First Alert 7020BSL Smoke and Strobe Light Combo Alarm

Introduction

Thank you for choosing First Alert® for your Smoke Alarm and hearing impaired strobe light needs. This manual contains important information about your Smoke Alarm's operation. It is designed to provide hearing impaired individuals with a visual and audible warning of a fire, and when used with additional carbon monoxide or combination smoke & carbon monoxide alarms, a warning of carbon monoxide danger.

Key Features:

• Low Profile Design: Half the size of a standard alarm.
• 177 Candela LED Light: Powerful LED strobe light for visual warning.
• Strobe Signal Synchronization: Horn and LED sync with other 7020BSL family units.
• Smart Interconnection: Helps reduce unwanted alarms.
• Battery Backup: 10-year sealed battery backup for smoke alarm during power outages (does not power strobe).
• Quick Mounting Activation: Twist/lock mounting bracket automatically activates the 10-year battery backup.
• End of Life Indicator: Alerts user when replacement is needed.
• Integrated Photoelectric Smoke Alarm and Strobe Light: Saves installation time with one device and one electrical box.
• Smart Strobe: Works with BRK smoke and CO alarms, with separate flash patterns for smoke/heat or CO danger.
• 1Hz Flash Rate: 60 flashes per minute.
• Two Latching Features: Alarm Latch (identifies initiating alarm) and Low Battery Latch (identifies unit with low battery).
• Two Silence Features: Temporarily silence low battery chirps or unwanted alarms.

Fire Safety Tips

Follow safety rules and prevent hazardous situations:

• Use smoking materials properly; never smoke in bed.
• Keep matches or lighters away from children.
• Store flammable materials in proper containers.
• Keep electrical appliances in good condition and do not overload electrical circuits.
• Keep stoves, barbecue grills, fireplaces, and chimneys grease- and debris-free.
• Never leave cooking unattended on the stove.
• Keep portable heaters and open flames (like candles) away from flammable materials.
• Do not let rubbish accumulate.

Keep alarms clean and test them weekly. Replace alarms immediately if they are not working properly. Keep at least one working fire extinguisher on every floor and an additional one in the kitchen. Have fire escape ladders or other reliable means of escape from an upper floor in case stairs are blocked.

Before You Install This Smoke and Strobe Light Combo Alarm

Read “Recommended Locations for Smoke Alarms” and “Locations to Avoid for Smoke Alarms” before beginning. This unit monitors the air and alarms when smoke reaches its sensing chamber, providing more time to escape. It can only give an early warning if installed, maintained, and located where smoke can reach it and all residents can hear/see it. This unit does not sense gas, heat, or flame, nor can it prevent or extinguish fires.

Understand the Different Types of Smoke Alarms

Different Smoke Alarms provide different types of protection (battery powered, electrical, AC with battery backup, wireless interconnected). Refer to the manual for details.

Know Where to Install Your Smoke Alarms

Fire Safety Professionals recommend at least one Smoke Alarm on every level of your home, in every bedroom, and in every bedroom hallway or separate sleeping area.

Know What Smoke Alarms Can and Can't Do

A Smoke Alarm can help alert you to fire, giving you precious time to escape. It can only sound an alarm once smoke reaches the sensor.

Check Your Local Building Codes

This Smoke Alarm is designed for typical single-family homes and may not meet requirements for multi-unit dwellings or commercial buildings without additional systems.

How to Install This Alarm

This Alarm is designed for mounting on standard wiring junction boxes (up to 4-inch size) on ceilings or walls. Ensure the Alarm is not receiving excessively noisy power (e.g., from major appliances, generators, solar power, or light dimmers on the same circuit).

Parts of This Unit:

1. Mounting Bracket
2. Mounting Slots
3. Disable Switch
4. Hot (Black) AC Wire
5. Neutral (White) AC Wire
6. Interconnect (Orange) Wire
7. Quick-Connect Power Connector
8. Turn to remove from bracket (Counterclockwise)
9. Turn to attach to bracket (Clockwise)

Installation Steps:

1. Turn off power to the installation area at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
2. Install the mounting bracket onto the junction box using screws.
3. Connect the power connector to the household wiring using wire nuts:
   • Stand-Alone Alarm: Connect white wire to neutral, black wire to hot. Tuck orange wire into the junction box.
   • Interconnected Units: Connect white wire to neutral, black wire to hot, and orange wire to the interconnect wire in the junction box. Repeat for each unit. Never cross hot and neutral wires or connect hot/neutral to the orange wire.
4. Plug the power connector into the back of the Alarm.
5. Position the Alarm over the mounting bracket and turn clockwise until it locks. An activation chirp will be heard if it's the first mounting.
6. Check all connections.
7. Restore power to the junction box only after all alarms are completely installed.
8. Verify the Green power indicator light is continuously lit. If not, turn off power and recheck connections.
9. Test each Alarm by pressing and holding the Test/Silence button until the unit alarms. Ensure all interconnected units alarm when one is tested.

Note: Improper wiring can damage the Alarm.

