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Printed in Mexico 

M08-0146-028   

J1

 

05/15

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.

 

•   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 Smoke/CO Alarm cannot operate without working  

batteries. Removing the batteries for any reason, or failing to 

replace the batteries at the end of their service life, removes 

your protection.

  •   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.

WIRELESS INTERCONNECT TALKING 

COMBINATIONSMOKE/CARBON MONOXIDE 

ALARM WITH PROGRAMMABLE LOCATION

Features:

•  Separate sensors to detect 

smoke and CO; the two  

alarm sensors work  

independently

•  Voice with programmable  

location

•  Separate audible and visual 

signals to indicate alarm  

levels of smoke or CO

•  Wireless interconnect
•  Powered by two “AA”  

batteries

•  Side access drawer for  

easy battery replacement

USER’S MANUAL

WHAT YOU WILL SEE AND HEAR WITH THIS ALARM

Under Normal Operations

Voice:

 Silent 

 

Power/Smoke LED:

 Flashes Green 

once a minute

Horn:

 Silent 

CO LED:

 Off

When You Test the Alarm

Voice:

  “Testing.” 

Horn:

 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps; 

Voice:

 “Warning, 

evacuate smoke in [Location, example: “Basement”]. 

Evacuate.”

Smoke LED:

 Flashes Red in sync with the horn pattern

Horn:

 4 fast beeps, pause, 4 fast beeps;

Voice:

  “Warning, evacuate carbon monoxide in [Location, example: 

“Basement”]. Evacuate.” Pause. “Highest carbon monoxide 

level was [CO level example: _0_ ppm]”.

CO LED:

 Flashes Red in sync with the horn pattern

If Battery Becomes Low

Voice:

  “Replace battery in [Location, example “Kitchen”].” Repeated 

every 5 hours

Horn:

 chirps once a minute

Power/ Smoke LED:

 Flashes Green On for 2 seconds/Off for  

2 seconds. Low Battery Latch is now engaged.

CO LED:

 Off

If Alarm is Not Operating Properly (MALFUNCTION SIGNAL)

Voice:

  “Detector error in [Location, example “Kitchen”], please see  

manual” (refer to Troubleshooting Guide).  

Repeated every 5 hours

Horn:

 3 chirps every minute

Power/Smoke LED:

 3 Flashes approximately once a minute

CO LED:

 Off

Alarm has reached its End of Life

Voice:

  “Detector error in [Location, example “Basement”], please 

see manual.” Repeated every 5 hours

Horn:

 5 chirps every minute

Power/Smoke LED:

 5 Flashes approximately once a minute

CO LED:

 Off

Alarm Levels of CO are Detected

Voice:

  “Warning, evacuate carbon monoxide in [Location, example: 

“Kitchen”]. Evacuate.” “____ ppm.”

Horn:

 4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps, voice

*

Power/Smoke LED:

 Off

CO LED:

  During Alarm: Flashes Red in sync with the horn pattern. 

After Alarm: Flashes Red On for 2 seconds/Off for 2  

seconds. CO Alarm Latch is now engaged.

*NOTE:

 If unit goes into CO alarm, the regular 4 beeps-brief pause 

cycle will repeat for four minutes. After four minutes, the pause will 

increase to one minute.

Smoke is Detected

Voice:

  “Warning, evacuate smoke in [Location, example: 

“Kitchen”]. Evacuate.”

Horn:

 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, voice

Power/ Smoke LED:

 During Alarm: Flashes Red in sync with the 

horn pattern. After Alarm: Flashes Red On for 2 seconds/ 

Off for 2 seconds. Smoke Alarm Latch is now engaged.

CO LED:

 Off

Smoke Alarm is Silenced

Voice:

 Silent

Horn:

 Off

Power/Smoke LED:

 Flashes Red

CO LED:

 Off

CO Alarm is Silenced

Voice:

 Silent

Horn:

 Off

Power/Smoke LED:

 Off

CO LED:

 Flashes Red

Model 

SCO500

1

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:

•  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.

•  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.

•  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).

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.

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.

 

3

2

HOW TO INSTALL THIS ALARM

For quick installation instructions see the “Quick and Easy Guide to 

Programming Your WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Alarm and Using the 

Optional Features”.

 

This combination Smoke/CO Alarm was designed to be mounted 

on the ceiling or wall. It is not a tabletop device.

 You must install this 

device on the ceiling or wall as outlined below. Read “Where To Install 

This Alarm” before starting.

Tools you will need:

 pencil, drill 

with 3/16” or 5mm drill bit,  

Phillips screwdriver, hammer.

 

•    Do not install this unit over an electrical junction box. Air  

currents around junction boxes can prevent smoke from 

reaching the sensing chamber and prevent the unit from 

alarming. Only AC powered units are intended for installation 

over junction boxes.

 

If you want to lock the battery compartment, or lock the Smoke/CO 

Alarm to the mounting bracket, please read the “Optional Locking 

Features” section in the “Quick and Easy Guide to Programming 

Your 

WIRELESS INTERCONNECT

 Alarm and Using the Optional 

Features” attachment before you begin installation.

1.  Hold the mounting bracket against the ceiling (or wall) so the vertical 

mounting slot is aligned in the 12 o’clock position and trace around 

the inside of the mounting slots (vertical and horizontal mounting).

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.  Line the mounting bracket up over the plastic screw anchors.
6.  Screw the mounting bracket to the ceiling or wall through the 

mounting slots using the two screws provided.

7.  Attach the Smoke/CO Alarm to the mounting bracket. Line up the 

guides on the alarm’s base with the guides  

on the mounting bracket. When guides 

are lined up, turn the base clockwise 

(right) until it snaps into place.

  NOTE: Once the Alarm is snapped 

onto the mounting bracket, you  

can rotate the Alarm to adjust the 

alignment.

8.  Test the Smoke/CO Alarm.  

See “Weekly Testing” for details.

