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We've gathered answers to the most commonly asked questions. Just click on a question to show the answer.
Q: Why does my smoke alarm go into alarm when I can't see smoke?
A: Any of these situations can cause unwanted alarms: Smoke alarm may need to be relocated.Install smoke alarms at least 7 metres (20 feet) from appliances like furnaces and ovens, which produce combustion particles. Alarms should be at least 3.5 metres (10 feet) from high humidity areas like showers and laundry rooms, and at least 1 metre (3 feet) from heat/AC vents whenever possible. Cover or sensor chamber is covered by dust or dirt. Alarms may look clean, but dust can accumulate inside the cover, even in newly built homes. Gently vacuum smoke alarms regularly using the soft brush attachment. Insects covered or clogged the sensor chamber. Clean the smoke alarm with the soft brush attachment on your vacuum. To prevent repeat problems, clean and treat the surrounding area with insect repellent (DO NOT SPRAY THE SMOKE ALARM). Alarm was triggered from another part of the home. In a system of interconnected AC or AC/DC alarms, the unit triggering the alarm is in another part of the home - smoke may be present, but you can't see it. Power interruptions to AC/DC smoke alarms. These smoke alarms may alarm briefly when power is interrupted, then restored. Power interruptions are common in areas where utility companies switch grids in the early hours of the morning. A loose electrical connection on AC or AC/DC smoke alarms. In AC or AC/DC smoke alarms, loose connections can intermittently disconnect power to the smoke alarm. The effect is the same as a power failure. When power is restored, the units may alarm briefly.
Q: Why do smoke alarms chirp intermittently?
A:The same factors that cause unwanted alarms can cause intermittent alarms. Dust, insects, and power interruptions. See previous question for more details. The "chirp" may also be caused by: Low battery.As the battery in a smoke alarm becomes weak, the smoke alarm will "chirp" about once a minute to alert you that the battery needs to be replaced. A different device or appliance.Security systems, monitors, carbon monoxide alarms, and other devices have similar low battery or alert signals.
Q: Why won't a smoke alarm sound when I push the test button?
A: Try the following before assuming the alarm is not responding: Make sure you didn't accidentally press the silencebutton (if model has the feature).You may have accidentally pushed the silence button, which temporarily disables the test function. You can tell the unit is in silence mode if the red light is flashing rapidly, and the alarm "chirps" about once a minute for up to 15 minutes. The test function will return to normal when the smoke alarm is no longer in silence mode. Hold the test button down longer.Try holding the test button down for up to 10 seconds (20 seconds on photoelectric models.) Check the power supply.Make sure the battery is installed properly and 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, it cannot power the smoke alarm properly. Make sure the AC power is on.AC and AC/DC units will have a power indicator light (red or green) that shines continuously when they are receiving electrical power. 10-Year Models ONLY (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 activate the alarm.
Q: Why does the alarm sound when I install a battery or turn on the AC power?
A: It is normal for the smoke alarms to sound briefly (up to 5-10 seconds) when they are powered up. If the alarm continues to sound and no smoke is present, the cause may be: Insufficient battery or AC power.Very low batteries or insufficient electrical power (brown out) may cause a continuous weak sounding alarm. For DC models, change the battery (DC). 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 to alarm.
Q: How many smoke alarms can be interconnected?
A: The maximum number of smoke alarms that BRK recommends should be interconnected is 12.
Always make sure the smoke alarms you are interconnecting are compatible.
Q: Why do I hear the low battery "chirp" if the battery is new?
A: Any of these situations can cause a low battery chirp: Does your smoke alarm have a silence button?If so, the button may have been pressed by mistake. The alarm will now "chirp" once a minute for up to 15 minutes. Are you sure it's the smoke alarm?Other devices have similar low battery chirps or warning tones. Even "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.
Q: What replacement batteries can I use?
A: Check your User's Manual or the label on the back of the alarm.Never use rechargeable batteries.
Q: Why can't I use rechargeable batteries?
A: Check your User's Manual or the label on the back of the alarm.
Never use rechargeable batteries because they do not always provide a consistent charge.
Q: What is the difference between Photoelectric and Ionization smoke alarms?
A: Ionization Smoke Alarms - Generally more effective at detecting flaming fires which consume combustibles quickly and spread rapidly. Sources of these fires include paper burning in a waste-basket, or grease fires on a stove. A: Photoelectric Smoke Alarms - Generally more effective at detecting smoldering fires which smolder for hours before bursting into flame. Sources of the fires include cigarettes smoldering in couches or bedding. For maximum protection, install both types of smoke alarms on every level of the home.
