First Alert 3120B Photo & Ion Smoke Alarm

Introduction

Thank you for choosing First Alert for your Smoke Alarm needs. You have purchased a state-of-the-art Smoke Alarm designed to provide an early warning of a fire. Please take the time to read this manual and make this Smoke Alarm an integral part of your family's safety plan.

Key Features of the 3120B Photo & Ion Combo Smoke Alarm:

• Photo & Ion Smoke Sensors: Dual photoelectric and ionization smoke sensing technologies for optimal sensing of smoke particles produced in both flaming and smoldering fires.
• Optipath 360 Technology™: Patented technology provides 360° of direct access to the smoke sensor.
• Two Silence Features: Low Battery Silence temporarily silences low battery chirp for up to eight hours before replacing the low battery. Alarm Silence silences an unwanted alarm for several minutes.
• Two Latching Features: Alarm Latch remembers which unit initiated an alarm. Low Battery Latch visually identifies which unit is in low battery condition.
• Perfect Mount: Mounting bracket keeps alarm secure over a wide rotation range for perfect alignment.
• Battery Back-up: Keeps alarm functioning during a power interruption provided batteries are fresh and installed properly.

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 anything cooking on the stove unattended.
• 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. Smoke Alarms that do not work cannot alert you to a fire. 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 Alarm

IMPORTANT! Read "Recommended Locations for Smoke Alarms" and "Locations to Avoid for Smoke Alarms" before beginning.

This unit monitors the air, and when smoke reaches its sensing chamber, it alarms. It can give you more time to escape before fire spreads. This unit can ONLY give an early warning of developing fires if it is installed, maintained, and located where smoke can reach it, and where all residents can hear it, as described in this manual. This unit will not sense gas, heat, or flame. It cannot prevent or extinguish fires.

Understand the Different Types of Smoke Alarms

Battery powered or electrical? Different Smoke Alarms provide different types of protection. See "About Smoke Alarms" 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. See "Recommended Locations For Smoke Alarms" and "Locations To Avoid For Smoke Alarms" for details.

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. See "Limitations of Smoke Alarms" for details.

Check Your Local Building Codes

This Smoke Alarm is designed to be used in a typical single-family home. It alone will not meet requirements for boarding houses, apartment buildings, hotels, or motels. See "Special Compliance Considerations" for details.

Important Safety Information and Warnings

ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD.

Turn off the power to the area where the Smoke Alarm is installed before removing it from the mounting bracket. Failure to turn off the power first may result in serious electrical shock, injury, or death.

• This unit will not alert hearing impaired residents. It is recommended that you install special units which use devices like flashing strobe lights to alert hearing impaired residents.
• Installation of this unit must conform to the electrical codes in your area; Articles 210 and 300.3 (B) of NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 72, NFPA 101; SBC (SBCCI); UBC (ICBO); NBC (BOCA); OTFDC (CABO), and any other local or building codes that may apply. Wiring and installation must be performed by a licensed electrician. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in injury or property damage.
• This unit must be powered by a 24-hour, 120VAC pure sine wave 60Hz circuit. Be sure the circuit cannot be turned off by a switch, dimmer, or ground fault circuit interrupter. Failure to connect this unit to a 24-hour circuit may prevent it from providing constant protection.
• This Smoke Alarm must have AC or battery power to operate. If the AC power fails, battery back-up will allow the alarm to sound for at least 4 minutes. If AC power fails and the battery is weak, protection should last for at least 7 days. If AC power fails and the battery is dead or missing, the alarm cannot operate.
• Never disconnect the power from an AC powered unit to stop an unwanted alarm. Doing so will disable the unit and remove your protection. In the case of a true unwanted alarm, open a window or fan the smoke away from the unit. The alarm will reset automatically when it returns to normal operation. Never remove the batteries from a battery operated unit to stop an unwanted alarm (caused by cooking smoke, etc.). Instead, open a window or fan the smoke away from the unit. The alarm will reset automatically.
• Connect this unit ONLY to other compatible units. See "How To Install This Smoke Alarm" for details. Do not connect it to any other type of alarm or auxiliary device. Connecting anything else to this unit may damage it or prevent it from operating properly.
• This Smoke Alarm has a battery drawer which resists closing unless a battery is installed. This warns you the unit will not operate under DC power without a battery.
• Do not stand too close to the unit when the alarm is sounding. It is loud to wake you in an emergency. Exposure to the horn at close range may harm your hearing.
• Do not paint over the unit. Paint may clog the openings to the sensing chambers and prevent it from operating properly.