PARTS OF THIS SMOKE/CO ALARM

1  

Test/Silence Button

2  

Battery Compartment

3  

Power/Smoke Alarm LED

4  CO Alarm LED

WIRELESS OPERATION

First Alert

®

 WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Technology is the easy, cost-effective 

way to provide your family with whole-home safety. All WIRELESS 

INTERCONNECT Alarms communicate with each other without wires 

or connectors. When one Alarm sounds, they all sound. This provides 

your family with an earlier warning of potential danger, and gives you 

more time to react.
The communication distance (range) between any two WIRELESS 

INTERCONNECT Alarms is typically 50 feet (15 meters) inside of a 

home. Some features of a home, such as the number of floors, number/

size of rooms, furniture and types of building materials used may 

reduce the range of the Alarms. Examples include: suspended ceilings, 

ductwork, large metallic appliances (refrigerators) and metal studs. A 

feature of WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Alarms is that they operate as 

a mesh network. All Alarms will repeat any alarm signal that is received 

to all other WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Alarms. Interference from 

structural conditions can be overcome by adding additional Alarms to 

route the wireless signal around obstructions.

 

•    The range and proper operation of any wireless device will 

vary depending on its surroundings. It is very important that 

each Alarm is tested individually before and after installation 

to make sure that all Alarms respond properly.

  •    The 

WIRELESS INTERCONNECT

 Alarms are not to be used 

outdoors or to transmit between buildings. The Alarms will 

not communicate properly under these conditions.

  •    Metal objects and metallic wallpaper may interfere with  

signals from wireless Alarms. Alarms should be tested after 

changes to your home such as remodeling, moving furniture, 

and with metal doors opened and closed.

Your First Alert

®

 WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Smoke/CO Alarm will 

automatically communicate both potential fires and carbon monoxide 

presence with all other First Alert

®

 WIRELESS INTERCONNECTSmoke/

CO Alarms.

 

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by BRK Brands, 

Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

4

5

6

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing First Alert

®

 for your Smoke and Carbon 

Monoxide Alarm needs. You have purchased a state-of-the-art Smoke & 

Carbon Monoxide Alarm designed to provide you with early warning of a 

smoke and/or Carbon Monoxide danger. 

Key features include:

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Combination Alarm.

 One alarm protects 

against two deadly household threats.

WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Enabled.

 Alarm automatically 

communicates with other WIRELESS INTERCONNECT enabled alarms 

when installed.

Exclusive Voice Warning with Location

 will tell you the preprogrammed 

location of the initiating unit and danger detected. Programmable up to  

11 locations (ex. “basement”). When alarms sounds, if programmed for 

basement it will say “Warning, evacuate, smoke in basement” along with 

all other installed WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Voice alarms.

Spread Spectrum Horn Tone.

 Lower and varying horn frequency 

makes it easier for elderly with normal age related hearing loss to hear 

horn. Sweeps through the 2200 – 3400 Hz range.

RF Interconnect.

 Reliable and secure radio frequency communication 

between alarms. 915 MHz frequency with 65,000 security codes and 3 

channel frequency hopping.

Single Button Test/Silence

 eliminates confusion. Depending on what 

mode the alarm is in, pushing the button provides different functions 

such as testing the alarm, silencing the alarm, re-testing the alarm when 

in silence and clearing the Latching features.

Two Silence Features. 

Temporarily silence low battery chirp for up to 

eight hours before replacing low battery or silence an unwanted alarm 

for several minutes.

Two Latching Features.

 Alarm Latch: Easily identifies initiating alarm 

even after alarm condition has subsided. Low Battery Latch: Identifies 

which unit is in low battery condition.

Perfect Mount System

 includes a gasketless base for easy installation 

and a mounting bracket that keeps the alarm secure over a wide  

rotation range to allow for perfect alignment.

End of Life Signal.

 Provides audible confirmation alarm needs to be 

replaced.
© 2015 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

All 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 photoelectric 

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.

TO LOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT

Do not lock the battery compartment until you install the  

batteries and test the Alarm.

If the unit does not alarm during  

testing, DO NOT lock the battery  

compartment! Install new batteries 

and test again. If the Alarm still does 

not alarm, replace it immediately.

1.  Using needle-nose pliers, detach  

one locking pin from the mounting 

bracket.

2.  After batteries are inserted, then 

push the locking pin through the  

hole near the battery door latch on 

the back of the Alarm.

OPTIONAL LOCKING FEATURES

TO LOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET

1.  Using needle-nose pliers, detach 

one locking pin from the mounting 

bracket.

2.  Insert the locking pin through the 

hole on the back of the 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.

The optional locking features are designed to prevent unauthorized removal of the batteries or alarm. It is not necessary to activate the locks 

in single-family households where unauthorized battery or Alarm removal is not a concern.

These Alarms have two separate locking features: one to lock the battery compartment, and the other to lock the 

Alarm to the mounting bracket. You can choose to use either feature independently, or use them both.

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

Both locking features use locking pins, which are molded into the mounting bracket. Depending on which locking 

features you use, remove one or both pins from the mounting bracket using needle-nose pliers.

To permanently remove either locking pin, insert a flathead screwdriver between the locking pin and the 

lock, and pry the pin out of the lock.

TO UNLOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT

1.  Remove the Alarm from the  

mounting bracket. If the unit is 

locked to the bracket, see the  

section “To Unlock the Mounting 

Bracket.”

2.  Insert a flathead screwdriver under 

the head of the locking pin, and  

gently pry it out of the battery  

compartment lock. (If you plan to 

relock the battery compartment, 

save the locking pin.)

3.  To relock the battery compartment, 

close the battery door and reinsert 

locking pin in lock.

4.  Reattach the Alarm to the mounting 

bracket.

When replacing the batteries, always 

test the Alarm before relocking the battery compartment.

TO UNLOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET

1.  Insert a flathead screwdriver 

into the rectangular cut-out 

on 

the mounting bracket nearest 

to 

the locking pin.

2.  Pry the Alarm away from the bracket 

by 

pushing up on the screwdriver and 

turning the Alarm counterclockwise (left) 

at 

the same time.

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.  Operate 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:

 

____________________________________________________________

“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 remove the batteries!

IF YOUR SMOKE/CO ALARM SOUNDS

WHAT TO DO FIRST–IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF  

ALARM SIGNAL

Refer to previous section “What You Will See and Hear With This 

Alarm”.

