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Manuals

Hardwired Combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm

The First Alert BRK SC9120B Hardwired Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm uses an electrochemical CO sensing technology and Ionization sensor for smoke detection. It includes a 9-volt battery for continued function in the event of a power outage, and it features a test/silence button, tamper-resistant locking brackets, and a universal mounting bracket. This CO smoke detector can be connected to other compatible BRK and First Alert hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Its latching alarm indicator automatically identifies which unit initiated the alarm–even after the conditions that set off the alarm have subsided.

Detects Smoke and Carbon Monoxide

Designed to meet the latest construction requirements, the First Alert Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm detects two threats, smoke and carbon monoxide. Lights on the face of the alarm tell you what the threat is, and false alarms can be silenced with a single button.

Connect to Other Alarms for Greater Coverage

This hardwired combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector can be connected to other compatible BRK or First Alert CO smoke detectors within a single-family residence. Once one alarm is triggered, all connected CO smoke alarms will sound. The latching alarm indicator on the CO smoke alarm automatically identifies which unit initiated the alarm–even after the conditions that set off the alarm have subsided.

Easy to Install and Maintain

The First Alert Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm integrates with existing wiring and features a universal mounting bracket that makes installing the unit quick and easy. The side-load battery compartment makes changing the 9-volt battery simple. Tamper-resistant locking pins prevent unauthorized disabling of the CO smoke alarm.

First Alert Hardwired Smoke/Monoxide Alarm SC9120B

How to Install First Alert SC9120B Hardwired Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms:

In this guide, we'll be showing you how to install First Alert Hardwired Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms. Here are a few items you'll need before starting the installation process: Needle-nose pliers or utility knife, screwdriver, wire stripper, wire nuts and a ladder.

Hardwired Smoke or Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements:

  • 120V household electrical circuit (unswitched 120VAC)
  • Standard wiring junction box to a 4 in. (10 cm) size, on either the ceiling or wall
  • Selecting an appropriate location to install your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (see below guidelines for additional information):
    first alert smoke alarm install guide
    • When installing an alarm on the wall, the top edge of an alarm should be placed between 4 in. (100 mm) and 12 in. (300 mm) from the wall/ceiling line.
    • When installing an alarm on the ceiling, place the alarm as close to the center as possible.
    • In either case, install the alarm at least 4 in. (100 mm) from where the wall and ceiling meet.
    • First Alert Smoke Alarm FAQs
    • First Alert Carbon Monoxide Alarm FAQs

Connecting First Alert Hardwired Alarms to 120V Wiring

To begin, turn off power at the junction box and connect your alarm to the building's electrical wiring.

  1. Locate the junction box and turn off power
  2. Remove the power connector from the new alarm's packaging
  3. Using wire nuts, attach the hot (black), neutral (white), and interconnect (orange) wires
first alert smoke alarm hardwired install guide
first alert wired in smoke alarm install guide
Black wire
(hot)
Attach to black wire on power connector
White wire
(neutral)
Attach to white wire on power connector
Orange wire
(interconnect)

Standalone (single-station) alarm: This wire is not needed; tuck the orange wire into the junction box.

Interconnected alarms:

  • Strip 1/2 in. from the orange wire on the connector
  • Use a wire nut to attach it to the orange wire in the junction box (see image below).

Mounting First Alert Hardwired Alarms

  1. Secure the mounting bracket to the ceiling or wall using screws (included in the package)
  2. Insert the power connector into the plug on the back of your alarm
  3. Tuck any hanging wires into the junction box
  4. Position the base of the alarm onto the bracket and turn it clockwise until it's secured
  5. Remove the pull-tab to activate the backup battery
first alert carbon monoxide alarm install guide
first alert smoke and co detector install guide

Installing Additional and/or Interconnecting First Alert Hardwired Alarms

If you are installing more smoke or carbon monoxide alarms, you'll want to repeat the process throughout the building. Interconnected smoke and co alarms must meet all requirements:

  • The same fuse or circuit breaker must power all interconnected alarms.

  • Up to 18 compatible detectors can interconnect, with a limit of 12 smoke alarms.

  • The total length of wire interconnecting the alarms should be less than 1,000 ft. (300 meters). This type of wire is commonly available at hardware and electrical supply stores.

  • All wiring must conform to all local electrical codes and NFPA 70 (NEC). Refer to NFPA 72, NFPA 101, and your local building code for more information.

  • Interconnect wiring diagram:

first alert alarm install guide

If you have any doubts or reservations about these interconnect requirements, please contact an experienced electrician to install your wiring and hardwired alarms.


Restoring Power and Testing Hardwired Alarms

Once you've installed your hardwired alarms, you'll want to restore power to the junction box. Under regular operation, the power indicator light on the alarm will shine/blink to indicate that it is receiving AC power.

Here's how you can test standalone or interconnected alarms:

  • Standalone Alarms: Press and hold the Test/Silence button until the unit triggers an alarm.

  • Interconnected Alarms: Press and hold the Test/Silence button until the first unit triggers an alarm. All interconnected detectors should sound off. Repeat this process to test each alarm in the interconnected series.

