background image

M08-0468-008   

K1

  11/14   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  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Where to Install This Alarm  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Where This Alarm Should NOT Be Installed  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

How to Install This Alarm   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Optional Locking Feature   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Weekly Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Regular Maintenance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
If Your Smoke/CO Alarm Sounds  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

What To Do First–Identify The Type Of Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

If the CO Alarm Sounds   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

If the Smoke Alarm Sounds   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Using the Silence Features  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

What You Need To Know About CO  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

What is CO?   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Symptoms of CO Poisoning  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Potential Sources of CO in the Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

How Can I Protect My Family From CO Poisoning? . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Regulatory Information For Smoke/CO Alarms   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Regulatory Information for CO Alarms  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Regulatory Information for Smoke Alarms  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Recommended Locations for Smoke Alarms  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

About Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Special Compliance Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
General Limitations Of Smoke/CO Alarms   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Troubleshooting Guide  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Limited Warranty  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

© 2014 BRK Brands, Inc.  All rights reserved.  

Distributed by 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 Smoke/CO Alarm is approved for use in single-family  

residences. It is NOT designed for marine or RV use.

 

•   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 unit will not operate without battery power. The Smoke/

CO Alarm cannot work until you activate the battery power 

pack.

 

•   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. 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

1

2

3

COMBINATION CARBON MONOXIDE  

& SMOKE ALARM

4

Features:

•  Separate sensors to 

detect smoke and CO; 

the two alarm systems 

work independently

• 

Sealed-In Lithium 

Battery

 — Sealed-in 

lithium power supply;  

no battery replacement 

required over the 10 

year life of the alarm.

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

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?

A CO 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.

A CO Alarm is not a substitute for proper maintenance of home 

appliances.

To 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.

USER’S MANUAL

RECOMMENDED 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.

Installing Smoke/CO Alarms in Mobile Homes

For minimum security install one Smoke/CO 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.

WHERE THIS ALARM SHOULD NOT BE INSTALLED

Do NOT locate this Smoke/CO Alarm:

•  In garages, furnace rooms, crawl spaces and unfinished attics. 

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, 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/CO 

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 areas where temperature is colder than 40˚ F (4.4˚ C) or hotter 

than 100˚ F (37.8˚ C). These areas include non-airconditioned crawl 

spaces, unfinished attics, uninsulated or poorly insulated ceilings, 

porches, and garages.

•  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. To 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

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).

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.

In general, install combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide 

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 and  

100˚ F (4.4˚ C and 37.8˚ C).

SUGGESTED AREAS FOR INSTALLING

SMOKE ALARMS, CO ALARMS, AND COMBO UNITS

CO ALARMS

BOTH, OR COMBINATION 

SMOKE/CO ALARMS

SMOKE ALARMS

KEY:

Suggested locations are based on 

NFPA recommendations (NFPA 72

for Smoke Alarms and NFPA 720 for 

Carbon Monoxide Alarms). Always 

refer to national and local codes 

before beginning any installation.

In new construction AC and AC/DC smoke alarms MUST 

be interconnected to meet NFPA recommendations.

 

IF THE SMOKE ALARM SOUNDS

RESPONDING TO AN ALARM

•  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/CO 

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.

•  If the unit alarms get everyone out of the house immediately.

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.

 

Alarms have various limitations. See “General Limitations of 

Smoke/CO Alarms” for details.

USING THE SILENCE FEATURES

 

Never deactivate the unit to quiet an unwanted alarm. Deactivating 

the alarm disables the unit and removes your protection.

The Silence Feature is intended to temporarily silence the horn while 

you identify and correct the problem. Do not use the Silence Feature 

in emergency situations. It will not correct a CO problem or extinguish 

a fire.
The Silence Feature can temporarily quiet an unwanted alarm for several 

minutes. Press the Test/Silence button on the alarm cover for at least 

3-5 seconds.
After the Test/Silence button is released, the Red LED blinks during the 

silence mode.

When the Smoke Alarm is 

Silenced     

When the CO Alarm is Silenced

T

he Smoke Alarm will remain 

silent for up to 15 minutes, then 

return to normal operation.
If the smoke has not cleared–or 

continues to increase–the device 

will go back into alarm.

The CO Alarm will remain silent 

for up to 4 minutes.
After 4 minutes, if CO levels 

remain potentially dangerous the 

horn will start sounding again.

