First Alert Smoke Alarm SA720 User Manual

®
*All First Alert Smoke Alarms conform to regulatory requirements,  
including UL217 and are designed to detect particles of combustion.  
Smoke particles of varying number and size are produced in all fires.  
USER’S MANUAL  
SMOKE AND FIRE* ALARM  
Ionization technology is generally more sensitive than photoelectric  
technology at detecting small particles, which tend to be produced  
in greater amounts by flaming fires, which consume combustible  
materials rapidly and spread quickly. Sources of these fires may include  
paper burning in a wastebasket, or a grease fire in the kitchen.  
BATTERY POWERED PHOTOELECTRIC SMOKE ALARM  
®
WITH SILENCE AND ESCAPE LIGHT  
Photoelectric technology is generally more sensitive than ionization  
technology at detecting large particles, which tend to be produced  
in greater amounts by smoldering fires, which may smolder for  
hours before bursting into flame. Sources of these fires may include  
cigarettes burning in couches or bedding.  
Model SA720  
For maximum protection, use both types of Smoke Alarms on each  
level and in every bedroom of your home.  
FIRE SAFETY TIPS  
Follow safety rules and prevent hazardous situations: 1) Use smoking  
materials properly. Never smoke in bed. 2) Keep matches or lighters  
away from children; 3) Store flammable materials in proper containers;  
4) Keep electrical appliances in good condition and don’t overload elec-  
trical circuits; 5) Keep stoves, barbecue grills, fireplaces and chimneys  
grease- and debris-free; 6) Never leave anything cooking on the stove  
unattended; 7) Keep portable heaters and open flames, like candles,  
away from flammable materials; 8) Don’t let rubbish accumulate.  
IMPORTANT!  
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE.  
This user’s manual contains important information about your Smoke  
Alarm’s operation. If you are installing this Smoke Alarm for use by  
others, you must leave this manual—or a copy of it—with the end user.  
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.  
Printed in Mexico  
LISTED TO UL 217  
Model SA720  
M08-0136-001 K1 08/07  
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1  
Fire Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1  
Before You Install This Smoke Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1  
How To Install This Smoke Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2  
Weekly Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2  
Regular Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2  
Optional Locking Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3  
If This Smoke Alarm Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4  
What To Do In Case Of Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4  
Using the Silence Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4  
If You Suspect A Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4  
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4  
Recommended Locations For Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5  
Locations To Avoid For Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5  
About Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6  
Special Compliance Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6  
Limitations Of Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6  
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 Type 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.  
INTRODUCTION  
Know What Smoke Alarms Can and Can’t Do  
Thank you for choosing First Alert® for your Smoke Alarm needs. You  
have purchased a state of the art Smoke Alarm designed to provide you  
with early warning of a fire. Please take the time to read this manual and  
make the Smoke Alarm an integral part of your family’s safety plan.  
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  
Key Features of the SA720 Smoke Alarm:  
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.  
Photoelectric Sensing Technology: Photoelectric Sensors are generally  
more sensitive than ionization sensors in detecting smoldering fires  
which commonly occur in couches or bedding.  
OptiPath 360 Technology™: Patented technology provides 360° of  
direct access to the smoke sensor.  
This unit will not alert hearing impaired residents. It is recom-  
mended that you install special units which use devices like  
flashing strobe lights to alert hearing impaired residents.  
Do not connect this unit to any other alarm or auxiliary  
device. It is a single-station unit that cannot be linked to other  
devices. Connecting anything else to this unit may prevent it  
from working properly.  
Single Test/Silence Button: Allows you to test the alarm or silence  
nuisance alarms. Testing the Alarm assures you that the unit is functioning  
correctly and ready to protect you and your family. The Alarm can be  
silenced for up to 15 minutes in the event of a nuisance alarm.  
®
Escape Light : Bright escape light activates when this unit goes into  
alarm to illuminate your path to safety.  
Battery Drawer with “battery missing” lockout: Allows you to easily  
replace the battery with out removing the alarm from the ceiling.  
The battery door will not close if a battery has not been inserted thus  
alerting you that the unit is not powered and not operating.  
Unit will not operate without battery power. The Smoke Alarm  
cannot work until you install the battery in the correct position  
(Match “+” to “+” and “-” to “-”).  
This Smoke Alarm has a battery drawer which resists closing  
unless a battery is installed.  
Low battery warning: The Alarm will sound a “chirp” once per minute  
when the battery needs to be replaced.  