AFTER AN ALARM

After the emergency responders arrive, the premises aired out, and  

your CO Alarm remains in its normal condition, you can check what  

the highest carbon monoxide level sensed was:

Action:

1. Press & Hold Test Button

Alarm Will Say:

“Highest carbon monoxide level 

was ___ ppm. Please see manual.”
“To clear highest carbon monoxide 

level, press and hold test button  

now.”

2.  Press & Hold Test Button, if you 

would like to clear the highest  

level sensed.

     If you would like to keep the  

highest level in memory, do not  

press anything.

“Highest carbon monoxide level 

cleared.”

Alarm will say nothing.

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 remove the batteries to quiet an unwanted alarm. Removing 

the batteries disables the alarm 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. You can silence this Smoke/CO Alarm by pressing 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

The 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.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO PROGRAMMING  

THIS ALARM

FOR FIRST TIME AND WHEN CHANGING BATTERIES

Action:

1. Insert batteries (2, AA batteries).

Alarm Will Say:

“Welcome, First Alert Smoke and 

Carbon Monoxide Alarm.”
“No location programmed” if 

first time

 or “[Location, example: 

“Basement”] location programmed” 

when changing batteries.
“To select location, press and 

hold test button now.”

2.  Press & Hold Test Button if  

you would like to program the 

location or change the location 

of the Alarm. Release button 

after Alarm responds.

“To save location, press and  

hold test button after location is 

heard.” Alarm will speak list of 

locations (see below).

3.  After you hear the location of 

where you are placing the Alarm, 

Press & Hold the Test Button.

“[Location, example: “Basement”] 

location saved.”
If no location is chosen:  

“No location saved.”

Your Alarm has now been programmed for the location of your choice. 

Available locations:

 

Basement 

Kitchen 

Child’s Bedroom

 

Living Room 

Dining Room 

Master Bedroom

 

Family Room 

No Location 

Guest Bedroom

 

Office 

Hallway 

Utility Room

NOTE: Steps 1 through 3 need to be completed within two minutes. 

If more than two minutes pass, the Green power LED will stop 

blinking. Simply open the battery drawer of the second Alarm and 

repeat steps 1 through 3.

1.  Insert the batteries into the 

battery drawer of the 

next

 

Alarm. DO NOT CLOSE THE 

DRAWER.

2.  Press and hold the test  

button and then close the 

battery drawer.

3.  Once you hear the unit chirp, 

release the test button.  

The Green power LED will start to blink indicating the WIRELESS 

INTERCONNECT Alarm is waiting for program data from one of the 

other setup WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Alarms.

4.  Press and hold the test button on the first Alarm, until the second 

Alarm chirps and its Green power LED stops blinking. Then release 

the test button.

5.  If you have purchased the hardwired battery back-up WIRELESS 

INTERCONNECT Alarm, you can now connect the hardwired Alarm 

by installing the three-wire connector on the ceiling to the Alarm.

6.  Repeat steps 1-5 for additional WIRELESS INTERCONNECT 

Alarms.

You have now successfully linked your new WIRELESS 

INTERCONNECT Alarms.  

To add additional Alarms at a later time, follow steps 1 through 5.

ADDING AND LINKING ADDITIONAL WIRELESS 

INTERCONNECT ALARMS

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 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.

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.

CONFORMS TO

UL STD 217 

and

 

UL STD 2034

Printed in Mexico 

M08-0146-028   

J1

 

05/15

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.

 

•   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 Smoke/CO Alarm cannot operate without working  

batteries. Removing the batteries for any reason, or failing to 

replace the batteries at the end of their service life, removes 

your protection.

  •   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.

WIRELESS INTERCONNECT TALKING 

COMBINATIONSMOKE/CARBON MONOXIDE 

ALARM WITH PROGRAMMABLE LOCATION

Features:

•  Separate sensors to detect 

smoke and CO; the two  

alarm sensors work  

independently

•  Voice with programmable  

location

•  Separate audible and visual 

signals to indicate alarm  

levels of smoke or CO

•  Wireless interconnect
•  Powered by two “AA”  

batteries

•  Side access drawer for  

easy battery replacement

USER’S MANUAL

WHAT YOU WILL SEE AND HEAR WITH THIS ALARM

Under Normal Operations

Voice:

 Silent 

 

Power/Smoke LED:

 Flashes Green 

once a minute

Horn:

 Silent 

CO LED:

 Off

When You Test the Alarm

Voice:

  “Testing.” 

Horn:

 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps; 

Voice:

 “Warning, 

evacuate smoke in [Location, example: “Basement”]. 

Evacuate.”

Smoke LED:

 Flashes Red in sync with the horn pattern

Horn:

 4 fast beeps, pause, 4 fast beeps;

Voice:

  “Warning, evacuate carbon monoxide in [Location, example: 

“Basement”]. Evacuate.” Pause. “Highest carbon monoxide 

level was [CO level example: _0_ ppm]”.

CO LED:

 Flashes Red in sync with the horn pattern

If Battery Becomes Low

Voice:

  “Replace battery in [Location, example “Kitchen”].” Repeated 

every 5 hours

Horn:

 chirps once a minute

Power/ Smoke LED:

 Flashes Green On for 2 seconds/Off for  

2 seconds. Low Battery Latch is now engaged.

CO LED:

 Off

If Alarm is Not Operating Properly (MALFUNCTION SIGNAL)

Voice:

  “Detector error in [Location, example “Kitchen”], please see  

manual” (refer to Troubleshooting Guide).  

Repeated every 5 hours

Horn:

 3 chirps every minute

Power/Smoke LED:

 3 Flashes approximately once a minute

CO LED:

 Off

Alarm has reached its End of Life

Voice:

  “Detector error in [Location, example “Basement”], please 

see manual.” Repeated every 5 hours

Horn:

 5 chirps every minute

Power/Smoke LED:

 5 Flashes approximately once a minute

CO LED:

 Off

Alarm Levels of CO are Detected

Voice:

  “Warning, evacuate carbon monoxide in [Location, example: 

“Kitchen”]. Evacuate.” “____ ppm.”

