Model SCO5RV
M08-0122-003 Q03/07 Printed in Mexico
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE.
This user’s manual contains important information
about your Combination Carbon Monoxide & Smoke
Alarm’s operation. If you are installing this Alarm for
use by others, you must leave this manual—or a copy
of it—with the end user.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Fire Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Basic Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
Where to Install This Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Where This Alarm Should NOT Be Installed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
How to InstallThis Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Optional Locking Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Weekly Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Regular Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
If Your Smoke/CO Alarm Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
What To Do First–Identify The Type Of Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
If the CO Alarm Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
If the Smoke Alarm Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Using the Silence Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
What You Need To Know About CO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
What is CO? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Symptoms of CO Poisoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Potential Sources of CO in the Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
How Can I Protect My Family From CO Poisoning? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Regulatory Information For Smoke/CO Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7
Regulatory Information for CO Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Regulatory Information for Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
Recommended Locations for Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
About Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Special Compliance Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
General Limitations Of Smoke/CO Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
© 2007 BRK Brands, Inc., a Subsidiary of Jarden Corporation
All rights reserved.
BRK Brands, Inc., 3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122
Consumer Affairs: (800) 323-9005 • www.firstalert.com
INTRODUCTION
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 electrical 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.
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.
BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
• Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions alert you to important operating
instructions or to potentially hazardous situations. Pay special
attention to these items.
•
This combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm has two separate
alarms. The CO Alarm is not designed to detect fire or any other gas.
It will only indicate the presence of carbon monoxide gas at the
sensor.Carbon monoxide gas may be present in other areas.The
Smoke Alarm will only indicate the presence of smoke that reaches
the sensor. The Smoke Alarm is not designed to sense gas, heat or
flames.
• This Smoke/CO Alarm cannot operate without working batteries.
Removing the batteries for any reason, or failing to replace the
batteries at the end of their service life, removes your protection.
• NEVER ignore any alarm. See “If Your Smoke/CO Alarm Sounds”
for more information on how to respond to an alarm. Failure to
respond can result in injury or death.
• The Silence Features are for your convenience only and will not
correct a problem. See "Using the Silence Features" for details.
Always check your home for a potential problem after any alarm.
Failure to do so can result in injury or death.
• Test this Smoke/CO Alarm once a week. If the Alarm ever fails to
test correctly,have it replaced immediately! If the Alarm is not
working properly, it cannot alert you to a problem.
• This product is intended for use in ordinary indoor locations of
family living units or in RVs.It is not designed to measure CO levels
in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) commercial or industrial standards. Individuals with medical
conditions that may make them more sensitive to carbon monoxide
may consider using warning devices which provide audible and
visual signals for carbon monoxide concentrations under 30 ppm.
For additional information on carbon monoxide and your medical
condition contact your physician.
5 6 7 1 2 3
COMBINATION CARBON MONOXIDE & SMOKE ALARM
FOR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE USE
4
Printed in Mexico M08-0122-003 Q03/07
First Alert®is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CO
WHAT IS CO?
CO is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas produced when fossil fuels do not
burn completely, or are exposed to heat (usually fire).Electrical appliances
typically do not produce CO.
These fuels include: Wood, coal, charcoal, oil, natural gas, gasoline, kerosene,
and propane.
Common appliances are often sources of CO. If they are not properly main-
tained, are improperly ventilated, or malfunction, CO levels can rise quickly.
CO is a real danger now that homes are more energy efficient. “Air-tight”
homes with added insulation, sealed windows, and other weatherproofing
can “trap” CO inside.
SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING
These symptoms are related to CO POISONING and should be discussed
with ALL household members.
Mild Exposure: Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (“flu-like” symptoms).
Medium Exposure: Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
Extreme Exposure: Convulsions, unconsciousness, heart and lung failure.
Exposure to Carbon Monoxide can cause brain damage, death.
This CO Alarm measures exposure to CO over time. It alarms if CO levels
are extremely high in a short period of time, or if CO levels reach a certain
minimum over a long period of time. The CO Alarm generally sounds an alarm
before the onset of symptoms in average, healthy adults. Why is this important?