Weekly Testing

NEVER use an open flame of any kind to test this unit. You might accidentally damage or set fire to the unit or to your home. The built-in test switch accurately tests the unit's operation as required by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL).

If the Alarm ever fails to test properly, replace it immediately. Products under warranty may be returned to the manufacturer for replacement. See "Limited Warranty" at the end of this manual.

DO NOT stand close to the Alarm when the horn is sounding. Exposure at close range may be harmful to your hearing. When testing, step away when horn starts sounding.

It is important to test this unit every week to make sure it is working properly. Using the test button is the recommended way to test this Smoke Alarm.

Press and hold the Test/Silence button on the cover of the unit until the alarm sounds (the unit may continue to alarm for a few seconds after you release the button). If it does not alarm, make sure the unit is receiving power and test it again. If it still does not alarm, replace it immediately.

During testing, you will hear a loud, repeating horn pattern: 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause. The LED flashes once every second.

When testing a series of interconnected units, you must test each unit individually. Make sure all units alarm when each one is tested.

How to Install This Smoke Alarm

This Smoke Alarm is designed to be mounted on any standard wiring junction box up to a 4-inch (10 cm) size, on either the ceiling or wall (if allowed by local codes). Read "Recommended Locations For Smoke Alarms" and "Locations to Avoid For Smoke Alarms" before you begin installation.

Tools you will need:

• Needle-nose pliers or utility knife
• Standard Flathead screwdriver

Make sure the Alarm is not receiving excessively noisy power. Examples of noisy power could be major appliances on the same circuit, power from a generator or solar power, light dimmer on the same circuit or mounted near fluorescent lighting. Excessively noisy power may cause damage to your Alarm.

The Parts of This Smoke Alarm

• Mounting Bracket: To remove the mounting bracket from the Smoke Alarm base, hold the Smoke Alarm base firmly and twist the mounting bracket counterclockwise. The mounting bracket installs onto the junction box. It has a variety of screw slots to fit most boxes.
• Power Connector: The power connector plugs into a power input block on the Smoke Alarm. It supplies the unit with AC power.
• The black wire is "hot".
• The white wire is neutral.
• The orange wire is used for interconnect.
• If you need to remove the power connector, turn POWER OFF first. Insert a flat screwdriver blade between the power connector and the security tab inside the power input block. Gently pry back the tab and pull the connector free.

Diagram: Parts of This Unit

• 1. Mounting Bracket
• 2. Mounting Slots
• 3. Locking Pins (break out of bracket)
• 4. Hot (Black) AC Wire
• 5. Neutral (White) AC Wire
• 6. Interconnect (Orange) Wire
• 7. Quick-Connect Power Connector
• 8. Turn this way to remove from bracket
• 9. Turn this way to attach to bracket
• 10. Slide-Out Battery Drawer

Special Requirements for Interconnected Smoke Alarms

The basic installation of this Smoke Alarm is similar whether you want to install one Smoke Alarm, or interconnect more than one Smoke Alarm. If you are interconnecting more than one Smoke Alarm, you MUST read "Special Requirements For Interconnected Smoke Alarms" below before you begin installation.

ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Turn off power to the area where you will install this unit at the circuit breaker or fuse box before beginning installation. Failure to turn off the power before installation may result in serious electrical shock, injury, or death.

Installation Steps:

1. Remove the mounting bracket from the base, and attach it to the junction box.
2. Using wire nuts, connect the power connector to the household wiring.
   • Connect the white wire on the power connector to the neutral wire in the junction box.
   • Connect the black wire on the power connector to the hot wire in the junction box.
   • Tuck the orange wire inside the junction box. It is used for interconnect only.
3. Plug the power connector into the back of the Smoke Alarm.
4. Position the base of the Smoke Alarm over the mounting bracket and turn. The Alarm can be positioned over the bracket every 90°. Turn the Smoke Alarm clockwise (right) until the unit is in place.
5. Check all connections. Improper wiring of the power connector or the wiring leading to the power connector will cause damage to the Alarm and may lead to a non-functioning Alarm.

