Review: First Alert Battery Powered, Combination Photoelectric Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Model#SCO5B)

February 12th, 2010

portable battery operated photoelectric smoke and electrochemical carbon monoxide combination alarm

The SCO5B is a basic battery operated photoelectric smoke/CO combo alarm meets most state and local codes for carbon monoxide and combination alarms. Combo alarms protect against two deadly threats, smoke and carbon monoxide.

Features:
• Smoke Alarm’s Photoelectric Sensor Reduces Nuisance Alarms
• Electrochemical Carbon Monoxide Alarm Warns of Elevated CO Levels
• Runs on (2) AA Batteries
• Easy Alarm Identification Through Different Horns Sounds and Lights
• Test/Silence Button
• Can be used with BRK

Technical Specifications:
• Detector Type: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide
• Sensor Type: Photoelectric Smoke and Electrochemical Carbon Monoxide
• Power Source: Battery Powered
• Temperature Range: 40°F to 100°F
• Humidity Range: 10% to 90% Relative Humidity
• Certifications: UL listed

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Review: BRK 9V Battery Operated Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Silence (Model#CO250B)

February 9th, 2010

Basic battery operated carbon monoxide alarm meets most state and local codes for carbon monoxide alarms

The BRK Model CO250B is a basic 9V battery operated carbon monoxide suitable for multifamily dwellings, hotels, motels, and hospitals defined in standard NFPA 101. The UL 2034 listed alarm provides the earliest warnings whenever carbon monoxide is present. It features an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor, an 85dB horn, a supervised 9V battery power supply, a full function test switch, a silence feature to silence unwanted nuisance alarms, a red LED light that indicates DC power or alarm. It also features a tamper resistant locking pin that locks alarm cover to prevent removal of battery. To insure the battery is always replaced properly, the cover is designed to resist closing when the battery is missing. Designed for wall or ceiling mounting. Includes mounting anchors and screws.

Additional Information:
Manufacturer Specification Sheet (PDF File)
Manufacturer User Manual (PDF File)

Features:
• Electrochemical CO Sensor – The most accurate type of sensor available
• Silence Feature
• End of Life Signal provides audible notification alarms needs to be replaced
• Tamper Resistant
• Locking Pin
• 9V Battery Included
• 5-Years Limited Warranty

Technical Specifications:
• Model #:CO250B
• Sensor: Electrochemical
• Warranty Claim: 5-Years
• Package Type: Box
• Color: White
• Battery backup: N/A

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System Sensor 4-Wire Photoelectric Low-Flow Duct Smoke Detector (Model#D4120)

February 5th, 2010

The InnovairFlex duct smoke detector can be customized to meet local codes and specifications without additional wiring and is compatible with all previous Innovair models, including remote test accessories

The System Sensor (D4120) InnovairFlex 4-Wire Photoelectric Low-Flow Duct Smoke Detector fits both square and rectangular footprints and mounts to round or rectangular ductwork with its featured pivoting housing. The D4120 senses smoke in all types of conditions, from, operating in airflow speeds of 100 to 4,000 feet per minute, temperatures of -4°F to 158°F, and a humidity range of 0 to 95 percent (noncondensing). A plug-in sensor head offers improved false alarm immunity and simple installation, testing, and maintenance. An improved cover design isolates the sensor head from the low-flow feature for simple maintenance.

The InnovairFlex housing provides ample wiring space, a 3/4-inch conduit knockout, and built-in short circuit protection to prevent damage to sensitive components during installation. High contrast terminal designations make wiring easy. With its 2:1 sensor-to-power capability, the power board of the D4120 may be used to monitor a second sensor, D4S, simultaneously (i.e., supply and return side). As many as 50 InnovairFlex detectors can be interconnected. When one unit senses smoke, all interconnected detectors will switch their relays; only the detector sensing smoke will go into alarm, thus pinpointing the fire source. The primary purpose of duct smoke detection is to prevent injury, panic, and property damage by reducing the spread (recirculation) of smoke. Duct smoke detection also can serve to protect the air conditioning system itself from fire and smoke damage, and can be used to assist in equipment protection applications, for example, in the ventilation/ exhaust duct work of mainframe computers and tape drives.