What is the proper placement of smoke alarms?
It is important that you have the proper placement for your smoke alarms. Install your alarms at least 20 feet from appliances like furnaces and ovens, which produce combustion particles. Alarms should be at least 10 feet from high humidity areas like showers and laundry rooms, and at least 3 feet from heat/AC vents. Be sure to install a smoke alarm in each bedroom, one at the top of each stairwell, and one on every level.
My smoke alarm keeps chirping and beeping. Why does my smoke alarm chirp intermittently?
It is likely that the reason your smoke alarm keeps chirping and beeping is that the battery is low. Whenever your smoke alarm keeps chirping, replace the battery immediately.

Other reasons include: It could be a different device or appliance such as a security system, monitor, carbon monoxide alarm, or other device which has a similar low battery or alert signal. Some of the same factors that cause unwanted alarms can cause intermittent alarms: dust and insects in the alarm or power interruptions in hardwired alarms. Improper wiring on AC or AC/DC smoke alarms. AC alarms will chirp every 5 seconds if the interconnect wire is grounded. The orange interconnect wire should NEVER be grounded; it should only be used to interconnect other smoke alarms or compatible devices.

Why doesn't my smoke alarm sound when I push the test button?
It is important that you frequently test your smoke alarms. When you are testing your smoke alarm, there are a number of reasons why the alarm might not sound:
  • You may not be holding the test button down long enough. Try holding it down for up to 10 seconds (20 seconds on photoelectric models) .
  • Your battery may not be installed properly or snapped all the way in place. Even if the alarm sounded briefly when the battery touched the terminals, you still need to make sure it is snapped securely in place. If the battery is loose, in cannot power the smoke alarm properly. After installing new batteries, be sure to test your smoke detector.
  • Your AC power may not be on. AC and AC/DC units will have a power indicator light (red or green) that shines continuously when they are receiving electrical power.
  • If you have a 10-Year model, the smoke alarm may not have been properly activated. If the tab broke away before the alarm was activated, you can use a toothpick to move the switch over to test the alarm.
Why does my smoke alarm go off when I install a battery or turn on the AC power?
It is normal for smoke alarms to go off and sound briefly (up to 5-10 seconds) when you install a new battery or when they are powered up. If the alarm continues to go off and no smoke is present, the cause may be one of the following:
  • There may be insufficient battery power, try new batteries.
  • Problems with voltage or insufficient electrical power (brown out) may cause a continuous weak sounding alarm. For AC or AC/DC models, temporarily disconnect power at the service panel until the brown out is over. If you do not restore the AC power, your smoke alarms cannot warn you of a fire.
  • Incompatible warning device. If an incompatible alarm or auxiliary device is linked into a series of AC or AC/DC smoke alarms it may cause the system inadvertently go off.
My smoke alarm keeps chirping, even with a new battery. What is causing this?
There are a number of possible causes for your smoke alarm to keep chirping even with a new battery.
  • It is possible that your smoke alarm "silence" button was pushed by mistake. The alarm will now "chirp" once a minute for up to 15 minutes before resetting.
  • Are you sure it's the smoke alarm? Funny to ask, but other devices have similar low battery chirps or warning tones.
  • Your "new" batteries may not be fresh. If batteries are stored, especially in cold areas like refrigerators, they lose their charge more quickly. Always check the freshness date on the package when buying new batteries. Keep plenty of replacement batteries on hand so that you are sure to always be protected by your smoke alarms.
I lost my First Alert smoke alarm owner's manual. How can I get a new one?
First Alert smoke alarm owner's manuals are available online for download at no cost. Find your alarm in our Smoke Alarms section.
Why does the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend that home smoke alarms be replaced after 10 years?
Smoke alarms have a limited life. Although each smoke 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 over time. Therefore, you must test the devices weekly. The unit should be replaced immediately if it is not operating properly. The performance of smoke alarms older than 10 years is simply not reliable. To ensure your family's safety, all carbon monoxide and smoke/CO combination alarms need to be replaced every 5-7 years. All smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years.

If it's time to replace your alarms, consider the NEW 10-Year Life series and never have to worry about a battery replacement for the life of the alarm.10-Year alarms are available in smoke, carbon monoxide and combination alarms.