For Interconnected Units Only:

• Strip off about 1/2" (12 mm) of the plastic coating on the orange wire on the power connector.
• Connect the white wire on the power connector to the neutral wire in the junction box.
• Connect the black wire on the power connector to the hot wire in the junction box.
• Connect the orange wire on the power connector to the interconnect wire in the junction box. Repeat for each unit you are interconnecting. Never connect the hot or neutral wires in the junction box to the orange interconnect wire. Never cross hot and neutral wires between Alarms.

Interconnect units within a single family residence only. Otherwise, all households will experience unwanted alarms when you test any unit in the series. Interconnected units will only work if they are wired to compatible units and all requirements are met. This unit is designed to be compatible with: First Alert® Smoke Alarm Models SA4120, SA4121B, SA100B, SA520 and BRK® Smoke Alarm Models 3120B, 9120, 9120B, SC6120B, SC9120B, 7010, 7010B, 7010BSL, 7020B, SC7010B, SC7010BV, 100S, 4120, 4120B, 4120SB; BRK® CO Alarm Models CO5120BN, CO5120PDBN; BRK® Heat Alarm Models HD6135F and HD6135FB; BRK® Auxiliary Devices Models RM3 and RM4 (Relay Modules), SL177 (Strobe Light). See www.brkelectronics.com for the most current interconnect list.

Interconnected units must meet ALL of the following requirements:

• A maximum of 18 compatible units may be interconnected (Maximum of 12 Smoke Alarms).
• The same fuse or circuit breaker must power all interconnected units.
• The total length of wire interconnecting the units should be less than 1000 feet (300 meters).
• All wiring must conform to all local electrical codes and NFPA 70 (NEC). Refer to NFPA 72, NFPA 101, and/or your local building code for further connection requirements.

For Stand-Alone Alarm Only:

If you are only installing one Smoke Alarm, restore power to the junction box.

For Interconnected Units Only:

If you are interconnecting multiple Smoke Alarms, repeat steps 1-5 for each Smoke Alarm in the series. When you are finished, restore power to the junction box.

ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Do not restore power until all Smoke Alarms are completely installed. Restoring power before installation is complete may result in serious electrical shock, injury, or death.

Make sure the Smoke Alarm is receiving AC power. Under normal operation, the Green power indicator light will shine continuously.

If the Green power indicator light does not light, TURN OFF POWER TO THE JUNCTION BOX and recheck all connections. If all connections are correct and the Green power indicator still does not light when you restore the power, the unit should be replaced immediately.

Test each Smoke Alarm. Press and hold the Test/Silence button until the unit alarms. When testing a series of interconnected units, you must test each unit individually. Make sure all units alarm when each one is tested.

If any unit in the series does not alarm, TURN OFF POWER and recheck connections. If it does not alarm when you restore power, replace it immediately.

Diagram: Interconnection Wiring

• A. Unswitched 120VAC 60 Hz source
• B. To additional units; Maximum = 18 total (Maximum 12 Smoke Alarms)
• 1. Smoke Alarm
• 2. Ceiling or Wall
• 3. Power Connector
• 4. Wire Nut
• 5. Junction Box
• 6. Neutral Wire (Wht)
• 7. Interconnect Wire (Orange)
• 8. Hot Wire (Blk)

Optional Locking Features

The locking features are designed to discourage unauthorized removal of the batteries or Alarm. It is not necessary to activate the locks in single-family households where unauthorized battery or Alarm removal is not a concern. These Smoke Alarms have two separate locking features: one to lock the battery compartment, and the other to lock the Smoke Alarm to the mounting bracket. You can choose to use either feature independently, or use them both.

Tools you will need:

• Needle-nose pliers or utility knife
• Standard Flathead screwdriver

Both locking features use locking pins, which are molded into the mounting bracket. Using needle-nose pliers or a utility knife, remove one or both pins from the mounting bracket, depending on how many locking features you want to use.

To permanently remove either lock, insert a flathead screwdriver between the locking pin and the lock, and pry the pin out of the lock.

To Lock the Battery Compartment

Do not lock the battery compartment until you have installed the batteries and tested the battery back-up.

1. Push and hold Test button until the alarm sounds: 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause. LED flashes once every second.
2. If the unit does not alarm during testing, DO NOT lock the battery compartment! Install new batteries and test again. If the Smoke Alarm still does not alarm, replace it immediately.
3. Using needle-nose pliers or a utility knife, detach one locking pin from the mounting bracket.
4. Push the locking pin through the hole near the battery drawer on the back of the Smoke Alarm.