An easy-access Test/Reset button makes it possible to test the unit with the cover on. Three DIP switches can be used to configure field selectable settings: cover tamper delay, number of sensors to be controlled, and shut down on trouble option. Each power board has two LEDs that can be used to indicate the status of connected sensors, and a quick reference imprinted on the cover explains the LED status indications (Standby, Maintenance, Trouble, and Alarm). The InnovairFlex duct smoke detector can be customized to meet local codes and specifications without additional wiring and is compatible with all previous Innovair models, including remote test accessories. InnovairFlex is a next generation duct smoke detector product series from System Sensor.

Package Contents
• Sensor/power board assembly and cover(s)
• Three #10 sheet metal screws for mounting
• One test magnet
• Drilling template
• One sampling tube end cap
• One plastic exhaust tube

Please Note: A DST series sampling tube must be ordered to complete the installation. It must be the correct length for the width of the duct where it will be installed
• DST1 – up to 1 ft outside duct width
• DST1.5 – 1 to 2 ft outside duct width
• DST3 – 2 to 4 ft outside duct width
• DST5 – 4 to 8 ft outside duct width

Product Video:

Additional Information:
Manufacturer Specification Sheet (PDF File)
Manufacturer User Manual (PDF File)

First Alert Plug-In, Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Battery Backup & Digital Display (CO615B)

February 3rd, 2010

Electrochemical Carbon Monoxide Sensor is the Most Accurate Sensor Available

This carbon monoxide alarm plugs into a standard electrical outlet allowing you to quickly monitor carbon monoxide levels. Because this detector is portable you can move it to different rooms in your home when desired. Battery Backup continues to monitor carbon monoxide levels even during a power outage. Large backlit digital display clearly shows the hazard and level of detection.

Additional Information:
Manufacturer Specification Sheet (PDF File)
Manufacturer User Manual (PDF File)

Features:
• AC Plug-In Portable Carbon Monoxide Alarm
• Large Backlit Digital Display
• Peak Level Recall Button Displays Highest Level of Carbon Monoxide Detected
• Battery Backup Works even during Power Outages
• Electrochemical Carbon Monoxide Sensor is the Most Accurate Sensor Available
• Single Test/Silence Button
• Two Silence Features can Temporary Silence the Low Battery Warning or Nuisance Alarms
• Front-Access Battery Compartment
• Can be used with BRK

Technical Specifications:
• Detector Type: Carbon Monoxide
• Sensor Type: Electrochemical
• Power Source: Plug-In with Battery Back-Up
• Feature: Backlit Digital LCD Display
• Temperature Range: 40°F to 100°F
• Humidity Range: 10% to 90% Relative Humidity
• Certifications: UL listed

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How to help prevent scald burns

February 1st, 2010

• Never leave a young child unattended in the bathroom or tub.

• Lower your water heaters to 120 degrees.

• Before placing a child into the bath, test the temperature of the water by moving your hand rapidly through the water for several seconds. If the water feels hot, add cold water until the temperature feels comfortable. The temperature should not exceed 100F.

• Create a “safe zone” around the stove and oven and hot grills, with about a five-foot perimeter. Children must stay outside of this zone. Check their location before moving any hot liquids.

• Keep pot handles turned inward. Cook on rear burners when possible.

• Test all heated liquid and food before giving it to a child or placing it within their reach.

• Remove tablecloths when toddlers are present in the home. Also keep hot liquids, food and appliances away from the edges of tables

• Never hold a child while drinking a hot liquid.

• When using a microwave, follow food packaging and manufacturer’s instructions.

•  Keep arms, hands and faces away from steam from boiling liquids or microwaved foods.

• Puncture plastic wrap before heating foods in the microwave.