Horn:

 4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps, voice

*

Power/Smoke LED:

 Off

CO LED:

  During Alarm: Flashes Red in sync with the horn pattern. 

After Alarm: Flashes Red On for 2 seconds/Off for 2  

seconds. CO Alarm Latch is now engaged.

*NOTE:

 If unit goes into CO alarm, the regular 4 beeps-brief pause 

cycle will repeat for four minutes. After four minutes, the pause will 

increase to one minute.

Smoke is Detected

Voice:

  “Warning, evacuate smoke in [Location, example: 

“Kitchen”]. Evacuate.”

Horn:

 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, voice

Power/ Smoke LED:

 During Alarm: Flashes Red in sync with the 

horn pattern. After Alarm: Flashes Red On for 2 seconds/ 

Off for 2 seconds. Smoke Alarm Latch is now engaged.

CO LED:

 Off

Smoke Alarm is Silenced

Voice:

 Silent

Horn:

 Off

Power/Smoke LED:

 Flashes Red

CO LED:

 Off

CO Alarm is Silenced

Voice:

 Silent

Horn:

 Off

Power/Smoke LED:

 Off

CO LED:

 Flashes Red

Model 

SCO500

1

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:

•  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.

•  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.

•  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).

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.

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.

 

3

2

HOW TO INSTALL THIS ALARM

For quick installation instructions see the “Quick and Easy Guide to 

Programming Your WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Alarm and Using the 

Optional Features”.

 

This combination Smoke/CO Alarm was designed to be mounted 

on the ceiling or wall. It is not a tabletop device.

 You must install this 

device on the ceiling or wall as outlined below. Read “Where To Install 

This Alarm” before starting.

Tools you will need:

 pencil, drill 

with 3/16” or 5mm drill bit,  

Phillips screwdriver, hammer.

 

•    Do not install this unit over an electrical junction box. Air  

currents around junction boxes can prevent smoke from 

reaching the sensing chamber and prevent the unit from 

alarming. Only AC powered units are intended for installation 

over junction boxes.

 

If you want to lock the battery compartment, or lock the Smoke/CO 

Alarm to the mounting bracket, please read the “Optional Locking 

Features” section in the “Quick and Easy Guide to Programming 

Your 

WIRELESS INTERCONNECT

 Alarm and Using the Optional 

Features” attachment before you begin installation.

1.  Hold the mounting bracket against the ceiling (or wall) so the vertical 

mounting slot is aligned in the 12 o’clock position and trace around 

the inside of the mounting slots (vertical and horizontal mounting).

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.  Line the mounting bracket up over the plastic screw anchors.
6.  Screw the mounting bracket to the ceiling or wall through the 

mounting slots using the two screws provided.

7.  Attach the Smoke/CO Alarm to the mounting bracket. Line up the 

guides on the alarm’s base with the guides  

on the mounting bracket. When guides 

are lined up, turn the base clockwise 

(right) until it snaps into place.

  NOTE: Once the Alarm is snapped 

onto the mounting bracket, you  

can rotate the Alarm to adjust the 

alignment.

8.  Test the Smoke/CO Alarm.  

See “Weekly Testing” for details.

PARTS OF THIS SMOKE/CO ALARM

1  

Test/Silence Button

2  

Battery Compartment

3  

Power/Smoke Alarm LED

4  CO Alarm LED

WIRELESS OPERATION

First Alert

®

 WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Technology is the easy, cost-effective 

way to provide your family with whole-home safety. All WIRELESS 

INTERCONNECT Alarms communicate with each other without wires 

or connectors. When one Alarm sounds, they all sound. This provides 

your family with an earlier warning of potential danger, and gives you 

more time to react.
The communication distance (range) between any two WIRELESS 

INTERCONNECT Alarms is typically 50 feet (15 meters) inside of a 

home. Some features of a home, such as the number of floors, number/

size of rooms, furniture and types of building materials used may 

reduce the range of the Alarms. Examples include: suspended ceilings, 

ductwork, large metallic appliances (refrigerators) and metal studs. A 

feature of WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Alarms is that they operate as 

a mesh network. All Alarms will repeat any alarm signal that is received 

to all other WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Alarms. Interference from 

structural conditions can be overcome by adding additional Alarms to 

route the wireless signal around obstructions.

 

•    The range and proper operation of any wireless device will 

vary depending on its surroundings. It is very important that 

each Alarm is tested individually before and after installation 

to make sure that all Alarms respond properly.

  •    The 

WIRELESS INTERCONNECT

 Alarms are not to be used 

outdoors or to transmit between buildings. The Alarms will 

not communicate properly under these conditions.

  •    Metal objects and metallic wallpaper may interfere with  

signals from wireless Alarms. Alarms should be tested after 

changes to your home such as remodeling, moving furniture, 

and with metal doors opened and closed.

Your First Alert

®

 WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Smoke/CO Alarm will 

automatically communicate both potential fires and carbon monoxide 

presence with all other First Alert

®

 WIRELESS INTERCONNECTSmoke/

CO Alarms.

 

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by BRK Brands, 

Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

4

5

6

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing First Alert

®

 for your Smoke and Carbon 

Monoxide Alarm needs. You have purchased a state-of-the-art Smoke & 

Carbon Monoxide Alarm designed to provide you with early warning of a 

smoke and/or Carbon Monoxide danger. 

Key features include:

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Combination Alarm.

 One alarm protects 

against two deadly household threats.

WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Enabled.

 Alarm automatically 

communicates with other WIRELESS INTERCONNECT enabled alarms 

when installed.

Exclusive Voice Warning with Location

 will tell you the preprogrammed 

location of the initiating unit and danger detected. Programmable up to  

11 locations (ex. “basement”). When alarms sounds, if programmed for 

basement it will say “Warning, evacuate, smoke in basement” along with 

all other installed WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Voice alarms.

Spread Spectrum Horn Tone.

 Lower and varying horn frequency 

makes it easier for elderly with normal age related hearing loss to hear 

horn. Sweeps through the 2200 – 3400 Hz range.

RF Interconnect.

 Reliable and secure radio frequency communication 

between alarms. 915 MHz frequency with 65,000 security codes and 3 

channel frequency hopping.

