First Alert PR710A Smoke Alarm User Manual

Introduction and Key Features

Thank you for choosing First Alert for your smoke alarm needs. This state-of-the-art smoke alarm is designed to provide early warning of a fire.

Key Features:

• Photoelectric Sensing Technology: Generally more sensitive to smoldering fires.
• Single Test/Silence Button: Tests the alarm or silences nuisance alarms (up to 9 minutes).
• 10-Year End of Life Indicator: Alerts you when the unit needs replacement with 5 horn pulses approximately every minute.
• Local Alarm Memory: Green LED flashes 3 times per minute for 24 hours if an alarm occurred.
• Low Battery Warning: Chirps approximately once per minute when the battery is low.
• Low Battery Silence: Silences the low battery chirp for 8 hours.
• Power Indicator: Red LED blinks every 6 minutes to confirm power.

This alarm detects particles of combustion and conforms to regulatory requirements, including ULC STD S531.

Technology Comparison:

• Ionization: More sensitive to small particles from flaming fires (e.g., paper burning).
• Photoelectric: More sensitive to large particles from smoldering fires (e.g., cigarettes in bedding).

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

Before You Install

Important: Read "Recommended Locations" and "Locations to Avoid" before installation.

This unit monitors air for smoke. It provides early warning but does not sense gas, heat, or flame, nor does it prevent or extinguish fires.

Understand Smoke Alarm Types:

• Battery (DC) Operated: Provide protection during power outages. Easy to install.
• AC Powered: Can be interconnected; all units alarm if one detects smoke. Do not operate during power failure.
• AC with Battery (DC) Back-up: Operates during power failure if batteries are fresh. Requires qualified electrician for installation.
• For Solar/Wind Users: Use only with true/pure sine wave inverters.
• For Hearing Impaired: Special units with visual and audible alarms are recommended.

Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless evaluated for compatibility.

How to Install

This unit is designed for ceiling or wall mounting.

Tools Needed:

• Pencil
• Drill with 3/16" (5 mm) drill bit
• Standard flathead screwdriver
• Hammer

Parts of the Smoke Alarm:

• 1. Test/Silence button
• 2. Dual Power indicator light and Alarm indicator (Green LED for Alarm Memory, Red LED for Alarm/Hush modes)
• Mounting bracket with mounting slots

Installation Steps:

1. Hold the mounting bracket against the ceiling or wall, aligning mounting holes. Trace one set of holes (A, B, or C). Ensure opposite sides are used for easier removal. Warning: Do not install over an existing electrical box; only AC-powered units are intended for this.
2. Drill holes using the 3/16" (5 mm) bit.
3. Insert plastic screw anchors into the holes. Tap gently with a hammer if needed.
4. Install screws, but do not tighten completely. Attach the mounting bracket by aligning screws in the slots and rotating into place. Tighten screws until snug.
5. Activate Battery: Mount the alarm to the bracket to activate. The unit cannot be turned off once activated. The power indicator light may flash.
6. Test the smoke alarm as described in "Weekly Testing".

To Deactivate the Smoke Alarm (After 10 years or for Low Battery):

Insert a tool below the edge as shown to break the tab, then slide the activation switch to deactivate mode. The unit will no longer function.

Optional Locking Feature:

Use needle-nose pliers or a utility knife to remove the locking pin from the mounting bracket. Insert the pin through the hole on the back of the alarm and into the bracket notch to lock. To unlock, insert a flathead screwdriver between the bracket and pin, push up, and turn the alarm counterclockwise.

Testing and Maintenance

Weekly Testing:

• Never use an open flame to test.
• Test the unit weekly by pressing and holding the Test/Silence button until the alarm sounds (3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause; Red LED flashes rapidly).
• If the alarm fails to test properly, replace it immediately.
• Do not stand close to the alarm when it sounds; it is loud.

Regular Maintenance:

• Test the alarm at least once a week.
• Clean the alarm at least once a month by gently vacuuming with a soft brush attachment. Test after cleaning. Never use water, cleaners, or solvents.
• If the alarm is excessively dirty and causes unwanted alarms, replace it immediately.
• Relocate the unit if it sounds frequent unwanted alarms.
• Replace the smoke alarm immediately when it starts chirping (Low Battery warning) or after 10 years from the date of purchase.

Fire Safety and Emergency Response

Fire Safety Tips:

• Use smoking materials properly; never smoke in bed.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• Store flammable materials safely.
• Maintain electrical appliances and avoid overloading circuits.
• Keep cooking areas and appliances clean.
• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Keep heaters and open flames away from flammable materials.
• Keep alarms clean and test them weekly. Replace if not working.
• Have working fire extinguishers and escape ladders.