Because you need to be warned of a potential CO problem while you can still
react in time. In many reported cases of CO exposure, victims may be aware
that they are not feeling well, but become disoriented and can no longer react
well enough to exit the building or get help.Also, young children and pets may
be the first affected.The average healthy adult might not feel any symptoms
when the CO Alarm sounds. However, people with cardiac or respiratory
problems, infants, unborn babies, pregnant mothers, or elderly people can
be more quickly and severely affected by CO. If you experience even mild
symptoms of CO poisoning, consult your doctor immediately!
FINDING THE SOURCE OF CO AFTER AN ALARM
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas, which often makes it difficult to
locate the source of CO after an alarm. These are a few of the factors that can
make it difficult to locate sources of CO:
• House well ventilated before the investigator arrives.
• Problem caused by “backdrafting.”
• Transient CO problem caused by special circumstances.
Because CO may dissipate by the time an investigator arrives, it may be
difficult to locate the source of CO. BRK Brands,Inc. shall not be obligated
to pay for any carbon monoxide investigation or service call.
POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CO IN THE HOME OR
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Fuel-burning appliances like:
portable heater, gas or wood
burning fireplace, gas kitchen
range or cooktop, gas clothes dryer.
Damaged or insufficient venting:
corroded or disconnected water
heater vent pipe, leaking chimney pipe
or flue, or cracked heat exchanger,
blocked or clogged chimney opening.
Improper use of appliance/device:
operating a barbecue grill or vehicle
in an enclosed area (like a garage or
screened porch).
Transient CO Problems: “transient” or on-again-off-again CO problems can
be caused by outdoor conditions and other special circumstances.
The following conditions can result in transient CO situations:
1
. Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel appliances caused by outdoor
conditions such as:
• Wind direction and/or velocity,including high, gusty winds. Heavy air in
the vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods between cycles).
• Negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust fans.
• Several appliances running at the same time competing for limited
fresh air.
• Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes dryers, furnaces, or
water heaters.
• Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs which can amplify
the above situations.
2. Extended operation of unvented fuel burning devices (range, oven, fireplace).
3. Temperature inversions, which can trap exhaust close to the ground.
4. Car idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near a home.
These conditions are dangerous because they can trap exhaust in your home.
Since these conditions can come and go, they are also hard to recreate during
a CO investigation.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MY FAMILY FROM
CO POISONING?
ACO Alarm is an excellent means of protection. It monitors the air and sounds
a loud alarm before Carbon Monoxide levels become threatening for average,
healthy adults.
ACO Alarm is not a substitute for proper maintenance of home appliances.
T
o help prevent CO problems and reduce the risk of CO poisoning:
• Clean chimneys and flues yearly. Keep them free of debris, leaves, and
nests for proper air flow. Also, have a professional check for rust and
corrosion, cracks, or separations.These conditions can prevent proper
air movement and cause backdrafting. Never “cap” or cover a chimney
in any way that would block air flow.
• Test and maintain all fuel-burning equipment annually. Many local gas or
oil companies and HVAC companies offer appliance inspections for a
nominal fee.
• Make regular visual inspections of all fuel-burning appliances. Check
appliances for excessive rust and scaling. Also check the flame on the
burner and pilot lights. The flame should be blue. A yellow flame means
fuel is not being burned completely and CO may be present. Keep the
blower door on the furnace closed. Use vents or fans when they are
available on all fuel-burning appliances. Make sure appliances are
vented to the outside. Do not grill or barbecue indoors, or in garages
or on screen porches.
• Check for exhaust backflow from CO sources.Check the draft hood on
an operating furnace for a backdraft. Look for cracks on furnace heat
exchangers.
• Check the house or garage on the other side of shared wall.
• Keep windows and doors open slightly. If you suspect that CO is
escaping into your home, open a window or a door. Opening windows
and doors can significantly decrease CO levels.
In addition,familiarize yourself with all enclosed materials. Read this
manual in its entirety,and make sure you understand what to do if your
CO Alarm sounds.