Single Button Test/Silence

 eliminates confusion. Depending on what 

mode the alarm is in, pushing the button provides different functions 

such as testing the alarm, silencing the alarm, re-testing the alarm when 

in silence and clearing the Latching features.

Two Silence Features. 

Temporarily silence low battery chirp for up to 

eight hours before replacing low battery or silence an unwanted alarm 

for several minutes.

Two Latching Features.

 Alarm Latch: Easily identifies initiating alarm 

even after alarm condition has subsided. Low Battery Latch: Identifies 

which unit is in low battery condition.

Perfect Mount System

 includes a gasketless base for easy installation 

and a mounting bracket that keeps the alarm secure over a wide  

rotation range to allow for perfect alignment.

End of Life Signal.

 Provides audible confirmation alarm needs to be 

replaced.
© 2015 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

All 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 photoelectric 

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.

TO LOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT

Do not lock the battery compartment until you install the  

batteries and test the Alarm.

If the unit does not alarm during  

testing, DO NOT lock the battery  

compartment! Install new batteries 

and test again. If the Alarm still does 

not alarm, replace it immediately.

1.  Using needle-nose pliers, detach  

one locking pin from the mounting 

bracket.

2.  After batteries are inserted, then 

push the locking pin through the  

hole near the battery door latch on 

the back of the Alarm.

OPTIONAL LOCKING FEATURES

TO LOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET

1.  Using needle-nose pliers, detach 

one locking pin from the mounting 

bracket.

2.  Insert the locking pin through the 

hole on the back of the 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.

The optional locking features are designed to prevent unauthorized removal of the batteries or alarm. It is not necessary to activate the locks 

in single-family households where unauthorized battery or Alarm removal is not a concern.

These Alarms have two separate locking features: one to lock the battery compartment, and the other to lock the 

Alarm to the mounting bracket. You can choose to use either feature independently, or use them both.

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

Both locking features use locking pins, which are molded into the mounting bracket. Depending on which locking 

features you use, remove one or both pins from the mounting bracket using needle-nose pliers.

To permanently remove either locking pin, insert a flathead screwdriver between the locking pin and the 

lock, and pry the pin out of the lock.

TO UNLOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT

1.  Remove the Alarm from the  

mounting bracket. If the unit is 

locked to the bracket, see the  

section “To Unlock the Mounting 

Bracket.”

2.  Insert a flathead screwdriver under 

the head of the locking pin, and  

gently pry it out of the battery  

compartment lock. (If you plan to 

relock the battery compartment, 

save the locking pin.)

3.  To relock the battery compartment, 

close the battery door and reinsert 

locking pin in lock.

4.  Reattach the Alarm to the mounting 

bracket.

When replacing the batteries, always 

test the Alarm before relocking the battery compartment.

TO UNLOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET

1.  Insert a flathead screwdriver 

into the rectangular cut-out 

on 

the mounting bracket nearest 

to 

the locking pin.

2.  Pry the Alarm away from the bracket 

by 

pushing up on the screwdriver and 

turning the Alarm counterclockwise (left) 

at 

the same time.

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.  Operate 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:

 

____________________________________________________________

“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 remove the batteries!

IF YOUR SMOKE/CO ALARM SOUNDS

WHAT TO DO FIRST–IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF  

ALARM SIGNAL

Refer to previous section “What You Will See and Hear With This 

Alarm”.

AFTER AN ALARM

After the emergency responders arrive, the premises aired out, and  

your CO Alarm remains in its normal condition, you can check what  

the highest carbon monoxide level sensed was:

Action:

1. Press & Hold Test Button

Alarm Will Say:

“Highest carbon monoxide level 

was ___ ppm. Please see manual.”
“To clear highest carbon monoxide 

level, press and hold test button  

now.”

2.  Press & Hold Test Button, if you 

would like to clear the highest  

level sensed.

     If you would like to keep the  

highest level in memory, do not  

press anything.

“Highest carbon monoxide level 

cleared.”

Alarm will say nothing.

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 remove the batteries to quiet an unwanted alarm. Removing 

the batteries disables the alarm 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. You can silence this Smoke/CO Alarm by pressing 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

The 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.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO PROGRAMMING  

THIS ALARM

FOR FIRST TIME AND WHEN CHANGING BATTERIES

Action:

1. Insert batteries (2, AA batteries).

Alarm Will Say:

“Welcome, First Alert Smoke and 

Carbon Monoxide Alarm.”
“No location programmed” if 

first time

 or “[Location, example: 

“Basement”] location programmed” 

when changing batteries.
“To select location, press and 

hold test button now.”

2.  Press & Hold Test Button if  

you would like to program the 

location or change the location 

of the Alarm. Release button 

after Alarm responds.

“To save location, press and  

hold test button after location is 

heard.” Alarm will speak list of 

locations (see below).

3.  After you hear the location of 

where you are placing the Alarm, 

Press & Hold the Test Button.

“[Location, example: “Basement”] 

location saved.”
If no location is chosen:  

“No location saved.”

Your Alarm has now been programmed for the location of your choice. 

Available locations:

 

Basement 

Kitchen 

Child’s Bedroom

 

Living Room 

Dining Room 

Master Bedroom

 

Family Room 

No Location 

Guest Bedroom

 

Office 

Hallway 

Utility Room

NOTE: Steps 1 through 3 need to be completed within two minutes. 

If more than two minutes pass, the Green power LED will stop 

blinking. Simply open the battery drawer of the second Alarm and 

repeat steps 1 through 3.

1.  Insert the batteries into the 

battery drawer of the 

next

 

Alarm. DO NOT CLOSE THE 

DRAWER.

2.  Press and hold the test  

button and then close the 

battery drawer.

3.  Once you hear the unit chirp, 

release the test button.  

The Green power LED will start to blink indicating the WIRELESS 

INTERCONNECT Alarm is waiting for program data from one of the 

other setup WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Alarms.

4.  Press and hold the test button on the first Alarm, until the second 

Alarm chirps and its Green power LED stops blinking. Then release 

the test button.

5.  If you have purchased the hardwired battery back-up WIRELESS 

INTERCONNECT Alarm, you can now connect the hardwired Alarm 

by installing the three-wire connector on the ceiling to the Alarm.