To Unlock the Battery Compartment

Once the Smoke Alarm is installed, you must disconnect it from the AC power before unlocking the battery compartment.

1. Remove the Smoke Alarm from the mounting bracket. If the unit is locked to the bracket, see the section "To Unlock the Mounting Bracket."
2. Disconnect the power connector by gently prying it away from the back of the Smoke Alarm.
3. Insert a flathead screwdriver under the head of the locking pin, and gently pry it out of the battery compartment lock. (If you plan to relock the battery compartment, save the locking pin.)
4. To relock the battery compartment, close the battery door and reinsert locking pin in lock.
5. Reconnect the power connector to the back of the Smoke Alarm, reattach the Smoke Alarm to the mounting bracket, and restore the power.

When replacing the batteries, always test the Smoke Alarm before relocking the battery compartment.

To Lock the Mounting Bracket

1. Using needle-nose pliers, detach one locking pin from mounting bracket.
2. Insert the locking pin into the lock located opposite from the battery drawer as shown in the diagram.
3. When you attach the Smoke Alarm to the mounting bracket, the locking pin's head will fit into a notch on the bracket.

To Unlock the Mounting Bracket

ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Turn off the power to the area where the Smoke Alarm is installed before removing it from the mounting bracket. Failure to turn off the power first may result in serious electrical shock, injury, or death.

Always discharge the branch circuit before servicing an AC or AC/DC Smoke Alarm. First, turn off the AC power at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Next, remove the batteries from Smoke Alarms with battery back-up. Finally, press and hold the Test/ Silence button for 5-10 seconds to discharge the branch circuit.

1. Insert a flathead screwdriver between the mounting bracket pin and the mounting bracket.
2. Pry the Smoke Alarm away from the bracket by turning both the screwdriver and the Smoke Alarm counterclockwise (left) at the same time.

Regular Maintenance

This unit has been designed to be as maintenance-free as possible, but there are a few simple things you must do to keep it working properly:

• Test it at least once a week.
• Clean the Smoke Alarm at least once a month; gently vacuum the outside of the Smoke Alarm using your household vacuum's soft brush attachment. Test the Smoke Alarm. Never use water, cleaners, or solvents since they may damage the unit.
• If the Smoke Alarm becomes contaminated by excessive dirt, dust and/or grime, and cannot be cleaned to avoid unwanted alarms, replace the unit immediately.
• Relocate the unit if it sounds frequent unwanted alarms. See "Locations To Avoid For Smoke Alarms" for details.
• When the battery back-up becomes weak, the Smoke Alarm will "chirp" about once a minute (the low battery warning). This warning should last 7 days, but you should replace the batteries immediately to continue your protection.

Choosing a Replacement Battery:

Your Smoke/CO Alarm requires two "AA" Duracell MN1500 batteries. These batteries are available at many local retail stores.

• Always use the exact batteries specified by this User's Manual. DO NOT use rechargeable batteries. Clean the battery contacts and also those of the device prior to battery installation. Install batteries correctly with regard to polarity (+ and -).
• Please dispose of or recycle used batteries properly, following any local regulations. Consult your local waste management authority or recycling organization to find an electronics recycling facility in your area. DO NOT DISPOSE OF BATTERIES IN FIRE. BATTERIES MAY EXPLODE OR LEAK.
• Keep battery out of reach of children. In the event a battery is swallowed, immediately contact your poison control center, your physician, or the National Battery Ingestion hotline at 202-625-3333 as serious injury may occur.

Actual battery service life depends on the Alarm and the environment in which it is installed. All the batteries specified above are acceptable replacement batteries for this unit. Regardless of the manufacturer's suggested battery life, you MUST replace the battery immediately once the unit starts "chirping" (the "low battery warning").

To replace the batteries (without removing Alarm from the ceiling or wall):

1. Open the battery compartment.
2. Press tabs A and B as shown in the diagram and remove each battery.
3. Insert the new batteries, making sure they snap completely into the battery compartment. Match the terminals on the ends of the batteries with the terminals on the unit.
4. Close the battery compartment, and then test the unit by pressing the Test/Silence button.

Understanding the Indicator Lights and Alarm Horn Patterns

NOTE: When power is applied, unit(s) may alarm momentarily.

*When any Smoke Alarm in an interconnected series triggers an alarm, its red LED will flash rapidly. The red LEDs will remain OFF on any remaining alarms in the series. This feature helps responders identify which unit(s) triggered the alarm.

