FIRST ALERT PR710A Slim Photoelectric Smoke Alarm User Manual
- June 9, 2024
- First Alert
Table of Contents
- PR710A Slim Photoelectric Smoke Alarm
- INTRODUCTION
- BEFORE YOU INSTALL THIS SMOKE ALARM
- HOW TO INSTALL THIS SMOKE ALARM
- OPTIONAL LOCKING FEATURE
- REGULAR MAINTENANCE
- FIRE SAFETY TIPS
- IF THIS SMOKE ALARM SOUNDS
- RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR SMOKE ALARMS
- AGENCY PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
- LOCATIONS TO AVOID FOR SMOKE ALARMS
- BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
- SPECIAL COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS
- ABOUT SMOKE ALARMS
- LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS
- LIMITED WARRANTY
- Documents / Resources
USER’S MANUAL
SMOKE ALARM
10 YEAR SEALED BATTERY OPERATED PHOTOELECTRIC
SMOKE ALARM WITH SILENCE FEATURE
Printed in Mexico | CAN/ULC STD | Model |
---|---|---|
M08-178756 K3 06/22 | S531-14 | PR710A |
PR710A Slim Photoelectric Smoke Alarm
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE.
The warnings/limitations card and manual contains important information about
your 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.
Reference product card for additional information.
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 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.
KEY FEATURES OF THIS SMOKE ALARM:
Photoelectric Sensing Technology: Photoelectric Sensors are generally
more sensitive than ionization sensors in detecting smoldering fires which
commonly occur in couches or bedding.
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 9 minutes in the event of a nuisance alarm.
10 Year End of Life Indicator: 5 horn pulses approximately every minute
alerts you that the unit must be replaced.
Local Alarm Memory: Green LED flashes 3 times approximately every minute
for 24 hours. After 24 hours the unit will chirp rapidly while the Test button
is pressed. Memory is cleared when the button is released.
Low Battery Warning: The Alarm will sound a “chirp” approximately once
per minute when the smoke alarm needs to be replaced.
Low Battery Silence: The Alarm can be silenced for 8 hours.
Red Blinking Power Indicator Every 6 Minutes: Confirms that the smoke
alarm is receiving power.
All First Alert® smoke alarms conform to regulatory requirements, including
ULC STD S531 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.
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.
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.
© 2022 BRK Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. · Distributed by BRK Brands,
Inc. · 3901 Liberty Street, Aurora, IL
60504-8122. · Customer Service Team:
1-800-323-9005. · www.firstalert.ca ·
www.brkcanada.ca
Installed on
Replace by
HOW TO INSTALL THIS SMOKE ALARM
This unit is designed to be mounted on the ceiling, or on the wall if
necessary.
Tools you will need: Pencil, Drill with 3/16″ (5 mm) drill bit, Standard
flathead screwdriver, Hammer
THE PARTS OF THIS SMOKE ALARM
- Test/Silence button
- Dual Power indicator light and Alarm indicator: Green LED provides visual indication of an Alarm Memory condition; Red LED provides visual indication of an Alarm and Hush modes
1. Mounting bracket
2. Mounting slots| 3. Turn this way to attach
4. Turn this way to remove
---|---
FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS
-
Hold the mounting bracket against the ceiling (or wall) so the two clusters of universal mounting holes are aligned approximately at the 9:00 and 3:00 o’clock positions. See image. Choose one of the three sets of holes shown, A, B or C (see image) and trace around one of the sets. Be sure to choose a top and bottom slot on opposite sides so you can rotate the universal mounting bracket into position later. This will make it easier in the future to remove the mounting bracket without completely removing the screws.
WARNING! Do not install this smoke alarm over an existing electrical box. Only AC powered units are intended for installation over electrical boxes. -
Put the unit where it won’t get covered with dust when you drill the mounting holes.
-
Using a 3/16″ (5 mm) drill bit, drill a hole through the center of the oval outlines you traced.
-
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.
-
Install the screws but do not tighten completely. Attach the mounting bracket by aligning the screws in the open portion of the universal mounting slots and rotating the bracket into place. Tighten the screws until they are snug to secure the bracket. Do not over tighten.
-
Activating the battery. Mount alarm to mounting bracket to activate. Once unit is activated, it cannot be turned off.
NOTE: After you activate the battery, the power indicator light may flash. (If the unit alarms, the light will blink rapidly, and the horn will repeatedly sound 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps.) -
Test the smoke alarm. See “Weekly Testing.”
-
After 10 years of operation or Low Battery warning, To Deactivate the smoke alarm: Insert a tool below edge where shown and break tab. Then slide activation switch to deactivate mode.
NOTE: At end of life or low battery indication (chirp): unit must be put into deactivation mode to deactivate remaining stored energy in battery. Unit will no longer function once put into this mode. Unit will resist re-mounting.
OPTIONAL LOCKING FEATURE
The optional locking feature is designed to prevent unauthorized removal of the alarm. It is not necessary to activate the lock in single-family households where unauthorized alarm removal is not a concern.
Tools you will need: Needle-nose pliers or utility knife · Standard flathead screwdriver The feature uses a locking pin which is molded into the mounting bracket. Remove locking pin by using needle-nose pliers or a utility knife.
IMPORTANT!
To permanently remove the locking pin, insert a flathead screwdriver
between the locking pin and the lock and pry the pin out of the lock.
TO LOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET
- Using needle-nose pliers, detach the pin from the mounting bracket.
- Insert the locking pin through the hole on the back of the smoke alarm as shown in the diagram.
- When you attach the alarm to the mounting bracket the locking pin’s head will fit into a notch on the bracket.
TO UNLOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET
- Insert a flathead screwdriver in between the mounting bracket and the locking pin.