6.  Repeat steps 1-5 for additional WIRELESS INTERCONNECT 

Alarms.

You have now successfully linked your new WIRELESS 

INTERCONNECT Alarms.  

To add additional Alarms at a later time, follow steps 1 through 5.

ADDING AND LINKING ADDITIONAL WIRELESS 

INTERCONNECT ALARMS

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 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.

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.

CONFORMS TO

UL STD 217 

and

 

UL STD 2034

Printed in Mexico 

M08-0146-028   

J1

 

05/15

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.

 

•   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 Smoke/CO Alarm cannot operate without working  

batteries. Removing the batteries for any reason, or failing to 

replace the batteries at the end of their service life, removes 

your protection.

  •   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.

WIRELESS INTERCONNECT TALKING 

COMBINATIONSMOKE/CARBON MONOXIDE 

ALARM WITH PROGRAMMABLE LOCATION

Features:

•  Separate sensors to detect 

smoke and CO; the two  

alarm sensors work  

independently

•  Voice with programmable  

location

•  Separate audible and visual 

signals to indicate alarm  

levels of smoke or CO

•  Wireless interconnect
•  Powered by two “AA”  

batteries

•  Side access drawer for  

easy battery replacement

USER’S MANUAL

WHAT YOU WILL SEE AND HEAR WITH THIS ALARM

Under Normal Operations

Voice:

 Silent 

 

Power/Smoke LED:

 Flashes Green 

once a minute

Horn:

 Silent 

CO LED:

 Off

When You Test the Alarm

Voice:

  “Testing.” 

Horn:

 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps; 

Voice:

 “Warning, 

evacuate smoke in [Location, example: “Basement”]. 

Evacuate.”

Smoke LED:

 Flashes Red in sync with the horn pattern

Horn:

 4 fast beeps, pause, 4 fast beeps;

Voice:

  “Warning, evacuate carbon monoxide in [Location, example: 

“Basement”]. Evacuate.” Pause. “Highest carbon monoxide 

level was [CO level example: _0_ ppm]”.

CO LED:

 Flashes Red in sync with the horn pattern

If Battery Becomes Low

Voice:

  “Replace battery in [Location, example “Kitchen”].” Repeated 

every 5 hours

Horn:

 chirps once a minute

Power/ Smoke LED:

 Flashes Green On for 2 seconds/Off for  

2 seconds. Low Battery Latch is now engaged.

CO LED:

 Off

If Alarm is Not Operating Properly (MALFUNCTION SIGNAL)

Voice:

  “Detector error in [Location, example “Kitchen”], please see  

manual” (refer to Troubleshooting Guide).  

Repeated every 5 hours

Horn:

 3 chirps every minute

Power/Smoke LED:

 3 Flashes approximately once a minute

CO LED:

 Off

Alarm has reached its End of Life

Voice:

  “Detector error in [Location, example “Basement”], please 

see manual.” Repeated every 5 hours

Horn:

 5 chirps every minute

Power/Smoke LED:

 5 Flashes approximately once a minute

CO LED:

 Off

Alarm Levels of CO are Detected

Voice:

  “Warning, evacuate carbon monoxide in [Location, example: 

“Kitchen”]. Evacuate.” “____ ppm.”

Horn:

 4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps, voice

*

Power/Smoke LED:

 Off

CO LED:

  During Alarm: Flashes Red in sync with the horn pattern. 

After Alarm: Flashes Red On for 2 seconds/Off for 2  

seconds. CO Alarm Latch is now engaged.

*NOTE:

 If unit goes into CO alarm, the regular 4 beeps-brief pause 

cycle will repeat for four minutes. After four minutes, the pause will 

increase to one minute.

Smoke is Detected

Voice:

  “Warning, evacuate smoke in [Location, example: 

“Kitchen”]. Evacuate.”

Horn:

 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, voice

Power/ Smoke LED:

 During Alarm: Flashes Red in sync with the 

horn pattern. After Alarm: Flashes Red On for 2 seconds/ 

Off for 2 seconds. Smoke Alarm Latch is now engaged.

CO LED:

 Off

Smoke Alarm is Silenced

Voice:

 Silent

Horn:

 Off

Power/Smoke LED:

 Flashes Red

CO LED:

 Off

CO Alarm is Silenced

Voice:

 Silent

Horn:

 Off

Power/Smoke LED:

 Off

CO LED:

 Flashes Red

Model 

SCO500

1

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:

•  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.

•  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.

•  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).

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.

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.

 

3

2

HOW TO INSTALL THIS ALARM

For quick installation instructions see the “Quick and Easy Guide to 

Programming Your WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Alarm and Using the 

Optional Features”.

 

This combination Smoke/CO Alarm was designed to be mounted 

on the ceiling or wall. It is not a tabletop device.

 You must install this 

device on the ceiling or wall as outlined below. Read “Where To Install 

This Alarm” before starting.

Tools you will need:

 pencil, drill 

with 3/16” or 5mm drill bit,  

Phillips screwdriver, hammer.

 

•    Do not install this unit over an electrical junction box. Air  

currents around junction boxes can prevent smoke from 

reaching the sensing chamber and prevent the unit from 

alarming. Only AC powered units are intended for installation 

over junction boxes.

 

If you want to lock the battery compartment, or lock the Smoke/CO 

Alarm to the mounting bracket, please read the “Optional Locking 

Features” section in the “Quick and Easy Guide to Programming 

Your 

WIRELESS INTERCONNECT

 Alarm and Using the Optional 

Features” attachment before you begin installation.

1.  Hold the mounting bracket against the ceiling (or wall) so the vertical 

mounting slot is aligned in the 12 o’clock position and trace around 

the inside of the mounting slots (vertical and horizontal mounting).

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.  Line the mounting bracket up over the plastic screw anchors.
6.  Screw the mounting bracket to the ceiling or wall through the 

mounting slots using the two screws provided.

7.  Attach the Smoke/CO Alarm to the mounting bracket. Line up the 

guides on the alarm’s base with the guides  

on the mounting bracket. When guides 

are lined up, turn the base clockwise 

(right) until it snaps into place.

