First Alert SCO5 User Manual

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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.

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When installing on the ceiling, place the alarm as close to the 
center as possible.

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In either case, install at least 4 inches (102 mm) from where the wall and
ceiling meet. See “Avoiding Dead Air Spaces” for more information.

NOTE: For any location, make sure no door or other obstruction could keep
carbon monoxide or smoke from reaching the Alarm.

Installing Smoke/CO Alarms in Mobile Homes
For minimum security install one Smoke/CO Alarm as close to each sleeping
area as possible. For more security, put one unit in each room. Many older
mobile homes (especially those built before 1978) have little or no insulation.
If your mobile home is not well insulated, or if you are unsure of the amount
of insulation, it is important to install units on inside walls only.

Do NOT locate this Smoke/CO Alarm:
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In garages, furnace rooms, crawl spaces and unfinished attics. Avoid
extremely dusty, dirty or greasy areas.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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In direct sunlight.

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In turbulent air, like near ceiling fans or open windows. Blowing air may
prevent CO or smoke from reaching the sensors.

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In areas where temperature is colder than 40˚ F (4˚ C) or hotter than 100˚F
(38˚ C). These areas include non-airconditioned crawl spaces, unfinished
attics, uninsulated or poorly insulated ceilings, porches, and garages.

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In insect infested areas. Insects can clog the openings to the sensing
chamber.

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Less than 12 inches (305 mm) away from fluorescent lights. Electrical
“noise” can interfere with the sensor.

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In “dead air” spaces. See “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.

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, 
flathead screwdriver, hammer.

1. Hold base firmly and twist the mounting bracket counterclockwise (left) to

separate it from the unit.

2. 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).

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

mounting holes.

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

outlines you traced.

5. 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.

6. Line the mounting bracket up over the plastic screw anchors.

7. Screw the mounting bracket to the ceiling or wall through the mounting

slots using the two screws provided.

8. Before attaching the Alarm to

the bracket, insert the two (2)
AA batteries (included) into the
battery compartment. Match
the terminals on the end of the
battery with the terminals on
the unit. Match “+” to “+” and 
“-” to “-.” If the batteries are 
not fully inserted, the unit 
cannot receive battery power.

NOTE: The unit may beep briefly when you install the batteries. This is normal.

The GREEN Light flashes about every 60 seconds when the unit is
receiving battery power.

9. 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.

10. Test the Smoke/CO Alarm. See “Weekly Testing” for details.

1

Test/Silence Button

2

Battery Compartment

3

Power/Smoke Alarm LED

4

CO Alarm LED