7
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 the Alarms. They are not foolproof.
Smoke Alarms cannot work without power.
Battery operated units cannot work if the batteries are missing, dis-
connected 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 bat-
tery or AC power, install both types of units.
Smoke Alarms cannot detect fires if the smoke does not reach the Alarms.
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 dwelling.
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 dwelling. Even with a unit on every floor, stand-alone units may not pro-
vide 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 pro-
fessional fire detection systems, so if one unit senses smoke, all units alarm. Interconnected units may provide ear-
lier 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 alco-
hol 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.
Smoke Alarms 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, or fires caused by violent explosions resulting from escaping gas.
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 can-
not 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.
LIMITED WARRANTY
BRK Brands, Inc., ("BRK") the maker of First Alert
®
brand and BRK
®
brand products, warrants that for a
period of ten years from the date of purchase, this product will be free from defects in material and work-
manship. 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 trans-
ferable. 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 war-
ranty does not cover Acts of God, such as fire, flood, hurricanes and tornadoes or any batteries that are
included with this unit.
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, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Central Standard Time,
Monday through Friday. To assist us in serving you, please have the model number and date of purchase
available when calling.
3920 Enterprise Court, Aurora, IL 60504-8132.
Battery:
BRK Brands, Inc. make no warranty, express or implied, written or oral, including that of mer-
chantability or fitness for any particular purpose with respect to battery.
First Alert
®
is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust.
BRK
®
is a registered trademark of BRK Brands, Inc.
M08-0030-000
Q
11/02