REGULATORY INFORMATION FOR
SMOKE/CO ALARMS
REGULATORY INFORMATION FOR CO ALARMS
WHATLEVELS OF CO CAUSE AN ALARM?
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Standard UL2034 requires residential CO
Alarms to sound when exposed to levels of CO and exposure times as
described below. They are measured in parts per million (ppm) of CO over
time (in minutes).
UL2034 Required Alarm Points*:
• If the alarm is exposed to 400 ppm of CO, IT MUST ALARM BETWEEN
4 and 15 MINUTES.
• If the alarm is exposed to 150 ppm of CO, IT MUSTALARM BETWEEN
10 and 50 MINUTES.
• If the alarm is exposed to 70 ppm if CO, IT MUSTALARM BETWEEN
60 and 240 MINUTES.
*Approximately 10% COHb exposure at levels of 10% to 95% Relative
Humidity (RH).
The unit is designed not to alarm when exposed to a constant level
of 30 ppm for 30 days.
CO Alarms are designed to alarm before there is an immediate life threat.
Since you cannot see or smell CO, never assume it’s not present.
• An exposure to100 ppm of CO for 20 minutes may not affect average,
healthy adults, but after 4 hours the same level may cause headaches.
• An exposure to 400 ppm of CO may cause headaches in average, healthy
adults after 35 minutes, but can cause death after 2 hours.
Standards: Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Single and Multiple Station carbon
monoxide alarms UL2034.
According to Underwriters Laboratories Inc. UL2034, Section 1-1.2: “Carbon
monoxide alarms covered by these requirements are intended to respond to the
presence of carbon monoxide from sources such as, but not limited to, exhaust
from internal-combustion engines, abnormal operation of fuel-fired appliances,
and fireplaces. CO Alarms are intended to alarm at carbon monoxide levels
below those that could cause a loss of ability to react to the dangers of Carbon
Monoxide exposure.” This CO Alarm monitors the air at the Alarm, and is
designed to alarm before CO levels become life threatening. This allows you
precious time to leave the house and correct the problem. This is only possible
if Alarms are located, installed, and maintained as described in this manual.
Gas Detection at Typical Temperature and Humidity Ranges: The CO Alarm
is not formulated to detect CO levels below 30 ppm typically. UL tested for false
alarm resistance to Methane (500 ppm), Butane (300 ppm), Heptane (500 ppm),
Ethyl Acetate (200 ppm), IsopropylAlcohol (200 ppm) and Carbon Dioxide (5000
ppm).Values measure gas and vapor concentrations in parts per million.
Audible Alarm: 85 dB minimum at10 feet (3 meters).
REGULATORY INFORMATION FOR SMOKE ALARMS
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. Continued...
LIMITED WARRANTY
BRK Brands, Inc., ("BRK") the maker of First Alert®brand products warrants that for a period of five 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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/CO Alarms for Solar or Wind Energy users and battery backup
power systems: AC powered Smoke/CO Alarms should only be operated
with true or pure sine wave inverters. Operating this 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. 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 Alarm.If you are unsure which type of Smoke Alarm to install, refer 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.
Features:
•Separate sensors to detect smoke
and CO; the two alarm systems
work independently
•Powered by two “AA” batteries
•Side access drawer for easy
battery replacement
•Complies with UL2034 and UL217
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.
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.
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.
For maximum protection, use both types of Smoke Alarms on each level
and in every bedroom of your home.
SPECIAL COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS
This unit 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 warehouses, 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 unit may be used to
provide additional protection in these facilities.
The following information applies to all five types of buildings listed below:
In new construction, most building codes require the use of AC or AC/DC
powered Smoke Alarms only. AC, AC/DC, or DC powered Smoke Alarms can be
used in existing construction as specified by local building codes.Refer to NFPA
72 (National Fire Alarm Code) and NFPA 101(Life Safety Code), local building
codes, or consult your Fire Department for detailed fire protection requirements in
buildings not defined as “households.”
1. Single-Family Residence: Single family home, townhouse. It is recommend-
ed this unit be installed on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and in
each bedroom hallway.