If This Smoke Alarm Sounds

During an alarm, you will hear a loud, repeating horn pattern: 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause.

• If the unit alarms and you are not testing the unit, it is warning you of a potentially dangerous situation that requires your immediate attention. NEVER ignore any alarm. Ignoring the alarm may result in injury or death.
• Never disconnect the AC power to quiet an unwanted alarm. Disconnecting the power disables the Alarm so it cannot sense smoke. This will remove your protection. Instead, open a window or fan the smoke away from the unit. The Alarm will reset automatically.
• If the unit alarms, get everyone out of the house immediately.
• ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD: Attempting to disconnect the power connector from the unit when the power is on may result in electrical shock, serious injury, or death.

When an interconnected system of AC powered units is in alarm, the alarm indicator light on the unit(s) that initiated the alarm will blink rapidly. It will remain OFF on any remaining units.

If the unit alarms, get everyone out of the dwelling immediately.

If the unit alarms and you are certain that the source of smoke is not a fire--cooking smoke or an extremely dusty furnace, for example--open a nearby window or door and fan the smoke away from the unit (Use the Silence Feature to silence the Alarm). This will silence the alarm, and once the smoke clears the unit will reset itself automatically.

What to Do in Case of Fire

• Don't panic; stay calm. Follow your family escape plan.
• Get out of the house as quickly as possible. Don't stop to get dressed or collect anything.
• Feel doors with the back of your hand before opening them. If a door is cool, open it slowly. Don't open a hot door. Keep doors and windows closed, unless you must escape through them.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth (preferably damp). Take short, shallow breaths.
• Meet at your planned meeting place outside your home, and do a head count to make sure everybody got out safely.
• Call the Fire Department as soon as possible from outside. Give your address, then your name.
• Never go back inside a burning building for any reason.
• Contact your Fire Department for ideas on making your home safer.

Alarms have various limitations. See "Limitations of Smoke Alarms" for details.

Using the Silence Feature

The Silence Feature can temporarily quiet an unwanted alarm for up to 15 minutes. The Silence Feature does not disable the unit--it makes it temporarily less sensitive to smoke. For your safety, if smoke around the unit is dense enough to suggest a potentially dangerous situation, the unit will stay in alarm or may re-alarm quickly. If you do not know the source of the smoke, do not assume it is an unwanted alarm. Not responding to an alarm can result in property loss, injury, or death.

To silence Smoke Alarms in an interconnected series:

1. To silence multiple alarms in an interconnected series, you must press the Test/Silence button on the unit(s) that triggered the alarm.
2. Once you activate the Silence feature, the Red LED will flash approximately once every 10 seconds.
3. Pressing the Test/Silence button when in silence will restart the silence timer.

The Silence Feature on these units can temporarily quiet an unwanted alarm for up to 15 minutes. To use this feature, press the Test/Silence button on the cover. If the unit will not silence and no heavy smoke is present, or if it stays in silence mode continuously, it should be replaced immediately.

Silencing the Low Battery Warning

This Silence Feature can temporarily quiet the low battery warning "chirp" for up to 8 hours. Press the Test/Silence button on the Alarm cover until you hear the acknowledge "chirp".

Once the low battery warning "chirp" silence feature is activated, the unit continues to flash the green light once a minute for approximately 8 hours. After 8 hours, the low battery "chirp" will resume. The Alarm will continue to operate as long as AC power is supplied. However, replace the batteries as soon as possible, to maintain protection in event of a power outage.

To silence Alarms in an interconnected series:

To silence an interconnected series of Smoke/CO Alarms, you must press the Test/ Silence button on the initiating alarm (The unit with the flashing red light; the red light will be off on all other Alarms.). If you press the Test/Silence on any other Alarm, it will only silence that unit, not the whole interconnected series.

Latching Feature

Alarm Latch is activated after an Alarm is exposed to alarm levels of smoke. This feature will only work with AC power. After smoke levels drop below alarm levels, the Red LED will begin flashing 2 seconds on, 2 seconds off unless reset by test/silence button. This feature helps emergency responders, investigators, or service technicians identify which unit(s) in your home were exposed to alarm levels of smoke. This can help investigators pinpoint the source of smoke. Interconnected Alarms. Latching Alarm Indicator shows which Alarm(s) in the series were exposed to alarm levels of smoke. The Latching Alarm Indicator stays ON until you clear it, so it can alert you to an alarm that occurred while you were away from home, even though smoke present in the air has dropped below alarm levels. Low Battery Latch is activated when the Alarm is in the "low battery condition". When this occurs, the Green LED flashes 2 seconds on, 2 seconds off. This feature is designed to help you identify which Alarm needs to have the battery replaced. Although, the Alarm will sound the low battery chirp approximately once every minute, sometimes during the initial stages of "low battery", the Alarm will chirp in greater intervals than one minute, sometimes up to several hours, until the battery reaches a steady low battery level. This innovative feature eliminates the frustration of waiting for and/or identifying which unit is chirping.