  NOTE: Once the Alarm is snapped 

onto the mounting bracket, you  

can rotate the Alarm to adjust the 

alignment.

8.  Test the Smoke/CO Alarm.  

See “Weekly Testing” for details.

PARTS OF THIS SMOKE/CO ALARM

1  

Test/Silence Button

2  

Battery Compartment

3  

Power/Smoke Alarm LED

4  CO Alarm LED

WIRELESS OPERATION

First Alert

®

 WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Technology is the easy, cost-effective 

way to provide your family with whole-home safety. All WIRELESS 

INTERCONNECT Alarms communicate with each other without wires 

or connectors. When one Alarm sounds, they all sound. This provides 

your family with an earlier warning of potential danger, and gives you 

more time to react.
The communication distance (range) between any two WIRELESS 

INTERCONNECT Alarms is typically 50 feet (15 meters) inside of a 

home. Some features of a home, such as the number of floors, number/

size of rooms, furniture and types of building materials used may 

reduce the range of the Alarms. Examples include: suspended ceilings, 

ductwork, large metallic appliances (refrigerators) and metal studs. A 

feature of WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Alarms is that they operate as 

a mesh network. All Alarms will repeat any alarm signal that is received 

to all other WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Alarms. Interference from 

structural conditions can be overcome by adding additional Alarms to 

route the wireless signal around obstructions.

 

•    The range and proper operation of any wireless device will 

vary depending on its surroundings. It is very important that 

each Alarm is tested individually before and after installation 

to make sure that all Alarms respond properly.

  •    The 

WIRELESS INTERCONNECT

 Alarms are not to be used 

outdoors or to transmit between buildings. The Alarms will 

not communicate properly under these conditions.

  •    Metal objects and metallic wallpaper may interfere with  

signals from wireless Alarms. Alarms should be tested after 

changes to your home such as remodeling, moving furniture, 

and with metal doors opened and closed.

Your First Alert

®

 WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Smoke/CO Alarm will 

automatically communicate both potential fires and carbon monoxide 

presence with all other First Alert

®

 WIRELESS INTERCONNECTSmoke/

CO Alarms.

 

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by BRK Brands, 

Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

4

5

6

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing First Alert

®

 for your Smoke and Carbon 

Monoxide Alarm needs. You have purchased a state-of-the-art Smoke & 

Carbon Monoxide Alarm designed to provide you with early warning of a 

smoke and/or Carbon Monoxide danger. 

Key features include:

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Combination Alarm.

 One alarm protects 

against two deadly household threats.

WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Enabled.

 Alarm automatically 

communicates with other WIRELESS INTERCONNECT enabled alarms 

when installed.

Exclusive Voice Warning with Location

 will tell you the preprogrammed 

location of the initiating unit and danger detected. Programmable up to  

11 locations (ex. “basement”). When alarms sounds, if programmed for 

basement it will say “Warning, evacuate, smoke in basement” along with 

all other installed WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Voice alarms.

Spread Spectrum Horn Tone.

 Lower and varying horn frequency 

makes it easier for elderly with normal age related hearing loss to hear 

horn. Sweeps through the 2200 – 3400 Hz range.

RF Interconnect.

 Reliable and secure radio frequency communication 

between alarms. 915 MHz frequency with 65,000 security codes and 3 

channel frequency hopping.

Single Button Test/Silence

 eliminates confusion. Depending on what 

mode the alarm is in, pushing the button provides different functions 

such as testing the alarm, silencing the alarm, re-testing the alarm when 

in silence and clearing the Latching features.

Two Silence Features. 

Temporarily silence low battery chirp for up to 

eight hours before replacing low battery or silence an unwanted alarm 

for several minutes.

Two Latching Features.

 Alarm Latch: Easily identifies initiating alarm 

even after alarm condition has subsided. Low Battery Latch: Identifies 

which unit is in low battery condition.

Perfect Mount System

 includes a gasketless base for easy installation 

and a mounting bracket that keeps the alarm secure over a wide  

rotation range to allow for perfect alignment.

End of Life Signal.

 Provides audible confirmation alarm needs to be 

replaced.
© 2015 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

All 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 photoelectric 

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.

TO LOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT

Do not lock the battery compartment until you install the  

batteries and test the Alarm.

If the unit does not alarm during  

testing, DO NOT lock the battery  

compartment! Install new batteries 

and test again. If the Alarm still does 

not alarm, replace it immediately.

1.  Using needle-nose pliers, detach  

one locking pin from the mounting 

bracket.

2.  After batteries are inserted, then 

push the locking pin through the  

hole near the battery door latch on 

the back of the Alarm.

OPTIONAL LOCKING FEATURES

TO LOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET

1.  Using needle-nose pliers, detach 

one locking pin from the mounting 

bracket.

2.  Insert the locking pin through the 

hole on the back of the 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.

The optional locking features are designed to prevent unauthorized removal of the batteries or alarm. It is not necessary to activate the locks 

in single-family households where unauthorized battery or Alarm removal is not a concern.

These Alarms have two separate locking features: one to lock the battery compartment, and the other to lock the 

Alarm to the mounting bracket. You can choose to use either feature independently, or use them both.

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

Both locking features use locking pins, which are molded into the mounting bracket. Depending on which locking 

features you use, remove one or both pins from the mounting bracket using needle-nose pliers.

To permanently remove either locking pin, insert a flathead screwdriver between the locking pin and the 

lock, and pry the pin out of the lock.

TO UNLOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT

1.  Remove the Alarm from the  

mounting bracket. If the unit is 

locked to the bracket, see the  

section “To Unlock the Mounting 

Bracket.”

2.  Insert a flathead screwdriver under 

the head of the locking pin, and  

gently pry it out of the battery  

compartment lock. (If you plan to 

relock the battery compartment, 

save the locking pin.)

3.  To relock the battery compartment, 

close the battery door and reinsert 

locking pin in lock.

4.  Reattach the Alarm to the mounting 

bracket.

When replacing the batteries, always 

test the Alarm before relocking the battery compartment.

TO UNLOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET

1.  Insert a flathead screwdriver 

into the rectangular cut-out 

on 

the mounting bracket nearest 

to 

the locking pin.