- Pry the alarm away from the bracket by pushing up the screwdriver and turning the alarm counterclockwise (left) at the same time.
WEEKLY TESTING
WARNING!
- 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.
- 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” for details.
- 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.
CAUTION!
It is important to test this unit every week to make sure it is working
properly. Using the Test/Silence 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. Red LED flashes rapidly.
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 off any dust using your household vacuum’s soft brush attachment, and test the smoke alarm after cleaning. 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 becomes weak, the smoke alarm unit will “chirp” approximately once a minute (the Low Battery warning). This low battery
warning should last for up to 30 days, but you should replace the smoke alarm immediately to continue your protection.
WARNING!
Actual service life depends on the smoke alarm and the environment in which it
is installed. You MUST replace the smoke alarm immediately once the unit
starts “chirping” (the “low battery warning”).
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.
IF THIS SMOKE ALARM SOUNDS
RESPONDING TO AN ALARM
During an alarm, you will hear a loud, repeating horn pattern: 3 beeps, pause,
3 beeps, pause. The Red LED flashes rapidly.
WARNING!
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.
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.
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.
WARNING!
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 10
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. The LED will
flash every 10 seconds while in silence.
WARNING!
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.
SILENCING THE LOW BATTERY WARNING
This silence feature can temporarily quiet the Low Battery warning “chirp”.
Press the Test/Silence button on the Alarm. The Red light flashes about every
10 seconds, during Low Battery Warning Silence. After time, the low battery
“chirp” will resume. Deactivate the smoke alarm and replace it immediately.
IF YOU SUSPECT A PROBLEM
Smoke alarms may not operate properly because of a dead or weak battery, 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 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 3 or 5 “chirps” approximately every minute, replace the smoke alarm.
- 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 the power pack activating lever is pushed all the way securely.
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
Typical installation drawing layouts for the unit indicating recommended
locations and wiring methods which shall be in accordance with the applicable
requirements outlined in the following:
Canadian Electrical Code C22.2-12
Standard for installation of smoke alarms CAN/ULC-S553
It is recommended that one Smoke Alarm be 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.
KEY
SMOKE ALARMS FOR MINIMUM PROTECTION
ADDITIONAL SMOKE ALARMS FOR BETTER COVERAGE
SMOKE ALARMS WITH SILENCE FEATURE RECOMMENDED FOR KITCHENS
INTERCONNECTED AC OR AC/DC 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 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.
- At the top of the first-to-second floor stairway, and at bottom of basement stairway.
IMPORTANT!
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
Standards: Council of Canada / Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Standard for Smoke Alarms CAN/ULC-S531. 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. Smoke alarms should be installed in accordance with National Building Code of Canada (NBCC), the National Fire Code of Canada, CAN/ULC S553 and local requirements.
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:
- *In all sleeping rooms and guest rooms
- *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
- On every level of a dwelling unit, including basements
- On every level of a residential board and care occupancy (small facility), including basements and excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics
- *In the living area(s) of a guest suite
- 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 © 2012 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).
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.
- 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. Keep laundry room smoke alarms 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 the sensing chamber.
- 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.
- 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 and 12 inches (102 and 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 CAN/ULC-S553 (Installation of Smoke Alarms)
for details on requirements for sloped or peaked ceilings.
BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING!
- 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.
- 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.
- Unit will not operate without battery power.
CAUTION!
- 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.
- Do not paint over the unit. Paint may clog the openings to the sensing chamber and prevent the unit from operating properly.
SPECIAL COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS
This smoke alarm is suitable for use in apartments, condominiums, townhouses,
hospitals, day care facilities, health care facilities, boarding houses, group
homes and dormitories 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.
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, health care facilities,
nursing homes, day care facilities, or group homes of any kind. 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 smoke alarm may be used to
provide additional protection in these facilities.
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
CAN/ULC-S553 (Installation of Smoke Alarms), 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”.
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 to CAN/ULC-S553 (Installation of Smoke Alarms) and NFPA 101
(Life Safety Code). Local building codes may also require specific units in
new construction or in different areas of the home.
LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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, when a person’s clothing catches fire while cooking, fires caused by violent explosions resulting from escaping gas, or incendiary fires where the fire grows so rapidly that an occupant’s egress is blocked even with properly located smoke alarms.
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.
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.
SITUATIONS AGAINST WHICH THE SMOKE ALARM MAY NOT BE EFFECTIVE
- Fires where the victim is intimate with a flaming initiated fire; for example, when a person’s clothes catch fire while cooking;
- Fires where the smoke is prevented from reaching the smoke alarm due to a closed door or other obstruction;
- Incendiary fires where the fire grows so rapidly that an occupant’s egress is blocked even with properly located smoke alarms
LIMITED WARRANTY
BRK Brands, Inc., (“BRK”) the maker of First Alert® brand products warrants that for a period of seven 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.
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. To assist
us in serving you, please have the model number and date of purchase available
when calling.
For Warranty Service return to: 1301 Joe Battle, El Paso, TX 79936
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.
Disposal: Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with
regular household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check local
requirements for disposal of Li-Ion electronic devices.
The Alarm should be deactivated before disposal. See “To Deactivate the smoke
alarm”.
You can also return your Alarm to us for disposal. For return address see
above. Please include a note confirming the product is being returned for
disposal.
Visit www.firstalert.ca for more information.
Printed in Mexico M08-178756 K3
Documents / Resources
|
FIRST ALERT PR710A Slim Photoelectric Smoke
Alarm
[pdf] User Manual
PR710A, Slim Photoelectric Smoke Alarm, Photoelectric Smoke Alarm, Slim Smoke
Alarm, Smoke Alarm, Alarm
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References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>