First Alert SC05CN Battery Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Alarm

by First Alert

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, yet many people don't know they are suffering from CO poisoning until its too late. Since symptoms of CO poisoning are like the flu, you might not even know you're in danger at first. That's why a carbon monoxide alarm is an excellent way to protect your family. It can detect the CO you can't see, smell or taste in the air.

The First Alert SCO5CN carbon monoxide and smoke alarm uses an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor-the most accurate technology available. The alarm uses photoelectric smoke sensing technology which is environmentally friendlier and which reduces nuisance alarms, making it ideal for cooking areas. It is also great for sensing slow smoldering fires quickly. The permanent sensors last the lifetime of the alarm. The test/silence button both silences a non-threatening alarm or low battery warning and allows you to test the unit's functionality. The alarm uses different 85-decibel horns and lights depending on whether it's alerting you to smoke or carbon monoxide. A low battery signal alerts you to replace the battery and end-of-life alarm of three chirps alerts you to replace the unit. Two AA batteries are included. 5-year limited warranty. UL listed. Not available for sale in Massachusetts.--Bree Norlander

What's in the Box
One combination carbon monoxide and smoke alarm, two AA batteries, and user's manual

Amazon.com

Know about Carbon Monoxide (CO)
First Alert CO Alarm Features

• AC/DC Plug-in with Battery Backup and Digital Display of CO Concentration
• AC/DC Plug-in with Battery Backup
• AC/DC Plug-in
• Battery Powered
• Combination Smoke and CO Alarms
• Combination Natural Gas, Propane Gas & CO Gas Alarm

What should you do when a CO alarm sounds?

1. Operate the Test/Silence button.
2. Call your emergency services, fire department or 911.
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 reenter 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.
5. 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.

*Per ANSI/UL 2034

Disaster Preparedness and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
At the onset of hurricane season, it’s important for consumers to remember the proper safety precautions to take in the event of a power outage, as several dangers – including accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning – arise when electricity is lost.

During power outages, many consumers turn to various sources of alternative power and cooking as a temporary solution.  From gas-powered generators to gas grills to wood and charcoal, households look for ways to continue their daily lives during a loss of power.  Unfortunately, the incorrect use of many of these products can result in tragic consequences.  For example, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 28 people died from accidental CO poisoning during the 2005 hurricane season as a direct result of portable generator use. The following safety tips will help families avoid CO and other dangers associated with power outages:

• Never run a generator indoors or in a poorly ventilated area such as a garage, basement or porch, and use the appropriate-size power cords to carry the electric load. 
• Install a minimum of one battery-operated CO alarm (or AC-powered alarm with battery backup) outside each sleeping area, and for maximum protection install at least one CO alarm on each level of the home.
• Ensure that CO alarms have working batteries installed.
• Never burn charcoal or other outdoor cooking appliances indoors or in the garage.

Extra Guidelines to Help Prevent Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
A national survey reveals nearly three quarters of Americans think carbon monoxide (CO) can be “very dangerous” in the home, and their fears are warranted. CO is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in the United States, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Often referred to as the silent killer because one can’t see, smell or taste it, CO is a by-product of combustion produced by anything that burns fuel, such as gas furnaces, water heaters, barbeque grills, wood-burning fireplaces, stoves, alternative power sources and autos. Exposure to CO causes many flu-like symptoms and can be fatal.
That’s why it’s so critical for consumers to identify potential dangers and take measures to help protect themselves and their families against this serious threat.  First Alert, a leading manufacturer of home safety products including CO alarms, recommends following these guidelines:

• Have fuel-burning heating equipment and chimneys inspected by a qualified professional every year before cold weather arrives. During the heating season, clear filters and filtering systems of dust and dirt.
• Be sure to open the flue for adequate ventilation when using a fireplace.
• Inspect the pilot lights on natural gas appliances to ensure that the flame is blue. When a flame is mostly yellow in color, it likely is producing CO.
• Clean out the lint and debris that may build up in the clothes dryer vent which leads to the outside of the house.
• Only use generators in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.
• Use barbecue grills only outside and never indoors or in the garage.
• Never leave an auto running in a garage, even for a couple of minutes and not even if the overhead garage door is open.
• Install a CO alarm outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement, as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association. Ensure that the alarms are plugged all the way in the outlet or, if battery operated, have working batteries installed. For better protection go a step further and install CO alarms inside each sleeping area.
• First Alert recommends replacing CO alarms no later than every 5 years.