2. Multi-Family or Mixed Occupant Residence: Apartment building,
condominium. This unit 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
unit in common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or
meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.
3. Institutions: Hospitals, day care facilities, long-term health care facilities.
This unit 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
unit 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 unit 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 unit in common
areas may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire
protection ordinances/regulations.
5. Warehouses/Commercial Buildings: DO NOTuse this Smoke/CO Alarm
in warehouses, industrial or commercial buildings, special-purpose non-resi-
dential buildings, or airplanes.This Smoke/CO Alarm is specifically designed
for residential use, and may not provide adequate protection in other
applications.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
If the Alarm... Problem... You should...
Horn "chirps" about once per minute. Low battery warning. Install two new AA batteries*.
Horn does three rapid "chirps" every minute;
LED has 3 rapid flashes with "chirps". Device is not working properly, and needs to be
replaced.Units under warranty should be returned to
manufacturer for replacement. See “Limited
Warranty” for details.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm ONLY:
CO Alarm goes back into alarm 4 minutes after you
Silence it. CO levels indicate a potentially dangerous situation. IF YOU ARE FEELING SYMPTOMS OF CO
POISONING, EVACUATE your home and call 911
or the Fire Department. Refer to "If The CO Alarm
Sounds" for details.
CO Alarm sounds frequently even though no high
levels of CO are revealed in an investigation.
The CO Alarm may be improperly located. Refer to
“Where to Install This Alarm” for details. Relocate your Alarm. If frequent alarms continue,
have home rechecked for potential CO problems.
You may be experiencing an intermittent
CO problem.
Smoke Alarm ONLY:
Smoke Alarm sounds when no smoke is visible.
Unwanted alarm may be caused by non-emergency
source like cooking smoke. Silence Alarm using manual button; clean the
Alarm’s cover with a soft, clean cloth. If frequent
unwanted alarms continue, relocate your Alarm.
Alarm may be too close to a kitchen, cooking
appliance, or steamy bathroom.
*For a list of acceptable replacement batteries, see “Regular Maintenance.”
If you have questions that cannot be answered by reading this manual, call Consumer Affairs at1-800-323-9005, M-F 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CST)
For your records, please record:
Date Purchased: ____________Where Purchased: _____________________
This Smoke/CO Alarm is intended for RV or residential use. It is not intended
for use in industrial applications where Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) requirements for Carbon Monoxide Alarms must be
met. The Smoke Alarm portion of this device is not intended to alert hearing
impaired residents.Special purpose Smoke Alarms should be installed for
hearing impaired residents (CO Alarms are not yet available for the hearing
impaired).
Smoke/CO 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/CO 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/CO Alarm while
sleeping and to determine whether they may need assistance in the event of
an emergency.
Smoke
/CO
Alarms cannot work without power. Battery operated units cannot
work if the batteries are missing, disconnected or dead, if the wrong type of bat-
teries 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.
This Smoke/CO Alarm will not sense smoke or CO that does not reach the
sensors. It will only sense smoke or CO at the sensor. Smoke or CO may be
present in other areas.Doors or other obstructions may affect the rate at which
CO or smoke reaches the sensors. If bedroom doors are usually closed at
night, we recommend you install an alarm device (Combination CO and Smoke
Alarm, or separate CO Alarms and Smoke Alarms) in each bedroom and in the
hallway between them.
This Smoke/CO Alarm may not sense smoke or CO on another level of the
home. Example: This alarm device, installed on the second floor, may not
sense smoke or CO in the basement.For this reason, one alarm device may
not give adequate early warning. Recommended minimum protection is one
alarm device in every sleeping area, every bedroom, and on every level of your
home. Some experts recommend battery powered Smoke and CO Alarms be
used in conjunction with interconnected AC powered Smoke Alarms. For
details, see “About Smoke Alarms” for details.