Q: I lost my User's Manual. Can I get a new one?
A: You can obtain a replacement manual in two ways: We will gladly send you a replacement user's manual or equivalent instructions.Please have the model number handy when requesting a replacement manual. Email us or call +44(0)1452 887570 Current user's manuals are also posted in the manual download section of the site.
Q: Why does the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend that home smoke alarms be replaced after 10 years?
A: Like all devices with electronic components, smoke alarms have a limited effective service life. As electronic devices, smoke alarms are subject to random failures. In 10 years there is roughly a 30% probability of failure before replacement. After 15 years, the chances are better than 50/50 that your alarm has failed. That is too big a risk to take. Replacing alarms after 10 years protects against the accumulated chance of failure, but monthly testing is still your first, best means of making sure your alarm will work.
Q: What are my options for a 10-year smoke alarm?
A: "10-year smoke alarms" are available which feature extended life batteries or power cells designed to provide up to 10 years of service without battery changes. Regardless of the manufacturer's suggested battery life, it is important to replace batteries (or smoke alarm) as soon as the low battery alert is activated! Many factors, including temperature, installation location, and how well smoke alarms are cleaned and maintained, can shorten battery (or smoke alarm) life. BRK Electronics® Model SA10YRUKN Smoke Alarm. The Model SA10YRUKN has three non-removable Lithium power cells sealed into the smoke alarm. This makes the unit tamper-proof. Once the power cells are activated, they can provide up to 10 years of continuous service. Since they are power cells - not traditional batteries - they cannot be used in other battery-powered devices, which deters unauthorised removal. Once the power cells become weak, the smoke alarm must be replaced. Long-life lithium batteries.Some manufacturers offer long-life 9-volt Lithium batteries which are designed to last in standard smoke alarm applications for up to 10 years. These can be used in most battery powered and AC/DC smoke alarms. It is important to remember that responding to a fire and responding to a CO condition usually requires the opposite reaction. In a fire, residents should evacuate the building immediately and call 999 or the Fire Department. In a CO condition - unless residents are feeling symptoms of CO poisoning - they are advised to shut off fuel-burning appliances and open the windows before leaving the building and call a qualified service technician to correct the problem.
Q: What is Carbon Monoxide?
A: Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odourless gas. It is a common by-product of incomplete combustion produced when fossil fuels like wood, coal, charcoal, gasoline, kerosene, natural gas or oil burn.
Q: Where does Carbon Monoxide come from?
A: It is a natural by-product of incomplete combustion. Carbon Monoxide can be produced by gas or oil appliances like a furnace, clothes dryer, range, oven, water heater or space heater. When appliances and vents work properly, and there is enough fresh air in your home to allow complete combustion, the trace amounts of CO produced are typically not dangerous. These conditions can cause CO levels to rise quickly:
Q: Why is Carbon monoxide dangerous?
A: Because CO robs your blood of oxygen.When you inhale carbon monoxide, it bonds with the haemoglobin in your blood, displacing life-giving oxygen. This produces a toxic compound in your blood called "Carboxyhaemoglobin" (COHb). Over time, exposure to CO can make you sick. Victims exposed to enough carbon monoxide can suffer brain damage or even die. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), 1500 people die each year because of CO poisoning and another 10,000 become ill. Since you can't see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide, it can make you sick before you even know it's there.
Q: What are the symptoms of Carbon monoxide poisoning?
A: They vary by the degree of exposure. 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. Extreme exposure can lead to brain damage and death.
Q: Is carbon monoxide lighter than air?
A: Carbon monoxide weighs about the same as air. Carbon monoxide weighs about the same as air and distributes evenly throughout the room and house. When installing a CO alarm, choose a location where the alarm will stay clean and out of the way of children or pets. See User's Manual for specific installation requirements.
Q: What level of CO will hurt me or my family?
A: This is different for each person. Since it is a poison, it affects everyone at different levels. Age, size, and health are other factors that can determine the effect CO has on them. You should contact your own physician for advice regarding this question. Everyone is at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning, but some people are more vulnerable. Unborn babies, infants, children, seniors, and people with heart or lung problems are at higher risk from CO poisoning.
Q: What does "Move to Fresh Air" mean?
A: Move everyone in the house to a location with fresh air. The "Move to Fresh Air" message printed on the face of newer CO alarms is a reminder to move all family members to an area with fresh air if the alarm sounds. You should not unplug or move the CO alarm itself.
Q: What should I do when the CO alarm sounds?
A: Refer to the label provided with your CO alarm. Silence the alarm. Call your emergency services, fire department, or 999. Move everyone immediately 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.