"Smart Interconnect" Feature

This Alarm includes "Smart Interconnect" which enables the Alarm to be interconnected with other First Alert® and BRK Smoke, Heat, and "Smart Interconnect" Smoke, Smoke/ CO and CO Alarms. When smoke is detected, all Alarms will sound the smoke horn pattern. When CO is detected, "Smart Interconnect" Alarms will sound the CO horn pattern. Alarms that do not have the "Smart Interconnect" feature will remain silent during a CO alarm.

If You Suspect a Problem

Smoke Alarms may not operate properly because of dead, missing or weak batteries, a build-up of dirt, dust or grease on the Smoke Alarm cover, or installation in an improper location. Clean the Smoke Alarm as described in "Regular Maintenance," and install fresh batteries, then test the Smoke Alarm again. If it fails to test properly when you use the test button, or if the problem persists, replace the Smoke Alarm immediately.

• If you hear a "chirp" approximately once a minute, replace the batteries.
• If you experience frequent non-emergency alarms (like those caused by cooking smoke), try relocating the Smoke Alarm.
• If the alarm sounds when no smoke is visible, try cleaning or relocating the Smoke Alarm. The cover may be dirty.
• If the alarm does not sound during testing, make sure it is receiving AC power from the household current.

Always discharge the branch circuit before servicing an AC or AC/DC Smoke Alarm. First, turn off the AC power at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Next, remove the batteries from Smoke Alarms with battery back-up. Finally, press and hold the test button for 5-10 seconds to discharge the branch circuit.

Do not try fixing the alarm yourself – this will void your warranty!

If the Smoke Alarm is still not operating properly, and it is still under warranty, please see "How to Obtain Warranty Service" in the Limited Warranty.

Recommended Locations for Smoke Alarms

Installing Smoke Alarms in Single-Family Residences

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends one Smoke Alarm on every floor, in every sleeping area, and in every bedroom. In new construction, the Smoke Alarms must be AC powered and interconnected. See "Agency Placement Recommendations" for details. For additional coverage, it is recommended that you install a Smoke Alarm in all rooms, halls, storage areas, finished attics, and basements, where temperatures normally remain between 40° F (4.4° C) and 100° F (37.8° C). Make sure no door or other obstruction could keep smoke from reaching the Smoke Alarms. More specifically, install Smoke Alarms:

• On every level of your home, including finished attics and basements.
• Inside every bedroom, especially if people sleep with the door partly or completely closed.
• In the hall near every sleeping area. If your home has multiple sleeping areas, install a unit in each. If a hall is more than 40 feet long (12 meters), install a unit at each end.
• At the top of the first-to-second floor stairway, and at the bottom of the basement stairway.

Specific requirements for Smoke Alarm installation vary from state to state and from region to region. Check with your local Fire Department for current requirements in your area. It is recommended AC or AC/DC units be interconnected for added protection.

Agency Placement Recommendations

NFPA 72 Chapter 29 "For your information, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, NFPA 72, reads as follows:"

29.5.1* Required Detection.

29.5.1.1* Where required by other governing laws, codes, or standards for a specific type of occupancy, approved single and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed as follows:

• (1) *In all sleeping rooms and guest rooms
• (2) *Outside of each separate dwelling unit sleeping area, within 21 ft (6.4 m) of any door to a sleeping room, with the distance measured along a path of travel
• (3) On every level of a dwelling unit, including basements
• (4) On every level of a residential board and care occupancy (small facility), including basements and excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics
• (5) *In the living area(s) of a guest suite
• (6) 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 © 2010 National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the National Fire Protection Association, on the referenced subject which is represented only by the standard in its entirety), (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code® and NFPA 72® are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269).