Model PC1210

UL STD 217 

AND 

UL STD 2034

CONFORMS TO

Type of Alarm

Carbon Monoxide (CO)  

What You See and Hear

CO LED:

 Flashes Red

Horn:

  4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps, 

pause

Smoke

Smoke LED

: Flashes Red

Horn:

  3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, 

pause

IF THE CO ALARM SOUNDS

 

Actuation of your CO Alarm indicates the presence of carbon 

monoxide (CO) which can kill you. In other words, when your CO 

Alarm sounds, you must not ignore it!

IF THE CO ALARM SIGNAL SOUNDS:

1.  Press the Test/Silence button.
2.  Call your emergency services, fire department or 911. Write down 

the number of your local emergency service here:

 ____________________________________________________________
3.  Immediately move to fresh air—outdoors or by an open door or 

window. Do a head count to check that all persons are accounted 

for. Do not re-enter the premises, or move away from the open door 

or window until the emergency services responder has arrived, the 

premises have been aired out, and your CO Alarm remains in its 

normal condition.

4.  After following steps 1-3, if your CO Alarm reactivates within a  

24-hour period, repeat steps 1-3 and call a qualified appliance  

technician to investigate for sources of CO from fuel-burning  

equipment and appliances, and inspect for proper operation of this 

equipment. If problems are identified during this inspection have the 

equipment serviced immediately. Note any combustion equipment 

not inspected by the technician, and consult the manufacturers’ 

instructions, or contact the manufacturers directly, for more  

information about CO safety and this equipment. Make sure that 

motor vehicles are not, and have not, been operating in an attached 

garage or adjacent to the residence. Write down the number of a 

qualified appliance technician here:

 ____________________________________________________________

NOTE:

 A qualified appliance technician is defined as “a person, 

firm, corporation, or company that either in person or through a 

representative, is engaged in and responsible for the installation, 

testing, servicing, or replacement of heating, ventilation, air conditioning 

(HVAC) equipment, combustion appliances and equipment, and/or gas 

fireplaces or other decorative combustion equipment.”

“ALARM-MOVE TO FRESH AIR”

If you hear the CO alarm horn and the CO red light is flashing, 

move everyone to a source of fresh air.  

DO NOT deactivate the alarm!

IF YOUR SMOKE/CO ALARM SOUNDS

WHAT TO DO FIRST–IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF ALARM

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/CO Alarm at least once a month; gently vacuum 

the outside of the Smoke/CO Alarm using your household vacuum’s 

soft brush attachment. A can of clean compressed air (sold at  

computer or office supply stores) may also be used. Follow  

manufacturer instructions for use. Test the Smoke/CO Alarm. Never 

use water, cleaners or solvents since they may damage the unit.

•  If the Smoke/CO 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 

“Where This Alarm Should Not Be Installed” for details.

 

Actual battery service life depends on the Smoke/CO Alarm and the 

environment in which it is installed. Regardless of the manufacturer’s 

suggested battery life, you MUST replace the Alarm immediately once 

the unit starts “chirping” (the “low battery warning”).

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). 

NEVER use vehicle exhaust! Exhaust may cause permanent 

damage and voids your warranty.

•  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/CO Alarm.
You can test this Smoke/CO Alarm:

 Press and hold the Test/Silence 

button 3-5 seconds until unit starts to alarm. During testing, you will 

see and hear the following sequence:
 

•   The 

Horn

 will sound 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps. The

 LED

 flashes 

Red.

 

•   Next the 

Horn

 will sound 4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps. The

 LED

 

flashes Red.

If the unit does not alarm, make sure it has been activated  

correctly, and test again. If the unit still does not alarm, replace  

it immediately.

Para el manual del usuario en español,  

por favor visite www.firstalert.com.

All BRK

®

 and 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 pho-

to-electric 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.

SILENCING THE LOW BATTERY WARNING

This silence feature can temporarily quiet the low battery warning 

“chirp”. Press the Test/Silence button on the alarm.
Once the low battery warning “chirp” silence feature is activated, 

the unit continues to flash the Green light once a minute. After time, 

the low battery “chirp” will resume. 

Replace the Alarm as soon as 

possible; this unit will not operate without battery power!
To deactivate this feature: 

Press the Test/Silence button again. The 

unit will go into Test Mode and the low battery warning will resume 

(LED flashes and unit sounds “chirp” once a minute).