Blinking Power Indicator: Confirms that the Smoke Alarm is receiving  
Do not install this unit over an electrical junction box.  
Air currents around junction boxes can prevent smoke from  
reaching the sensing chamber and prevent the unit from  
alarming. Only AC powered units are intended for installation  
over junction boxes.  
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.  
power.  
© 2007 BRK Brands, Inc., a Jarden Corporation company (NYSE: JAH)  
3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122  
All rights reserved.  
Consumer Affairs: (800) 323-9005 • www.firstalert.com  
Do not paint over the unit. Paint may clog the openings to the  
sensing chamber and prevent the unit from operating properly.  
1
 
OPTIONAL LOCKING FEATURES  
The optional locking features are designed to prevent unauthorized removal of the battery 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 • Standard flathead screwdriver.  
Both locking features use locking pins, which are molded into the mounting bracket. Depending on which locking  
features you use, remove one or both pins from the mounting bracket using needle-nose pliers.  
To permanently remove either locking pin, insert a flathead screwdriver between the locking pin and the  
lock, and pry the pin out of the lock.  
TO UNLOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT  
TO LOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT  
Do not lock the battery compartment until you have installed the  
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.”  
battery and tested the unit.  
1. Install the battery so the terminals  
on the battery match the terminals  
on the Smoke Alarm. Match “+” to  
“+” and “-” to “-.” Push the battery in  
until it snaps in securely and cannot  
be shaken loose. If the battery is  
not snapped in completely, the unit  
cannot receive battery power.  
2. 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.)  
2. Push and hold Test/Silence button  
until the alarm sounds: 3 beeps,  
pause, 3 beeps, pause.  
The Escape Light® will turn on.  
LED flashes once every second.  
3. To relock the battery compart-  
ment, close the battery door  
and reinsert locking pin in lock.  
If the unit does not alarm during  
testing, DO NOT lock the battery  
compartment! Install a new battery  
and test again. If the Smoke Alarm still  
does not alarm, replace it immediately.  
4. Reattach the Smoke Alarm  
to the mounting bracket.  
3. Using needle-nose pliers, detach  
one locking pin from the mounting  
bracket.  
4. Push the locking pin through the  
hole near the battery door latch on  
the back of the Smoke Alarm.  
When replacing the battery, always  
test the Smoke Alarm before  
relocking the battery compartment.  
TO LOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET  
TO UNLOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET  
1. Using needle-nose pliers,  
detach one locking pin from  
the mounting bracket.  
1. Insert a flathead screwdriver into  
the rectangular cut-out on the  
mounting bracket nearest to the  
locking pin.  
2. Insert the locking pin through  
the hole on the back of the  
Smoke Alarm as shown in the  
diagram.  
2. Pry the Smoke Alarm away from  
the bracket by pushing up on  
the screwdriver and turning the  
Smoke Alarm counterclockwise  
(left) at the same time.  
3. When you attach the Smoke  
Alarm to the mounting bracket,  
the locking pin’s head will fit  
into a notch on the bracket.  
3
 
IF THIS SMOKE ALARM SOUNDS  
LIMITED WARRANTY  
BRK Brands, Inc., ("BRK") the maker of First Alert® brand products  
warrants that for a period of ten years from the date of purchase, this  
product will be free from defects in material and workmanship. BRK, at  
its option, will repair or replace this product or any component of the  
product found to be defective during the warranty period. Replacement  
will be made with a new or remanufactured product or component.  
If the product is no longer available, replacement may be made with a  
similar product of equal or greater value. This is your exclusive warranty.  
RESPONDING TO AN ALARM  
During an alarm, you will hear a loud, repeating horn pattern:  
®
3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause. The Escape Light will turn on.  
LED flashes once every second.  
If the unit alarms get everyone out of the house immediately.  
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.  
This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser from the date of  
initial retail purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales  
receipt. Proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty performance.  
BRK dealers, service centers, or retail stores selling BRK products do  
not have the right to alter, modify or any way change the terms and  
conditions of this warranty.  
Never remove the batteries from a battery operated Smoke Alarm  
to stop an unwanted alarm (caused by cooking smoke, etc.).  
Removing batteries disables the alarm so it cannot sense smoke,  
and removes your protection. Instead open a window or fan the  
smoke away from the unit. The alarm will reset automatically.  