Q: Why didn't the emergency responder find CO after an alarm?
A: If your carbon monoxide alarm went off, it detected CO. Here are some reasons why a responder may not find CO during an investigation:
Carbon monoxide dissipated in fresh air.If windows and doors open before a responder arrives, the same concentration of CO may no longer be present. Be safe first, the responder can try to recreate the conditions. The alarm may have been caused by an on-again, off-again problem.CO alarms measure exposure over time, so the exact conditions that cause an alarm may be difficult to duplicate in an investigation.
Q: Will CO alarms detect gas leaks?
A: No
This is a CO alarm that reacts to carbon monoxide only. To detect gas, you need a gas detector.
Q: How long does a Carbon monoxide alarm last?
It should last about 10 years, then it should be replaced with a new CO alarm.
SensorPack Modules and batteries should be replaced as needed.
Q: Where should I install my residential Carbon monoxide alarm?
A: Install at least one CO alarm near or within each separate sleeping area. For added protection, install an additional CO alarm in the vicinity of - but not directly next to - the furnace or fuel burning heat sources. It is recommended you install CO alarms between 15 and 20 feet from these appliances to minimise nuisance alarms, but if this distance is not possible, maintain the maximum distance practicle. Also, avoid locating CO alarms directly next to sources of humidity like bathrooms and showers. Again, a 10-foot distance is recommended, but if this distance is not possible, maintain the maximum distance practicle. In two storey houses, install one CO alarm on each level of the home. If you have a basement, install that CO alarm at the top of the basement stairs.
Q: Is there anywhere I shouldn't install CO alarms?
A: Avoid these locations: DO NOT locate a CO alarm in garages, kitchens, furnace rooms or in any extremely dusty, dirty, humid, or greasy areas. DO NOT place units in direct sunlight, or areas subjected to temperature extremes. These include unconditioned crawl spaces, unfinished attics, uninsulated or poorly insulated ceilings, and porches. CO alarms should not be located in outlets covered by curtains or other obstructions, in turbulent air near ceiling fans, heat vents, air conditioners, fresh air returns, or open windows. Blowing air may prevent CO from reaching the CO sensors.
Q: Can BRK DICON CO alarms be used in caravans?
A: No Our carbon monoxide alarms are designed for residential use only, not for recreational vehicles, automobiles, aeroplanes or marine vehicles.
Q: Is one CO alarm enough for my home? If not, how many should I have?
A: Install a CO alarm on every level of your home. If you install only one CO alarm in your home, locate it near or in your bedroom.
Q: How high should I install my CO alarm?
A: For ease of viewing you can locate the alarm about 1.5 metres (5 feet) off the floor. Carbon monoxide weighs about the same as air and distributes evenly throughout the room/house. Choose a location where the CO alarm will stay clean and out of the way of children or pets. See your User's Manual for specific installation requirements.
Q: Why does my CO alarm sound when there doesn't seem to be a problem?
A: Remember, CO is an odourless, colourless gas. If your carbon monoxide alarm went off, it detected CO. Make sure no one has any symptoms of CO poisoning. Here are a few situations that may cause alarms: The CO alarm needs to be relocated.The CO alarm should be located 5.5-7 metres (15-20 feet) away from all fossil fuel burning sources like furnaces and stoves. It should be located 3.5 metres (10 feet) away from sources of humidity like showers. Fossil fuel-burning appliances not burning fuel completely.Check pilot lights/flames for blue colour. Appearance of blue flames indicates incomplete combustion-a source of carbon monoxide. The type and age of the CO alarm.If your CO alarm is one with a SensorPack® Module: The SensorPack® Module should be replaced after 2 years of use. If you have a plug-in alarm: Was the unit unplugged and then plugged in again?
Q: Why does the red light flash once a minute on my battery powered alarm? Do I have CO?
A: No.
The red light flashes to show the CO alarm is receiving battery power.
Q: How do I test a CO alarm?
A: 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 button.
Q: Can I test a CO alarm any other way besides pressing the test button?
A: The test/silence button is the only proper way to test the CO alarm. NEVER use vehicle exhaust! Exhaust causes permanent damage and voids your warranty
Q: Can I remove the battery from the CO alarm to silence or reset it?
A: NO! The CO alarm is designed to reset automatically. Use the Test/Silence Button to quiet the alarm while the alarm is resetting
Q: Why does the horn "chirp" once a minute on my battery powered CO alarm?
A: The battery may be low or weak. Is the Battery Light yellow or green? If it's yellow, it means the battery is low. Replace it with a new battery.