SILENCING THE END OF LIFE SIGNAL

This silence feature can temporarily quiet the End of Life warning 

“chirp” for up to 2 days. You can silence the End of Life warning “chirp” 

by pressing the Test/Silence button. The horn will chirp, acknowledging 

that the End of Life silence feature has been activated.
After approximately 2 days, the End of Life “chirp” will resume.

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 

maintained, 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!

REGULATORY INFORMATION FOR  

SMOKE/CO ALARMS

REGULATORY INFORMATION FOR CO ALARMS

WHAT LEVELS 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 MUST ALARM 

BETWEEN 10 and 50 MINUTES.

 

•    If the alarm is exposed to 70 ppm if CO, IT MUST ALARM 

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 to 100 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), Isopropyl Alcohol 

(200 ppm) and Carbon Dioxide (5000 ppm). Values measure gas and 

vapor concentrations in parts per million.

Audible Alarm:

 85 dB minimum at 10 feet (3 meters).

HOW TO INSTALL THIS ALARM

1. Mounting bracket
2. Mounting slots
3. Turn this way to remove
4. Turn this way to attach

1. Test/Silence button
2.  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

FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS:

1.  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 Alarm over an existing 

electrical box. Only AC powered units are intended for 

installation over electrical boxes.

2.  Put the unit where it won’t get covered with dust when you drill 

the mounting holes.

3.  Using a 3/16” (5 mm) drill bit, drill a hole through the center of the 

oval outlines you traced.

4.  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.

5.  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.

6. 

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.)

 

Once the Smoke 

Alarm is on the bracket, you can rotate the Alarm to adjust the 

alignment.

7.  Test the Alarm. See “Weekly Testing.”
8.  After 10 years of operation or Low Battery 

warning, deactivate the 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.

          ON - DEACTIVATE

Mounting Hole Sets

A

B

A

B

C

C

2

1

4

3

PARTS OF THIS SMOKE/CO ALARM

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. 

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 

1. Using needle-nose pliers, detach the pin 

from the mounting bracket.

2. Insert the locking pin through the hole on 

the back of the smoke alarm as shown in the 

diagram.

3. When you attach the alarm to the 

mounting bracket the locking pin’s head 

will fit into a notch on the bracket.  

Locking Pin

TO UNLOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET 

1. Insert a flathead screwdriver in between the 

mounting bracket and the locking pin.

2. Pry the alarm away from the bracket by 

pushing up the screwdriver and turning the 

alarm counterclockwise (left) at the same time.

Tools you will need:

  pencil, drill with 3/16” or 5mm drill bit,  

flathead screwdriver, hammer.

This unit is designed to be mounted on the ceiling, or on the wall  

if necessary.

Summary of Contents for PC1210

Page 1: ...gned 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 unit will not operate without battery power The Smoke CO Alarm cannot work until you activate t...

Page 2: ...ead Air Spaces AVOIDING DEAD AIR SPACES Dead air spaces may prevent smoke from reaching the Smoke CO Alarm To 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...

Page 3: ...unit alarms the light will blink rapidly and the horn will repeatedly sound 3 beeps pause 3 beeps Once the Smoke Alarm is on the bracket you can rotate the Alarm to adjust the alignment 7 Test the Alarm See Weekly Testing 8 After 10 years of operation or Low Battery warning deactivate the Alarm Insert a tool below edge where shown and break tab Then slide activation switch to deactivate mode NOTE ...

Page 4: ...rn and the CO red light is flashing move everyone to a source of fresh air DO NOT deactivate the alarm IF YOUR SMOKE CO ALARM SOUNDS WHAT TO DO FIRST IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF ALARM 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 CO Alarm at least ...

Page 5: ... the Test Silence button on the alarm Once the low battery warning chirp silence feature is activated the unit continues to flash the Green light once a minute After time the low battery chirp will resume Replace the Alarm as soon as possible this unit will not operate without battery power To deactivate this feature Press the Test Silence button again The unit will go into Test Mode and the low b...

Page 6: ...ner 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 C...

Page 7: ... 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling 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 AGENCY PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Standards Underwriters Laboratories Inc Single and Multiple Station Smoke Alarms 217 NFPA 72 Chapter 29 For your information the National Fire Alarm and Signali...

Page 8: ...ime Monday thr date of purchase available when calling For Warranty Service return to BRK Brands Inc 25 Spur Drive El Pa Disposal Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with regu Check local requirements for disposal of Li Ion electronic devices The Alarm should be deactivated before disposal See page 3 step 10 You can also return your Alarm to us for disposal For return address see P...

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