Special Requirements for Interconnected Alarms

Up to 18 compatible units (max 12 Smoke Alarms) can be interconnected. All units must be powered by the same circuit. The total length of interconnect wire should be less than 1000 feet (300 meters) using #18 gauge or larger wire rated at least 300V. Wiring must conform to all local electrical codes.

When interconnected, all units alarm when one senses smoke. On initiating alarms, the Red LED flashes rapidly; on other alarms, the Red LED is off. This helps identify the initiating unit.

Compatible units include First Alert® / BRK® Models 9120, 9120B, SC9120B, 7010, 7010B, 7010BSL, 7020B, SC7020B, SC7010BV, SA520; BRK CO Alarm Models CO5120BN, CO5120PDBN; BRK Heat Alarm Models HD6135, HD6135FB; BRK Auxiliary Device Models RM4, SL177. Check www.brkelectronics.com for the most current list.

Regular Maintenance

• Test the alarm at least once a week.
• Clean the alarm at least once a month by gently vacuuming the exterior. Never use water, cleaners, or solvents.
• Replace the unit immediately if it becomes excessively dirty or if it sounds frequent unwanted alarms.
• If the battery backup becomes weak, the alarm will chirp about once a minute. Replace the unit immediately.
• If the strobe light lens is loose or broken, replace the entire unit immediately.

Weekly Testing

Never use an open flame to test the unit. Use the built-in test switch. Press and hold the Test/Silence button until the alarm sounds (3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, and strobe flashes). If it fails to test properly, replace it immediately.

When testing interconnected units, test each unit individually. Ensure all units alarm.

Note: Do not stand close to the alarm when sounding. Do not look directly at the strobe light.

Proper Disposal of Unit

Recycle electronic waste where facilities exist. Check local requirements for disposal of Lithium-powered devices. Disable the alarm before disposal by sliding the disable switch to the left.

Responding to an Alarm

If the unit alarms and you are not testing it, it warns of a potentially dangerous situation. Never ignore an alarm. If the unit alarms, get everyone out of the house immediately.

If the source of smoke is not a fire (e.g., cooking smoke), open a window or fan the smoke away. Use the Silence Feature to silence the alarm temporarily. The alarm will reset automatically when smoke clears.

Note: If interconnected with a BRK CO alarm or combination alarm, different horn and strobe patterns will occur for CO incidents.

What to Do in Case of Fire

• Stay calm and follow your family escape plan.
• Get out of the house quickly; do not stop to dress or collect belongings.
• Feel doors with the back of your hand before opening. Open cool doors slowly. Keep doors and windows closed unless escaping through them.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth (preferably damp) and take short, shallow breaths.
• Meet at a planned outdoor meeting place and do a head count.
• Call the Fire Department from outside, providing your address and name.
• Never go back inside a burning building.

Understanding the Indicator Lights and Alarm Horn Patterns

*When any Alarm in an interconnected series triggers an alarm, its Red LED will flash. The Red LEDs will remain OFF on any remaining alarms in the series.

**The strobe light will not operate under battery power.

***The latching feature will not operate under battery power.

Using the Silence Features

The Silence Feature can temporarily silence the horn for unwanted alarms or low battery chirps. Press the Test/Silence button for 3-5 seconds. The Red LED blinks during silence mode. The alarm will reset automatically after 10 minutes if smoke persists. For low battery chirps, silence is for up to 8 hours if AC power is present.

To silence an interconnected series, press the button on the initiating alarm (the one with the flashing red light).

Latching Features

Alarm Latch: Activated after an alarm condition. The Red LED flashes periodically until cleared by testing the alarm. This helps identify which unit initiated an alarm, especially if you were away.

Low Battery Latch: The Green LED flashes (2 seconds on, 2 seconds off) when the unit is in a low battery condition, helping to identify which unit needs replacement.

“Smart Interconnect” Feature

This feature allows interconnection with other compatible First Alert® and BRK Smoke, Heat, and CO Alarms. When smoke is detected, all alarms sound the smoke horn pattern. When CO is detected, “Smart Interconnect” alarms sound the CO horn pattern.

If You Suspect a Problem

Problems may arise from dead batteries, dirt buildup, or improper location. Clean the unit and test again. If issues persist, replace the unit.

• If you hear a “chirp” approximately once a minute, replace the unit.
• For frequent non-emergency alarms, try relocating the alarm.
• If the alarm sounds with no visible smoke, clean or relocate it.
• If the alarm does not sound during testing, ensure it has AC power.

Note: Always disable the branch circuit before servicing.

Permanently Disabling the Alarm

After 10 years of operation or low battery warning, permanently disable the alarm by inserting a tool into the slot in the red disable switch and sliding the switch fully to the left.

Recommended Placement for Hearing Impaired Smoke Alarms with Integrated Strobe Light

Locate alarms in bedrooms where hearing impaired individuals sleep and in any room they may be present. For wall mounting, a 177 candela strobe light is recommended when the lens is less than 24 inches from the ceiling. For wall mounting, place alarms between 4 and 12 inches from the ceiling. For ceiling mounting, place alarms at least 4 inches from walls or corners. The unit must be located within 16 linear feet from the top of the lens to the pillow.