California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) Early warning detection is best achieved by the installation of fire detection equipment in all rooms and areas of the household as follows: A Smoke Alarm installed in each separate sleeping area (in the vicinity, but outside bedrooms), and Heat or Smoke Alarms in the living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, finished attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility and storage rooms, basements, and attached garages.

Locations to Avoid for Smoke Alarms

For best performance, AVOID installing Smoke Alarms in these areas:

• Where combustion particles are produced. Combustion particles form when something burns. Areas to avoid include poorly ventilated kitchens, garages, and furnace rooms. Keep units at least 20 feet (6 meters) from the sources of combustion particles (stove, furnace, water heater, space heater) if possible. In areas where a 20-foot distance is not possible – in modular, mobile, or smaller homes, for example – it is recommended the Smoke Alarm be placed as far from these fuel-burning sources as possible. The placement recommendations are intended to keep these Alarms at a reasonable distance from a fuel-burning source, and thus reduce "unwanted" alarms. Unwanted alarms can occur if a Smoke Alarm is placed directly next to a fuel-burning source. Ventilate these areas as much as possible.
• In air streams near kitchens. Air currents can draw cooking smoke into the sensing chamber of a Smoke Alarm near the kitchen.
• In very damp, humid or steamy areas, or directly near bathrooms with showers. Keep units at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from showers, saunas, dishwashers, etc.
• Where the temperatures are regularly below 40° F (4.4° C) or above 100° F (37.8° C) including unheated buildings, outdoor rooms, porches, or unfinished attics or basements.
• In very dusty, dirty, or greasy areas. Do not install a Smoke Alarm directly over the stove or range. Clean a laundry room unit frequently to keep it free of dust or lint.
• Near fresh air vents, ceiling fans, or in very drafty areas. Drafts can blow smoke away from the unit, preventing it from reaching sensing chamber.
• In insect infested areas. Insects can clog openings to the sensing chamber and cause unwanted alarms.
• Less than 12 inches (305 mm) away from fluorescent lights. Electrical "noise" can interfere with the sensor.
• In "dead air" spaces. "Dead air" spaces may prevent smoke from reaching the Smoke Alarm.

Avoiding Dead Air Spaces

"Dead air" spaces may prevent smoke from reaching the Smoke Alarm. To avoid dead air spaces, follow the installation recommendations below.

On ceilings, install Smoke Alarms as close to the center of the ceiling as possible. If this is not possible, install the Smoke Alarm at least 4 inches (102 mm) from the wall or corner. For wall mounting (if allowed by building codes), the top edge of Smoke Alarms should be placed between 4 inches (102 mm) and 12 inches (305 mm) from the wall/ceiling line, below typical "dead air" spaces. On a peaked, gabled, or cathedral ceiling, install the first Smoke Alarm within 3 feet (0.9 meters) of the peak of the ceiling, measured horizontally. Additional Smoke Alarms may be required depending on the length, angle, etc. of the ceiling's slope. Refer to NFPA 72 for details on requirements for sloped or peaked ceilings.

About Smoke Alarms

• Battery (DC) operated Smoke Alarms: Provide protection even when electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed. Units are easy to install, and do not require professional installation. They do not, however, provide interconnected functionality.
• AC powered Smoke Alarms: Can be interconnected so if one unit senses smoke, all units alarm. They do not operate if electricity fails.
• AC with battery (DC) backup: Will operate if electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed. AC and AC/DC units must be installed by a qualified electrician.
• Wireless Interconnected Alarms: Offer the same interconnected functionality as with hardwired alarms, without wires. Units are easy to install and do not require professional installation. They provide protection even when electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed.
• Smoke Alarms for Solar or Wind Energy users and battery backup power systems: AC powered Smoke Alarms should only be operated with true or pure sine wave inverters. Operating this Smoke Alarm with most battery-powered UPS (uninterruptible power supply) products or square wave or "quasi sine wave" inverters will damage the Alarm. If you are not sure about your inverter or UPS type, please consult with the manufacturer to verify.
• Smoke Alarms for the hearing impaired: Special purpose Smoke Alarms should be installed for the hearing impaired. They include a visual alarm and an audible alarm horn, and meet the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act. These units can be interconnected so if one unit senses smoke, all units alarm.

Smoke Alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the combination has been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.

All these Smoke Alarms are designed to provide early warning of fires if located, installed and cared for as described in the user's manual, and if smoke reaches the Alarms. If you are unsure which type of unit to install, refer to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code). National Fire Protection Association, One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 022

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