Smoke/CO Alarms may not be heard. The alarm horn loudness meets or
exceeds current ULstandards of 85 dB at 10 feet (3 meters). However, if the
Smoke/CO Alarm is installed outside the bedroom, it may not wake up a sound
sleeper or one who has recently used drugs or has been drinking alcoholic
beverages.This is especially true if the door is closed or only partly open.
Even persons who are awake may not hear the alarm horn if the sound is
blocked by distance or closed doors. Noise from traffic, stereo, radio, television,
air conditioner, or other appliances may also prevent alert persons from hearing
the alarm horn.This Smoke/CO Alarm is not intended for people who are
hearing impaired.
The Alarm 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.
This Smoke/CO Alarm is not a substitute for life insurance. Though this
Smoke/CO Alarm warns against increasing CO levels or the presence of
smoke,BRK Brands, Inc. does not warrant or imply in any way that they will
protect lives. Homeowners and renters must still insure their lives.
This Smoke/CO Alarm has a limited life. Although this Smoke/CO Alarm
and all of its parts have passed many stringent tests and are designed to be
as reliable as possible,any of these parts could fail at any time. Therefore, you
must test this device weekly. The unit should be replaced immediately if it is
not operating properly.
This Smoke/CO Alarm is not foolproof. Like all other electronic devices, this
Smoke/CO Alarm has limitations. It can only detect smoke or CO that reaches
the sensors. It may not give early warning of the source of smoke or CO is in a
remote part of the home,away from the alarm device.
GENERAL LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE/CO ALARMS
USER’S MANUAL
For additional coverage, it is recommended that you install a Smoke Alarm in
all rooms, halls, storage areas, finished attics, and basements, where tempera-
tures 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.
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 inter-
connected for added protection.
INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS IN MOBILE HOMES
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).
AGENCY PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
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.
Standards: Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Single and Multiple Station Smoke
Alarms 217.
NFPA72 (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 basement, 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.
RECOMMENDED RESIDENTIAL PLACEMENT
• When installing on the wall, the top edge of Smoke Alarms should be
placed between 4 inches (102 mm) and 12 inches (305 mm) from the
wall/ceiling line.
• When installing on the ceiling, place the alarm as close to the center as
possible.
•In either case, install at least 4 inches (102 mm) from where the wall and
ceiling meet. See “Avoiding Dead Air Spaces” for more information.
NOTE: For any location, make sure no door or other obstruction could keep
carbon monoxide or smoke from reaching the Alarm.
WHERE THIS ALARM SHOULD NOT BE INSTALLED
Do NOT locate this Smoke/COAlarm:
•Avoid extremely dusty, dirty or greasy 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, RVs, 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.
•Within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of any cooking appliance.In air streams near
kitchens.Air currents can draw cooking smoke into the smoke sensor and
cause unwanted alarms.
•In extremely humid areas. This Alarm should be at least 10 feet (3 meters)
from a shower, sauna, humidifier, vaporizer, dishwasher, laundry room,
utility room, or other source of high humidity.
•In direct sunlight.
•In turbulent air, like near ceiling fans or open windows. Blowing air may
prevent CO or smoke from reaching the sensors.
•In insect infested areas. Insects can clog the openings to the sensing
chamber.
•Less than 12 inches (305 mm) away from fluorescent lights. Electrical
“noise” can interfere with the sensor.
•In “dead air” spaces. See “Avoiding Dead Air Spaces”.
AVOIDING DEAD AIR SPACES
“Dead air” spaces may prevent smoke from reaching the Smoke/CO Alarm.
T
o avoid dead air spaces, follow installation recommendations below.
On ceilings, install Smoke/CO Alarms as close to the center of the ceiling as
possible. If this is not possible, install the Smoke/CO 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/CO
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 first Smoke/CO Alarm
within 3 feet (0.9 meters) of the peak of the ceiling, measured horizontally.
Additional Smoke/CO 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.
INSTALLATION
WHERE TO INSTALL THIS ALARM
Installing Combination Smoke/CO Alarms in Recreational Vehicles or
Mobile Homes
For minimum security, a combination Smoke/CO Alarm should be centrally
located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of
the bedrooms. For more security, install additional Alarms in each separate
bedroom.The Alarm should be located at least 6 inches (152 mm) from all
exterior walls and at least 3 feet (0.9 meters) from supply or return vents.