2.  Pry the Alarm away from the bracket 

by 

pushing up on the screwdriver and 

turning the Alarm counterclockwise (left) 

at 

the same time.

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.  Operate 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:

 

____________________________________________________________

“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 remove the batteries!

IF YOUR SMOKE/CO ALARM SOUNDS

WHAT TO DO FIRST–IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF  

ALARM SIGNAL

Refer to previous section “What You Will See and Hear With This 

Alarm”.

AFTER AN ALARM

After the emergency responders arrive, the premises aired out, and  

your CO Alarm remains in its normal condition, you can check what  

the highest carbon monoxide level sensed was:

Action:

1. Press & Hold Test Button

Alarm Will Say:

“Highest carbon monoxide level 

was ___ ppm. Please see manual.”
“To clear highest carbon monoxide 

level, press and hold test button  

now.”

2.  Press & Hold Test Button, if you 

would like to clear the highest  

level sensed.

     If you would like to keep the  

highest level in memory, do not  

press anything.

“Highest carbon monoxide level 

cleared.”

Alarm will say nothing.

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 remove the batteries to quiet an unwanted alarm. Removing 

the batteries disables the alarm 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. You can silence this Smoke/CO Alarm by pressing 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

The 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.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO PROGRAMMING  

THIS ALARM

FOR FIRST TIME AND WHEN CHANGING BATTERIES

Action:

1. Insert batteries (2, AA batteries).

Alarm Will Say:

“Welcome, First Alert Smoke and 

Carbon Monoxide Alarm.”
“No location programmed” if 

first time

 or “[Location, example: 

“Basement”] location programmed” 

when changing batteries.
“To select location, press and 

hold test button now.”

2.  Press & Hold Test Button if  

you would like to program the 

location or change the location 

of the Alarm. Release button 

after Alarm responds.

“To save location, press and  

hold test button after location is 

heard.” Alarm will speak list of 

locations (see below).

3.  After you hear the location of 

where you are placing the Alarm, 

Press & Hold the Test Button.

“[Location, example: “Basement”] 

location saved.”
If no location is chosen:  

“No location saved.”

Your Alarm has now been programmed for the location of your choice. 

Available locations:

 

Basement 

Kitchen 

Child’s Bedroom

 

Living Room 

Dining Room 

Master Bedroom

 

Family Room 

No Location 

Guest Bedroom

 

Office 

Hallway 

Utility Room

NOTE: Steps 1 through 3 need to be completed within two minutes. 

If more than two minutes pass, the Green power LED will stop 

blinking. Simply open the battery drawer of the second Alarm and 

repeat steps 1 through 3.

1.  Insert the batteries into the 

battery drawer of the 

next

 

Alarm. DO NOT CLOSE THE 

DRAWER.

2.  Press and hold the test  

button and then close the 

battery drawer.

3.  Once you hear the unit chirp, 

release the test button.  

The Green power LED will start to blink indicating the WIRELESS 

INTERCONNECT Alarm is waiting for program data from one of the 

other setup WIRELESS INTERCONNECT Alarms.

4.  Press and hold the test button on the first Alarm, until the second 

Alarm chirps and its Green power LED stops blinking. Then release 

the test button.

5.  If you have purchased the hardwired battery back-up WIRELESS 

INTERCONNECT Alarm, you can now connect the hardwired Alarm 

by installing the three-wire connector on the ceiling to the Alarm.

6.  Repeat steps 1-5 for additional WIRELESS INTERCONNECT 

Alarms.

You have now successfully linked your new WIRELESS 

INTERCONNECT Alarms.  

To add additional Alarms at a later time, follow steps 1 through 5.

ADDING AND LINKING ADDITIONAL WIRELESS 

INTERCONNECT ALARMS

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 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.

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.

CONFORMS TO

UL STD 217 

and

 

UL STD 2034

Continued...

Summary of Contents for SCO501CN-3ST

Page 1: ...like to program the location or change the location of the Alarm Release button after Alarm responds To save location press and hold test button after location is heard Alarm will speak list of locations see below 3 After you hear the location of where you are placing the Alarm Press Hold the Test Button Location example Basement location saved If no location is chosen No location saved Your Alarm...

Page 2: ...eas For w Smok 12 inc space On a Alarm horizo on the details 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 firepl...

Page 3: ...ber s e Horn chirps once a minute Power Smoke LED Flashes Green On for 2 seconds Off for 2 seconds Low Battery Latch is now engaged CO LED Off If Alarm is Not Operating Properly MALFUNCTION SIGNAL Voice Detector error in Location example Kitchen please see manual refer to Troubleshooting Guide Repeated every 5 hours Horn 3 chirps every minute Power Smoke LED 3 Flashes approximately once a minute C...

Page 4: ...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 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 remove the batteries IF YOUR SMOKE CO ALARM SOUNDS WHAT TO DO FIRST IDENTIFY THE ...

Page 5: ... See Where This Alarm Should Not Be Installed for details Choosing a replacement battery Your Smoke CO Alarm requires two standard AA batteries The following batteries are acceptable as replacements Duracell MN1500 These batteries are available at many local retail stores 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 t...

Page 6: ... CO Alarm sounds 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 ABO Batte electr U...

Page 7: ... sleeping rooms and guest rooms 2 Outside of each separate dwelling unit sleeping area within 21 ft 6 4 m of any door to a sleeping room with the distance measured along a path of travel 3 On every level of a dwelling unit including basements 4 On every level of a residential board and care occupancy small facility including basements and excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics 5 In the livin...

Page 8: ...___________________________________ Date Installed ____________ ____________Month Year Replace alarm 7 years after installation Please write the date in the space provided _____________ ____________Month Year The alarm will also provide an audible End of Life Signal approximately 7 years after installation to remind you to replace the unit The End of Life Signal can be silenced for up to 2 days Do...

Page 9: ...from kids to grandparents Allow children to master fire escape planning and practice before holding a fire drill at night when they are sleeping If children or others do not readily waken to the sound of the Smoke CO Alarm or if there are infants or family members with mobility limitations make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in fire drill and in the event of an emergency It is recomm...

Page 10: ...on 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 r...

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