Responding to an Alarm:

An alarm sounds as a loud, repeating horn pattern: 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause, with a rapidly flashing Red LED.

• If the unit alarms and you are not testing it, it indicates a potentially dangerous situation. NEVER ignore an alarm.
• Get everyone out of the house immediately.
• Do not remove batteries to silence an unwanted alarm; instead, ventilate the area.

What to Do in Case of Fire:

• Stay calm and follow your family escape plan.
• Evacuate quickly; do not stop to collect belongings.
• Feel doors with the back of your hand before opening. Open cool doors slowly.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth and take shallow breaths.
• Meet at a designated safe place outside and conduct a head count.
• Call the Fire Department from outside.
• Never re-enter a burning building.

Using the Silence Feature:

Press the Test/Silence button to temporarily quiet an unwanted alarm for up to 10 minutes. The unit becomes less sensitive but will re-alarm if smoke is dense. The Red LED will flash every 10 seconds while in silence mode.

Silencing the Low Battery Warning:

Press the Test/Silence button to temporarily quiet the low battery chirp. The Red light will flash, but the chirp will resume later. Replace the alarm immediately.

Troubleshooting

• Alarm not operating properly: Check for dead/weak battery, dirt/dust/grease on the cover, or improper location. Clean and re-test. If it still fails, replace immediately.
• 3 or 5 chirps per minute: Replace the smoke alarm.
• Frequent non-emergency alarms: Try relocating the smoke alarm away from potential sources of nuisance alarms (e.g., kitchens).
• Alarm sounds with no visible smoke: Try cleaning or relocating the unit.
• Alarm does not sound during testing: Ensure the power pack activating lever is securely pushed.

Do not attempt to fix the alarm yourself, as this will void the warranty.

If issues persist and the unit is under warranty, refer to the "Limited Warranty" section for service information.

Placement Recommendations

For best performance, install smoke alarms according to standards like CAN/ULC-S553 and NFPA 72.

Recommended Locations:

• On every level of your home, including finished attics and basements.
• Inside every bedroom, especially if doors are closed at night.
• In the hallway near every sleeping area. If a hall is over 40 feet (12 meters) long, install an alarm at each end.
• At the top of the first-to-second floor stairway and at the bottom of basement stairways.
• 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).

Locations to Avoid:

• Near combustion particle sources (kitchens, garages, furnace rooms) – keep at least 20 feet (6 meters) away if possible.
• In air streams near kitchens.
• In very damp, humid, or steamy areas (e.g., bathrooms) – keep at least 10 feet (3 meters) from showers.
• Where temperatures are regularly below 40°F (4.4°C) or above 100°F (37.8°C).
• In very dusty, dirty, or greasy areas (e.g., directly over a stove).
• Near fresh air vents, ceiling fans, or in drafty areas.
• In insect-infested areas.
• Less than 12 inches (305mm) from fluorescent lights.
• In "dead air" spaces (e.g., corners of ceilings or walls).

Avoiding Dead Air Spaces:

Install alarms as close to the center of the ceiling as possible, or at least 4 inches (102 mm) from walls/corners. For wall mounting, the top edge should be 4-12 inches (102-305 mm) from the wall/ceiling line. On sloped ceilings, install within 3 feet (0.9 meters) of the peak.

Compliance and Standards

This smoke alarm is designed for typical single-family homes. It may not meet requirements for multi-unit dwellings or commercial buildings without a primary detection system.

Installation should comply with the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC), National Fire Code of Canada, CAN/ULC-S553, and local requirements.

Refer to NFPA 72, Chapter 29 for required detection in various occupancies:

• 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.

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

Limited Warranty and Service

BRK Brands, Inc. warrants this product for seven years from the date of purchase against defects in material and workmanship. BRK will repair or replace defective products.

Warranty does not cover: Normal wear, misuse, improper voltage, disassembly, unauthorized repair, or Acts of God.

To Obtain Warranty Service:

• Contact the Consumer Affairs Division at 1-800-323-9005.
• Have the model number and date of purchase ready.
• For service, return to: 1301 Joe Battle, El Paso, TX 79936.

BRK Brands, Inc. makes no warranty regarding the battery.

Disposal:

Deactivate the alarm before disposal. Do not dispose of with household waste. Recycle where facilities exist. Check local requirements for electronic devices.

Visit www.firstalert.ca or www.brkcanada.ca for more information.