Test units used in RVs after the vehicle has been in storage, before each
trip,and once a week while in use. Failure to test units used in RVs as
described may remove your protection.
In general, install residential combination Smoke/CO 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 (12 meters) long,
install a unit at each end.
• At the top of first-to-second floor stairs.
• At the bottom of the basement stairs.
• For additional coverage, install Alarms in all rooms, halls, and storage
areas, where temperatures normally remain between 40˚ F and100˚ F
(4˚ C and 38˚ C).
Minimum coverage for Smoke Alarms, as recommended by the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is one Smoke Alarm on every floor, in every
sleeping area, and in every bedroom (See “Regulatory Information For Smoke
Alarms” for details on the NFPA recommendations). Continued...
WHERE TO INSTALL THIS ALARM, Continued
For CO Alarms, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends
that a CO Alarm should be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping
area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. For added protection, install
additional CO Alarms in each separate bedroom, and on every level of your
home.
NOTE: For added protection, install an additional Smoke/CO Alarm at least
15 feet (4.6 meters) away from the furnace or fuel burning heat source where
possible. In smaller homes or in manufactured homes where this distance
cannot be maintained, install the Alarm as far away as possible from the
furnace or other fuel burning source. Installing the Alarm closer than 15 feet (4.6
meters) will not harm the Alarm, but may increase the frequency of unwanted
alarms.
HOW TO INSTALL THIS ALARM
This combination Smoke/CO Alarm was designed to be mounted on the
ceiling or wall.It is not a tabletop device. You must install this device on the
ceiling or wall as outlined below.Read “Where To Install This Alarm” before
starting.
T
ools you will need: pencil, drill with 3/16” or 5mm drill bit,
flathead screwdriver, hammer.
•
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.
• Do not install this unit over an electrical junction box. Air currents
around junction boxes can prevent smoke from reaching the sens-
ing chamber and prevent the unit from alarming. Only AC powered
units are intended for installation over junction boxes.
If you want to lock the battery compartment, or lock the Smoke/CO
Alarm to the mounting bracket, please read the “Optional Locking
Features” section.
1. Hold base firmly and twist the mounting bracket counterclockwise (left) to
separate it from the unit.
2. Hold the mounting bracket against the ceiling (or wall) so the vertical
mounting slot is aligned in the 12 o’clock position and trace around the
inside of the mounting slots (vertical and horizontal mounting).
3. Put the unit where it won’t get covered with dust when you drill the
mounting holes.
4. Using a 3/16” (5 mm) drill bit, drill a hole through the center of the oval
outlines you traced.
5. Insert the plastic screw anchors (in the plastic bag with screws) into the
holes. Tap the screw anchors gently with a hammer, if necessary, until
they are flush with the ceiling or wall.
6. Line the mounting bracket up over the plastic screw anchors.
7
. Screw the mounting bracket to the ceiling or wall through the mounting
slots using the two screws provided.
8. Before attaching the Alarm to
the bracket, insert the two (2)
AA batteries (included) into the
battery compartment. Match
the terminals on the end of
the battery with the terminals
on the unit. Match “+” to “+”
and “-” to “-.” If the batteries
are not fully inserted, the unit
cannot receive battery power.
NOTE: The unit may beep briefly when you install the batteries. This is normal.
The GREEN Light flashes about every 60 seconds when the unit is
receiving battery power.
The battery door will resist closing unless batteries are installed. This
warns you the unit will not operate without batteries.
9. Attach the Smoke/CO Alarm to the
mounting bracket. Line up the guides on
the alarm’s base with the guides on the
mounting bracket. When guides are lined
up, turn the base clockwise (right) until it
snaps into place.
NOTE: Once the Smoke/CO Alarm is
snapped onto the mounting bracket,
you can rotate the Smoke/CO Alarm
to adjust the alignment.
10. Test the Smoke/CO Alarm. See “Weekly Testing” for details.