This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or damage resulting  
from any of the following: negligent use or misuse of the product, use on  
improper voltage or current, use contrary to the operating instructions,  
disassembly, repair or alteration by anyone other than BRK or an  
authorized service center. Further, the warranty does not cover Acts of  
God, such as fire, flood, hurricanes and tornadoes or any batteries that  
are included with this unit.  
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.  
BRK shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages  
caused by the breach of any express or implied warranty. Except to  
the extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of  
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration  
to the duration of the above warranty. Some states, provinces or  
jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or  
consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty  
lasts, so the above limitations or exclusion may not apply to you. This  
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other  
rights that vary from state to state or province to province.  
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.  
How to Obtain Warranty Service  
Service: If service is required, do not return the product to your retailer.  
In order to obtain warranty service, contact the Consumer Affairs  
Division at 1-800-323-9005, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Central Standard Time,  
Monday through Friday. To assist us in serving you, please have the  
model number and date of purchase available when calling.  
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.  
For Warranty Service return to: 25 Spur Drive, El Paso, TX 79906  
Battery: BRK Brands, Inc. make no warranty, express or implied, written  
or oral, including that of merchantability or fitness for any particular  
purpose with respect to battery.  
USING THE SILENCE FEATURE  
The Silence Feature can temporarily quiet an unwanted alarm for up to  
15 minutes. To use this feature, press the “Push to 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. The LED will flash every 10 seconds while in  
silence.  
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 bed-  
room. 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˚ C) and 100˚ F  
(38˚ C). Make sure no door or other obstruction could keep smoke from  
reaching the Smoke Alarms.  
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.  
More specifically, install Smoke Alarms:  
IF YOU SUSPECT A PROBLEM  
On every level of your home, including finished attics and basements.  
Inside every bedroom, especially if people sleep with doors closed.  
In the hall near every sleeping area. If your home has multiple  
sleeping areas, install a unit in each. If a hall is over 40 feet (12  
meters) long, install an alarm at each end.  
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 a fresh battery, 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.  
At the top of the first-to-second floor stairway, and at bottom of  
basement stairway.  
If you hear a “chirp” about once a minute, replace the battery.  
If you experience frequent non-emergency alarms (like those  
caused by cooking smoke), try relocating the Smoke Alarm.  
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.  
See “Recommended Locations For Smoke Alarms” diagram on the  
following page.  
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, try installing a new  
battery, and make sure it is snapped in securely.  
®
The Escape Light bulb is not replaceable. In the unlikely event  
®
that the Escape Light does not operate during testing, please  
obtain warranty service.  
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.  
4
 
RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR SMOKE ALARMS  
LOCATIONS TO AVOID FOR SMOKE ALARMS  
For best performance, it is recommended you 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  
(6-meter) 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.  
DINING ROOM  
LIVING ROOM  
KITCHEN  
BEDROOM  
BEDROOM  
BEDROOM  
BEDROOM  
KITCHEN  
HALL  
LIVING ROOM  
FINISHED BASEMENT  
SINGLE-STORY RESIDENCE, APARTMENT,  
MOBILE HOME  
MULTI-STORY RESIDENCE  
KEY:  
SMOKE ALARMS WITH SILENCE  
FEATURES RECOMMENDED FOR  
ADDITIONAL PROTECTION  
RECOMMENDED  
FOR ADDITIONAL  
PROTECTION  
REQUIRED TO  
MEET NFPA  
RECOMMENDATIONS  
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.  
DINING ROOM  
LIVING ROOM  
KITCHEN  
BEDROOM  
BEDROOM  
BEDROOM  
HALL  
Where the temperatures are regularly below 40˚ F (4˚C) or above  
100˚ F (38˚C), including unheated buildings, outdoor rooms, porches,  
or unfinished attics or basements.  
LIVING ROOM  
KITCHEN  
In very dusty, dirty, or greasy areas. Do not install a Smoke Alarm  
directly over the stove or range. Keep laundry room Smoke Alarms  
free of dust or lint.  
BEDROOM  
FINISHED BASEMENT  
SINGLE-STORY RESIDENCE, APARTMENT,  
MOBILE HOME  
MULTI-STORY RESIDENCE  
Near fresh air vents, ceiling fans, or in very drafty areas. Drafts can  
blow smoke away from the unit, preventing it from reaching the  
sensing chamber.  