How do I get my carbon monoxide alarm to stop chirping?
If your carbon monoxide alarm keeps chirping, the battery may be low or weak. On First Alert carbon monoxide detectors, check to see if the battery light is yellow or green. If the alarm is chirping and the light is yellow, it means the battery is low. The way to get a carbon monoxide alarm to stop chirping is to replace the battery.
Where should I install carbon monoxide alarms? What is proper carbon monoxide alarm placement?
It is very important to install carbon monoxide alarms near or in each separate sleeping area. Many states now require that a carbon monoxide alarm is placed in each bedroom. For added protection, placement of an additional carbon monoxide alarm at least 15-20 feet away from the furnace or fuel burning heat sources is recommended. Also, install carbon monoxide alarms at least 10 feet from sources of humidity like bathrooms and showers. In two story houses, install one carbon monoxide alarm on each level of the home. If you have a basement, carbon monoxide alarm placement is recommended at the top of the basement stairs.
Is there anywhere I shouldn't install carbon monoxide alarms?
Do not install carbon monoxide alarms in garages, kitchens, furnace rooms, or in any extremely dusty, dirty, humid, or greasy areas. Do not install alarms in direct sunlight, or areas subjected to temperature extremes. These include unconditioned crawl spaces, unfinished attics, un-insulated or poorly insulated ceilings, and porches. Carbon monoxide alarms should not be installed in outlets covered by curtains or other obstructions. Do not install in turbulent air-near ceiling fans, heat vents, air conditioners, fresh air returns, or open windows. Blowing air may prevent carbon monoxide from reaching the CO sensors.
How many carbon monoxide alarms should I have in my home?
So how many carbon monoxide alarms should you have in your home? The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that you should have a carbon monoxide alarm centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom. For added protection, you should have additional carbon monoxide alarms in each separate bedroom and on every level of your house, including the basement. Some states now require that you have a carbon monoxide alarm in each bedroom of the house. If you install only one carbon monoxide alarm in your home, place it near or in your bedroom.
What is the proper way to do a carbon monoxide alarm test?
The following procedure is the proper way to do a carbon monoxide alarm test - Press and hold the Test Button on the front of the alarm until the alarm sounds. Be sure you hold the button down long enough; it can take up to 20 seconds for the alarm to respond to the test.
Is it a false alarm when my carbon monoxide alarm sounds and there doesn't seem to be a problem?
A carbon monoxide alarm false alarm should not occur if your alarm is in working order. Remember, carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas. If your carbon monoxide alarm went off, it detected potentially harmful amounts of carbon monoxide. After the professionals have evaluated the situation, make sure no one has any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Here are a few situations that may cause a carbon monoxide alarm "false alarm:"
  • The carbon monoxide alarm needs to be relocated. Carbon monoxide alarms should be located 15-20 feet away from all fossil fuel burning sources like furnaces and stoves. Alarms should be located 10 feet away from sources of humidity like showers.
  • Fossil fuel burning appliances may not be burning fuel completely. Check pilot lights/flames for blue color. Appearance of yellow or orange flames indicates incomplete combustion-a source of carbon monoxide.
Will carbon monoxide alarms detect explosive gas leaks?
No, a single function carbon monoxide alarm reacts to carbon monoxide only. To detect explosive gas, you need an explosive gas detector. Different kinds of explosive gas can be detected and it is recommended that any home that utilizes natural or propane gas have at least one explosive gas leak detector.
Product Details
  1. Smoke particles of varying number and size are produced in all fires. For maximum protection, use both ionization and photoelectric sensing technologies. Ionization alarms are generally more sensitive to fast flaming fires and photoelectric alarms are generally more sensitive to smoldering fires.
Product Specs
UPC:
029054513069
MPN:
SC9120B
Category:
Combo Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Product Manuals

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328 Customer Reviews

4.9 Overall rating
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First Alert Hardwired Ionization Smoke and CO Alarm with Battery Backup Reviews
Luis P
January 27, 2023
Verified Purchase

Unit tested as described in the instructions. Unit fitted nicely on the same place of the old unit without having to do any additional alteration and installation was quite easily by following all the steps in the installation instructions.

Paco C.
November 1, 2022
Verified Purchase
No fuss no muss

Replaced existing hard wire detector. The old detector was at the end of life and was triggering at random times. Since replacement all is well.

Isabel M T
October 26, 2022
Verified Purchase
Easy To Install

Installed 2 of them, one in the upstairs hallway and one in the main living area hallway for safety measures.

Mary H
October 6, 2022
Verified Purchase
Smoke CO alarm replace

These all arrived in a timely manner and worked perfectly when we installed by ourselves.

Sterling C
September 22, 2022
Verified Purchase
Peaceful Existence

The speed with which my order was filled quite surprised me. The gentlelady who took my call was, indeed, very gentle. The item arrived I plugged it in, putting an end to the nuisance of the chirp. Peace has returned.

Andre M
September 21, 2022
Verified Purchase
smoke/carbon monoxide alarm with battery backup- SC9120B

Very good so far right out of the box

michael t
September 7, 2022
Verified Purchase
smoke alarm/carbon monoxide dector

Very happy with first alert products for the past seven yrs.

James P
August 26, 2022
Verified Purchase
Safety

I purchased First Alert smoke and monoxide alarms for my home. It's a great feeling knowing the safety that was installed ,not only for saving lives,but home protection as well.

Joseph P
August 15, 2022
Verified Purchase
mfg date is awesome

Quick delivery, awesome prices and the mfg date is within a month or 2 of ordering date, better than getting it at the hardware or big box stores where the mfg date is 4-5 years old

Frederick A. R
July 19, 2022
Verified Purchase
Replacement Smoke /CO-2 Detectors

Terrific product. Very effective to assure your safety.

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