First Alert SA520 HOW to Install this Smoke Alarm, Parts of this Smoke Alarm, Weekly Testing

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HOW TO INSTALL THIS SMOKE ALARM

This Smoke Alarm is designed to be mounted on any standard wiring junction box up to a 4-inch (10 cm) size, on either the ceiling or wall (if allowed by local codes). Read “Recommended Locations For Smoke Alarms” and “Locations to Avoid For Smoke Alarms” before you begin installation.

Tools you will need: • Needle-nose pliers Standard Flathead screwdriver Phillips screwdriver.

Make sure the Alarm is not receiving excessively noisy power. Examples of noisy power could be major appliances on the same circuit, power from a generator or solar power, light dimmer on the same circuit or mounted near fluorescent lighting. Excessively noisy power may cause damage to your Alarm.

THE PARTS OF THIS SMOKE ALARM

The Mounting Bracket:

To remove the mounting bracket from the Smoke Alarm base, hold the Smoke Alarm base firmly and twist the mounting bracket counterclockwise. The mounting bracket installs onto the junction box. It has a variety of screw slots to fit most boxes.

The Power Connector:

The power connector plugs into a power input block on the Smoke Alarm. It supplies the unit with AC power.

The black wire is “hot.”

The white wire is neutral.

The orange wire is used for interconnect.

If you need to remove the power connector, turn POWER OFF first. Insert a flat screwdriver blade between the power connector and the security tab inside the power input block. Gently pry back the tab and pull the connector free.

 

 

 

The Parts of This Unit

 

 

 

1

Mounting Bracket

 

 

 

2

Mounting Slots

 

6

 

3

Locking Pins (break out of bracket)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

Hot (Black) AC Wire

 

 

5

5

Neutral (White) AC Wire

4

 

 

 

9

6

Interconnect (Orange) Wire

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

 

7

Quick-Connect Power Connector

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

Turn this way to remove from bracket

 

 

 

9

Turn this way to attach to bracket

 

 

8

10

Slide-Out Battery Drawer

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

WEEKLY TESTING

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. The built-in test switch accurately tests the unit’s operation as required by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL).

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” at the end of this manual.

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.

It is important to test this unit every week to make sure it is working properly. Using the test button is the recommended way to test this Smoke Alarm. Press and hold the test 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.

When testing a series of interconnected units you must test each unit individually. Make sure all units alarm when each one is tested.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE

Use only the replacement batteries listed below. The unit may not operate properly with other batteries. Never use rechargeable batteries since they may not provide a constant charge.

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 the outside of the Smoke Alarm using your household vacuum’s soft brush attachment. Test the Smoke Alarm. 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 back-up becomes weak, the Smoke Alarm will “chirp” about once a minute (the low battery warning). This warning should last

7 days, but you should replace the batteries immediately to continue your protection.

Choosing a replacement battery:

Your Smoke Alarm requires 2 “AA” Energizer E91 batteries. These batteries are available at many local retail stores.

Actual battery service life depends on the smoke alarm and the environment in which it is installed. All the batteries specified above are acceptable replacement batteries for this unit. Regardless of the manufacturer’s suggested battery life, you MUST replace the battery immediately once the unit starts “chirping” (the “low battery warning”).

To replace the batteries (without removing Alarm from the ceiling or wall):

1. Open the battery compartment.

2. Press tabs A and B as shown in the diagram and remove each battery.

3. Insert the new batteries, making sure

 

they snap completely into the battery

 

compartment. Match the terminals on

AB

the ends of the batteries with the

terminals on the unit.

 

4. Close the battery compartment, and then test the unit by pressing the Test/Silence button.

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Contents Before YOU Install this Smoke Alarm Table of ContentsFire Safety Tips Weekly Testing HOW to Install this Smoke AlarmParts of this Smoke Alarm Regular MaintenanceSTAND-ALONE Alarm only Quick Installation InstructionsFollow These Installation Steps Above Installation StepsTo Unlock the Battery Compartment Optional Locking FeaturesTo Lock the Battery Compartment To Lock the Mounting BracketWireless Operation If this Smoke Alarm SoundsLocations to Avoid for Smoke Alarms If YOU Suspect a ProblemRecommended Locations For Smoke Alarms About Smoke AlarmsAbout Smoke Alarms Limitations of Smoke AlarmsLimited Warranty Special Compliance Considerations

SA520 specifications

The First Alert SA520 is a highly regarded smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm that combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features to ensure the safety of your home. Designed for efficiency and reliability, the SA520 is an optimal choice for individuals seeking peace of mind regarding fire and gas hazards.

One of the standout features of the First Alert SA520 is its dual-sensor technology, which utilizes both photoelectric and ionization sensors. This dual-sensor approach allows the alarm to detect a wider range of smoke particles, making it more responsive to different types of fires. For instance, photoelectric sensors are particularly effective in detecting smoldering fires, which may not produce significant flames, while ionization sensors are better suited for fast-flaming fires. This combination maximizes safety by ensuring that users are alerted as quickly as possible to potential dangers.

Another important characteristic of the SA520 is its carbon monoxide detection capability. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that can be extremely dangerous, making the inclusion of CO detection a critical feature. The alarm emits a loud warning signal when elevated CO levels are detected, providing an essential safeguard for households.

The First Alert SA520 is designed with user convenience in mind. The battery-operated unit ensures that installation is hassle-free, as it can be easily mounted on any wall or ceiling without the need for complicated wiring. Additionally, the unit features a single test/silence button, allowing users to quickly test the functionality of the alarm or silence it during false alarms.

Furthermore, the SA520 includes a battery life indicator, informing users when batteries need to be replaced. This proactive feature contributes to the overall effectiveness of the alarm, helping prevent any gaps in protection due to dead batteries.

The sleek, compact design of the First Alert SA520 allows it to blend seamlessly into any home decor while providing essential life-saving technology. Designed to meet rigorous safety standards, the SA520 has received positive reviews for its reliability and user-friendliness.

In conclusion, the First Alert SA520 is an advanced smoke and carbon monoxide alarm that provides critical protection through its dual-sensor technology, user-friendly features, and reliable operation. Whether for new installations or replacements, the SA520 is an excellent choice for ensuring the safety of your home and loved ones.