local Fire Department. Interconnecting AC or AC/DC units is recommended.

Diagram Descriptions:

• Battery Operated & Wireless: Shows placement for 1-story and multi-story residences.
• Hardwired: Shows placement for 1-story and multi-story residences.
• Types: Icons indicate placement for Smoke Alarms, CO Alarms, and Combination Smoke/CO Alarms.

09 Agency Placement Recommendations

NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code)

Chapter 29, Section 29.5.1* Required Detection: Approved single and multiple-station Smoke Alarms shall be installed:

• In all sleeping rooms and guest rooms.
• Outside each separate dwelling unit sleeping area, within 21 ft (6.4 m) of any door to a sleeping room.
• On every level of a dwelling unit, including basements.
• On every level of a residential board and care occupancy (small facility), including basements (excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics).
• In the living area(s) of a guest suite.
• In the living area(s) of a residential board and care occupancy (small facility).

(Reprinted with permission from NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. Copyright © 2012 National Fire Protection Association.)

California State Fire Marshal (CSFM)

For early warning detection, install fire detection equipment in all rooms and areas: A Smoke Alarm in each separate sleeping area (outside bedrooms), and Heat or Smoke Alarms in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, finished attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility/storage rooms, basements, and attached garages.

10 Special Compliance Considerations

This Smoke Alarm is suitable for apartments, condominiums, townhouses, hospitals, day care facilities, etc., provided a primary fire detection system exists for common areas. Using this alarm in common areas may not provide sufficient warning or meet local regulations.

This alarm is not a substitute for complete fire detection systems in multi-occupancy buildings (apartments, hotels, dormitories, hospitals, etc.) or non-residential buildings (warehouses, industrial, commercial). It may provide additional protection in these facilities as per building codes.

In new construction, AC or AC/DC powered alarms are typically required. In existing construction, AC, AC/DC, or DC powered alarms may be used per local codes. Installation should comply with NFPA 72, NFPA 101, and local building codes.

FCC Compliance

This equipment complies with Part 15 of FCC rules for Class B digital devices, designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. It generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If interference occurs, try reorienting the antenna, increasing separation between equipment and receiver, or connecting to a different circuit. Consult a dealer or technician if needed.

Warning: Changes not expressly approved by First Alert could void user authority. Operation is subject to two conditions: no harmful interference, and acceptance of any received interference.

11 General Limitations of Smoke Alarms

Smoke Alarms are crucial for fire safety but are not foolproof. They require proper location, installation, and maintenance, and smoke must reach the sensor.

• May Not Awaken All Individuals: Practice escape plans regularly. Ensure someone assists those who may need help waking or moving.
• Cannot Work Without Power: Battery units fail if batteries are missing, dead, or incorrectly installed. AC units fail if power is cut off. Consider installing both types.
• Cannot Detect Smoke Not Reaching Sensor: Fires in chimneys, walls, or behind closed doors may not trigger the alarm. Install alarms in all sleeping areas and hallways.
• May Not Detect Fires on Other Levels: A unit on one level may not detect a fire on another until it spreads, potentially reducing escape time. Interconnected units offer earlier warning.
• May Not Be Heard: Alarms may be missed if located outside closed doors, if residents have consumed alcohol/drugs, if drowned out by noise, or if residents are hearing impaired or sound sleepers. Special units for the hearing impaired are recommended.
• Limited Time to Alarm: Some fires grow rapidly, causing damage or blocking egress before the alarm sounds.
• Not Foolproof: Like any electronic device, components can wear out or fail. Test weekly. Alarms cannot prevent or extinguish fires and are not a substitute for insurance.
• Limited Life: Replace the unit immediately if not operating properly. Always replace a Smoke Alarm after 10 years from the date of purchase.

12 Limited Warranty

First Alert® warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for ten years from the date of purchase. First Alert will repair or replace defective products or components with new or remanufactured parts. This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser and is non-transferable. Proof of purchase (sales receipt) is required.

Warranty Exclusions: Normal wear and tear, damage from misuse, improper voltage, unauthorized repair/alteration, Acts of God (fire, flood, etc.), and included batteries.

First Alert is not liable for incidental or consequential damages. Implied warranties are limited to the duration of this express warranty. Some jurisdictions may not allow these limitations.

How to Obtain Warranty Service

Contact the Consumer Support Team at 1-800-323-9005. Have the model number and date of purchase ready. First Alert makes no warranty regarding included batteries.

Disposal: Follow local guidelines for battery and electronics disposal/recycling.

For Your Records: Record Date Purchased, Where Purchased, and Date Installed. Replace alarm 10 years after installation. An audible End-of-Life Signal will sound approximately 10 years after installation.

Printed in Mexico | M08-0603-000 03/23

CONFORMS TO UL STD 217

120V AC ~, 60Hz, 0.07A

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