• Stir foods to distribute the heat.

Home Safety Fire Prevention Tip

January 27th, 2010

Prevent fires/burns: Place space heaters at least 3ft away from everything. Turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed.

Fire Safety, Prevention and Awareness

January 27th, 2010

Clean your roofs and gutters of debris annually, if not bi-annually. Keep a ladder and garden hose that can reach your roof. Chimneys must be inspected and cleaned bi-annually. Build a firebreak or gap in combustible material as a barrier around your house, like a river, lake, canyon, road or highway. Consult your local fire department and work with an experienced contractor who is familiar with the fire issues in your area.

Plant fire resistant trees and shrubs. Consult your home improvement social network for their landscape ideas for your locale. Remove branches that are below 10 feet high. Clear away dry and damaged vegetation or tree limbs which are fire fuel.

Purchase fire extinguishers that can handle a variety of fire types and place them in easily accessible places. With your household, make an easily executable fast evacuation plan complete with post evacuation meet up locations. Prepare ‘go bags” or a bag with a change or two of clothes, important papers, water and any necessary medication for all members of your household.

Though parts of these tasks are part of home maintenance, they are absolutely imperative for areas that are endangered by fire concerns. Even if you do not live in a fire prone area, maintain a safe interior. Finally, all smoke detectors, regardless of type, should be replaced every 8 to 10 years to ensure optimal operation.

Review: BRK 120V Hardwired, Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Battery Back-Up (Model#CO5120BN)

January 26th, 2010

Replaces discontinued model 2002RAC

This single or multi-station CO alarm installs in minutes! It has the same contractor- preferred design as our popular Model 9120B smoke alarm, and can be interconnected with up to 11 additional smoke or CO alarms. Replaces discontinued model 2002RAC

Additional Information :
Download Data Sheet Here
Download Manual Here

Features:
• Quick Plug-In Power Connector
• 120 VAC; Interconnectable
• Latching Alarm Indicator
• Smart Interconnect
• Battery Drawer Lock
• Mounting Bracket Lock
• Swing-Open Battery Door
• Battery Back-Up
• Silence Feature
• AC Power Indicator
• Alarm Indicator Light
• Test/Silence Button
• Low Battery Warning “Chirp”
• Missing Battery Tab
• 9V Battery Included

Technical Specifications:
• 120V AC/DC
• Alarm Dimensions: 5.4″dia x 1.9″ H
• Weight: 6.4 oz
• Operating Voltage: 120V AC 60Hz w/ 9V battery backup
• Operating Current: .09 amps (standby/alarm)
• Temperature Range: 40 Degree F (4 Degree C) to 100 Degree F (38 Degree C)
• Humidity Range: 10 percent to 95 percent relative humidity (RH)
• Audio Alarm: 85dB at 10 feet

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Check for radon

January 22nd, 2010

Some things bear repeating. You’ve probably heard about radon, an invisible, odorless and poisonous gas that causes tens of thousands of deaths each year. The gas is also the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. To call attention to this danger, the Environmental Protection Agency has declared January “National Radon Action Month.” Information about radon is available at www.ncradon.org.

Kits are available to help you determine whether your home has harmful levels of radon gas. First Alert Radon Gas Kit, available at hardware and other stores, is one. You can also get free kits from the state. Information about ordering a kit is at www.ncradon.org/free testkits_jan2010.htm

www.ncradon.org/free testkits_jan2010.htm

Question: Why does the alarm go off during cold weather?

January 21st, 2010

Answer: The unit may go into alarm only when it is very cold out or if a door adjacent to a heated area is opened, such as in an entry way. This is due to condensation (water vapor) in the detection chamber. The sensor is a particle-sensing device and when water condenses in the sensor, the unit will go into alarm. The operating temperature on FireX smoke alarms is between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (4 – 38 degrees Celsius). If the unit is in a garage or attic, you may consider replacing it with a heat alarm which is not effected by condensation.