Strobe Light Output for Wall & Ceiling Mounting

The intensity of the strobe light lessens with angle. Illustrations show light dispersion to aid placement.

Photosensitive Epilepsy and Strobe Flash Rates

This strobe light flashes at about 1 flash per second, which is generally below the frequency range most likely to trigger seizures (5-30 Hz).

Recommended Locations for Smoke Alarms

Install alarms on every floor, in every sleeping area, and in every bedroom. In new construction, alarms must be AC powered and interconnected. Install alarms in all rooms, halls, storage areas, finished attics, and basements where temperatures are between 40°F (4°C) and 100°F (38°C). Ensure no obstructions prevent smoke from reaching the alarms.

Specific 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 long, install a unit at each end.
• At the top of the first-to-second floor stairway and at the bottom of the basement stairway.

Check with your local Fire Department for current requirements.

Agency Placement Recommendations (NFPA 72)

NFPA 72 recommends installation in all sleeping rooms, outside each separate sleeping area (within 21 ft of any bedroom door), on every level of a dwelling unit (including basements), and in living areas of residential board and care occupancies.

California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) Recommendations

Early warning detection is best achieved by installing fire detection equipment in all rooms and areas of the household, including bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, hallways, finished attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility and storage rooms, basements, and attached garages.

Locations to Avoid for Smoke Alarms

• Combustion Particle Areas: Avoid poorly ventilated kitchens, garages, and furnace rooms. Keep units at least 20 feet (6 meters) from combustion sources (stove, furnace, water heater, space heater).
• Near Kitchens: Avoid air streams near kitchens where cooking smoke can enter the sensing chamber.
• Damp/Humid Areas: Keep units at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from showers, saunas, dishwashers, etc.
• Temperature Extremes: Avoid areas regularly below 40°F (4°C) or above 100°F (38°C), including unheated buildings, outdoor rooms, porches, or unfinished attics/basements.
• Dusty/Greasy Areas: Do not install directly over stoves. Clean laundry room units frequently.
• Drafty Areas: Avoid fresh air vents, ceiling fans, or very drafty areas where smoke can be blown away.
• Insect Infested Areas: Insects can clog openings and cause false alarms.
• Near Fluorescent Lights: Avoid installing less than 12 inches (305 mm) away due to electrical noise.
• “Dead Air” Spaces: These spaces can prevent smoke from reaching the alarm.

Avoiding Dead Air Spaces

On ceilings, install alarms near the center or at least 4 inches from walls/corners. For wall mounting, place the top edge between 4 and 12 inches from the wall/ceiling line. On peaked ceilings, install the first alarm within 3 feet of the peak.

About Smoke Alarms in General

Battery (DC) Operated: Provide protection during power failures but lack interconnected functionality.

AC Powered: Can be interconnected for whole-house alarming but do not operate during power failures.

AC with Battery (DC) Backup: Operate during power failures if batteries are fresh and correctly installed. Must be installed by a qualified electrician.

Wireless Interconnected: Offer interconnected functionality without wires; easy installation.

For Solar or Wind Energy Users: Use only with true or pure sine wave inverters. Square wave or “quasi sine wave” inverters can damage the alarm.

For Hearing Impaired: Special purpose alarms with visual and audible warnings are available and meet ADA requirements. They can be interconnected.

Smoke alarms should not be used with detector guards unless evaluated for suitability.

Refer to local building codes for specific unit requirements.

Special Compliance Considerations

This Smoke Alarm alone is not a substitute for complete fire detection systems in multi-occupancy buildings (apartments, hotels, etc.) or commercial/industrial facilities. It may provide additional protection in these locations as permitted by building codes.

FCC Compliance

This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: it may not cause harmful interference, and it must accept any interference received.

General Limitations of Smoke Alarms

Smoke Alarms are not foolproof. They require proper location, installation, and maintenance. They may not wake all individuals, especially if they are sleeping deeply, have hearing impairments, or if the alarm is obscured by noise or closed doors.

Alarms require power. Battery units fail if batteries are missing, dead, or incorrect. AC units fail if power is cut off.

Smoke must reach the sensing chamber to trigger an alarm. Fires in chimneys, walls, or on the other side of closed doors may not be detected promptly.

Interconnected units provide earlier warning than stand-alone units.

Alarms have a limited life and should be replaced after 10 years from the date of purchase or immediately if not operating properly. Test weekly.

Smoke Alarms cannot prevent or extinguish fires and are not a substitute for insurance.

Limited Warranty

BRK Brands, Inc. warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for ten years from the date of purchase. BRK will repair or replace the product at its option. This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser and requires proof of purchase. It does not cover normal wear, misuse, or damage from Acts of God. BRK is not liable for incidental or consequential damages. For warranty service, contact the Customer Service Team at 1-800-323-9005. Return to: BRK Brands, Inc., 1301 Joe Battle, El Paso, TX 79936.