KEY:  
SMOKE ALARMS  
WITH SILENCE  
FEATURES  
RECOMMENDED  
FOR ADDITIONAL  
PROTECTION  
INTERCONNECTED  
AC OR AC/DC  
SMOKE ALARMS  
RECOMMENDED  
REQUIRED TO  
FOR ADDITIONAL  
PROTECTION  
MEET NFPA  
RECOMMENDATIONS  
In insect infested areas. Insects can clog openings to the sensing  
chamber and cause unwanted alarms.  
Less than 12 inches (305mm) away from fluorescent lights.  
Electrical “noise” can interfere with the sensor.  
INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS IN MOBILE HOMES & RVS  
In “dead air” spaces. “Dead air” spaces may prevent smoke from  
reaching the Smoke Alarm.  
For minimum security install one Smoke Alarm as close to each sleeping  
area as possible. For more security, put one unit in each room. Many  
older mobile homes (especially those built before 1978) have little or no  
insulation. If your mobile home is not well insulated, or if you are unsure  
of the amount of insulation, it is important to install units on inside walls  
only. Smoke Alarms should be installed where temperatures normally  
remain between 40˚ F (4˚ C) and 100˚ F (38˚ C). WARNING: Test units  
used in RVs after the vehicle has been in storage, before every trip,  
and once a week while in use. Failure to test units used in RVs as  
described may remove your protection.  
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 and 12 inches (102 and  
305 mm) from the wall/ceiling line, below typical “dead air” spaces.  
This equipment should be installed in accordance with NFPA (National  
Fire Protection Association) 72 and 101. National Fire Protection  
Association, One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101.  
Additional local building and regulatory codes may apply in your  
area. Always check compliance requirements before beginning  
any installation. This model is not RV listed with Underwriters  
Laboratories Inc.  
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.  
AGENCY PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS  
NFPA 72 (National Fire Code)  
Smoke Alarms shall be installed in each separate sleeping room, outside  
each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on  
each additional story of the family living unit, including basements and  
excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics.  
In new construction, Alarms shall be so arranged that operation of any  
one Alarm shall cause the operation of all Alarms within the dwelling.  
Smoke Detection-Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable? The required  
number of Smoke Alarms might not provide reliable early warning  
protection for those areas separated by a door from the areas protected  
by the required Smoke Alarms. For this reason, it is recommended that  
the householder consider the use of additional Smoke Alarms for those  
areas for increased protection. The additional areas include the base-  
ment, bedrooms, dining room, furnace room, utility room, and hallways  
not protected by the required Smoke Alarms. The installation of Smoke  
Alarms in kitchens, attics (finished or unfinished), or garages is not  
normally recommended, as these locations occasionally experience  
conditions that can result in improper operation.  
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.  
5
 
ABOUT SMOKE ALARMS  
LIMITATIONS OF 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.  
Smoke Alarms have played a key role in reducing deaths resulting from  
home fires worldwide. However, like any warning device, Smoke Alarms  
can only work if they are properly located, installed, and maintained,  
and if smoke reaches them. They are not foolproof.  
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) back-up: 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.  
Smoke alarms may not waken all individuals. Practice the escape  
plan at least twice a year, making sure that everyone is involved – from  
kids to grandparents. Allow children to master fire escape planning and  
practice before holding a fire drill at night when they are sleeping.  
If children or others do not readily waken to the sound of the smoke  
alarm, or if there are infants or family members with mobility limitations,  
make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in fire drill and in  
the event of an emergency. It is recommended that you hold a fire drill  
while family members are sleeping in order to determine their response  
to the sound of the smoke alarm while sleeping and to determine  
whether they may need assistance in the event of an emergency.  
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 cannot work without power. Battery operated units  
cannot work if the batteries are missing, disconnected or dead, if the  
wrong type of batteries are used, or if the batteries are not installed  
correctly. AC units cannot work if the AC power is cut off for any reason  
(open fuse or circuit breaker, failure along a power line or at a power  
station, electrical fire that burns the electrical wires, etc.). If you are  
concerned about the limitations of battery or AC power, install both  
types of units.  
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. 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.  
Smoke Alarms cannot detect fires if the smoke does not reach  
them. Smoke from fires in chimneys or walls, on roofs, or on the other  
side of closed doors may not reach the sensing chamber and set off the  
alarm. That is why one unit should be installed inside each bedroom or  
sleeping area—especially if bedroom or sleeping area doors are closed  
at night—and in the hallway between them.  