Product Details

Smoke Sensing Technologies Information [46kb PDF]

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Carbon Monoxide Information [39kb PDF]

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Fire Detection and Protection Fact Sheet [27kb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B000MXJ498
• Item model number: SC05CN
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (57 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #426 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #6 in Home Improvement > Safety & Security > Fire Safety > Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
  • #22 in Home Improvement > Safety & Security > Household Sensors & Alarms
  • #92 in Home Improvement > Contractor Supply

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

86 of 89 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Piece of junk, December 5, 2008

By 

K. Stuckey "kateling" (Port Huron, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: First Alert SC05CN Battery Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Alarm (Tools & Home Improvement)

I spent a good amount of time in the fire safety aisle of a local store, reading packages and comparing units before selecting this particular one to replace an aging smoke-only alarm. This one has two different-sounding alarms (3 beeps for fire and 4 beeps for carbon monoxide) and runs on 2-AA batteries. The batteries can be replaced without taking the unit off the ceiling and the compartment won't close without batteries in it. I installed it by myself in just a couple of minutes with a pencil, drill, hammer and flathead screwdriver. It has several features I chose not to use, most involve locking systems to prevent tampering, but it is nice that they are offered. Also has a photoelectric sensor claiming to prevent false alarms from food smoke and shower steam. I think it's a great value for my family's safety.

**(12/20/08)**I would like to amend my review. A week after installing, the alarm started "chirping" 3 times at irregular intervals (once at 4:00am Sunday, then Tuesday at 1:30pm). I changed the batteries after a third incident (again in the early morning) and it was fine for another four days. The next time I took it down and noticed the back indicates the 3 "chirps" is to replace the alarm. I have had the thing less than a month and have to replace it already?!?!? What a CROCK!

**(12/22/08)**I called and spoke to a rep from First Alert on the phone who explained to me the unit runs a self-test every 90 seconds and if it fails, the alarm 'chirps'. He asked me a few questions and promised me a new unit in a week to ten days.

**(1/14/09)** I received a new unit in the mail today, hard to install with my fingers crossed.

**(3/3/09)**Another malfunctioning alarm, at five o'clock in the morning. I am through with this junk!! Buy only if you want to replace every 4-6 weeks.

38 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good value and simple, February 23, 2008

By 

CAPT "Navyman" (Dayton OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: First Alert SC05CN Battery Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Alarm (Tools & Home Improvement)

I needed to replace a couple very old smoke detectors and decided to upgrade to a smoke and carbon dioxide detector. One of the problems with old smoke detectors is they use 9volt batteries which also are difficult to replace as well as expensive. This new First Alert dual smoke and carbon dioxide detector uses 2 AA batteries and has a separate battery compartment which allows you to replace the battery without taking the detector off the ceiling. Cheaper batteries and much easier to replace them. The cost at Amazon was only $30 and nicely cheaper than anywhere. All-around good service from Amazon. Very satisfied customer here.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Location Dependant?, November 29, 2009

By 

Ryan C. Feldmann - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: First Alert SC05CN Battery Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Alarm (Tools & Home Improvement)

I have rental properties and I decided to upgrade all units to have monoxide detectors. I decided on this unit because it is a two in one device and it used double AA batteries instead of the nine volts. My tenants keep complaining that these devices keep beeping. I looked on the back and 3 chirps = bad detector. I took a few of them down, put up the old ones and brought them to my home. They have not chirped since. Something about the other place is making these detectors fail.

Another thing is that I did not notice this but there is a 5 year life on these detectors and then they will chirp without any choice but to replace them. So even if yours works at first, you only will get 5 years out of it. I bought a total of 7 of these that cost me a few hundred and now I need to look for replacements. I wish I left all the old smoke detectors in.