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 them. If you are unsure which type of Smoke Alarm  
to install, refer to Chapter 2 of the National Fire Protection Association  
(NFPA) Standard 72 (National Fire Alarm Code) and NFPA 101 (Life  
Safety Code). National Fire Protection Association, One Batterymarch  
Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101. Local building codes may also require  
specific units in new construction or in different areas of the home.  
Smoke Alarms may not detect fire on another floor or area of the  
home. For example, a stand-alone unit on the second floor may not  
detect smoke from a basement fire until the fire spreads. This may not  
give you enough time to escape safely. That is why recommended  
minimum protection is at least one unit in every sleeping area, and every  
bedroom on every level of your home. Even with a unit on every floor,  
stand-alone units may not provide as much protection as interconnected  
units, especially if the fire starts in a remote area. Some safety experts  
recommend installing interconnected AC powered units with battery  
back-up (see “About Smoke Alarms”) or professional fire detection  
systems, so if one unit senses smoke, all units alarm. Interconnected  
units may provide earlier warning than stand-alone units since all units  
alarm when one detects smoke.  
SPECIAL COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS  
This Smoke Alarm alone is not a suitable substitute for complete fire  
detection systems in places housing many people—like apartment  
buildings, condominiums, hotels, motels, dormitories, hospitals, long-  
term health care facilities, nursing homes, day care facilities, or group  
homes of any kind—even if they were once single-family homes. It is  
not a suitable substitute for complete fire detection systems in ware-  
houses, industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and special-purpose  
non-residential buildings which require special fire detection and alarm  
systems. Depending on the building codes in your area, this Smoke  
Alarm may be used to provide additional protection in these facilities.  
Smoke Alarms may not be heard. Though the alarm horn in this unit  
meets or exceeds current standards, it may not be heard if: 1) the unit  
is located outside a closed or partially closed door, 2) residents recently  
consumed alcohol or drugs, 3) the alarm is drowned out by noise from  
stereo, TV, traffic, air conditioner or other appliances, 4) residents are  
hearing impaired or sound sleepers. Special purpose units, like those  
with visual and audible alarms, should be installed for hearing impaired  
residents.  
The following information applies to all four building types below:  
In new construction, most building codes require the use of AC or  
AC/DC powered Smoke Alarms only. In existing construction, AC,  
AC/DC, or DC powered Smoke Alarms can be used as specified by  
local building codes. Refer to NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) or NFPA 72  
(National Fire Alarm Code), local building codes, or consult your Fire  
Department for detailed fire protection requirements in buildings not  
defined as “households.”  
Smoke Alarms may not have time to alarm before the fire itself  
causes damage, injury, or death, since smoke from some fires may  
not reach the unit immediately. Examples of this include persons  
smoking in bed, children playing with matches, or fires caused by  
violent explosions resulting from escaping gas.  
1. Single-Family Residence:  
Single family home, townhouse. It is recommended Smoke Alarms be  
installed on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and in each  
bedroom hallway.  
Smoke Alarms are not foolproof. Like any electronic device, Smoke  
Alarms are made of components that can wear out or fail at any time.  
You must test the unit weekly to ensure your continued protection.  
Smoke Alarms cannot prevent or extinguish fires. They are not a  
substitute for property or life insurance.  
2. Multi-Family or Mixed Occupant Residence:  
Apartment building, condominium. This Smoke Alarm is suitable for use  
in individual apartments or condos, provided a primary fire detection  
system already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common  
areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in  
common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or  
meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.  
Smoke Alarms have a limited life. The unit should be replaced  
immediately if it is not operating properly. You should always replace a  
Smoke Alarm after 10 years from date of purchase. Write the purchase  
date on the space provided on back of unit.  
3. Institutions:  
Hospitals, day care facilities, long-term health care facilities. This  
Smoke Alarm is suitable for use in individual patient sleeping/resident  
rooms, provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet  
fire detection requirements in common areas like lobbies, hallways, or  
porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in common areas may not provide  
sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection ordinances  
/regulations.  
4. Hotels and Motels:  
Also boarding houses and dormitories. This Smoke Alarm is suitable  
for use inside individual sleeping/resident rooms, provided a primary  
fire detection system already exists to meet fire detection requirements  
in common areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this Smoke  
Alarm in common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all  
residents or meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.  
First Alert® is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust.  
Printed in Mexico M08-0136-001 K1 08/07  
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