First Alert 3120B – A Complete Look at This Smoke Alarm. Every domestic property should be fitted with a smoke alarm on every floor of their building. These alarms provide people with the early warning they need to be able to escape the lethal consequences of both smoke and fire. The problem, however, is that there are so many different smoke alarms to choose from, all with their own particular pros and cons. One of those devices is the First Alert 3120B. First Alert is this country’s best-known and most trusted manufacturer of home safety devices, so you know that you can trust it. Let’s take a look at the ins and outs of this particular smoke alarm. Click here for the Top 10 Best Smoke Detectors.
About the First Alert 3120B
According to many, this device is the best kind of hardwired smoke detector available. It comes with dual-sensing technology, which means an alarm will sound when smoke is detected, whether that is from a smoldering or a flaming fire. Additionally, it is an interconnected device, which means you can fit another 18 devices onto the system. It also comes with a 10 year warranty as standard.
The fact that it is fitted with both an ionization and a photoelectric sensor is what truly sets this device apart. Most smoke detectors only have one or the other, which means that it is often recommended to actually have two – one of each kind – on every floor of a property. Do be aware that, while the First Alert 3120B offers two types of sensors, no current standards exist for such, which means you may want to consider installing more smoke alarms.
A photoelectric sensor is designed to detect smoke from smoldering, slow burning fires. An ionization sensor, by contrast, detects smoke from flaming fires. By combining the two in one device, First Alert has aimed to develop something that provides full protection to homeowners.
It should be noted that the First Alert 3120B is not fitted with a carbon monoxide (CO) detector. However, you only need a CO detector if you have any appliances in your home that burn fuel, if you have an attached garage, or if you have a fireplace. If you do have any of these, you will only need a CO detector in those rooms. That said, CO detectors are affordable and easy to install, so you may want to consider them as an addition.
One of the biggest benefits of this particular unit is that it is hardwired, which means it connects to your electric system. It does have battery power as a backup that is provided by two AA batteries, which means it will continue to work even if there is a power outage. However, the batteries will last at least 12 months if there has been no power outage, which means you save on those costs. Make sure, however, that your home is suitable for hardwired smoke alarms. If you live in an older property that wasn’t retrofitted so that smoke detectors can be connected, you may be better off purchasing a battery-powered model.
Another key benefit is the aforementioned interconnectedness. This means that you can link it to heat alarms, CO alarms, and other smoke alarms. It can connect to no more than 12 smoke alarms, and six others. What this means is that, if one smoke alarm detects the presence of smoke and sends out an alarm, all the other ones will sound as well, giving you a warning regardless of where in the house you are. Should a fire be detected in your basement while you are in an attic, for instance, you may not otherwise be able to hear it.
The 3120B comes with all the features you would expect, including:
⦁ A mute button in case there is a false alarm
⦁ A test button, which is also the mute button. Test your smoke alarm once per week to ensure that it is functioning properly.
⦁ A flashing LED light to inform you that the batteries have to be replaced
⦁ An audible sound in case of low battery power
⦁ A silencer for the low battery audible alert, which mutes it for eight hours
⦁ An 85 dB alarm sound, which is the standard volume in this country
You will receive a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty when you purchase this device. During those 10 years, you will receive a full replacement from First Alert if there are any problems with the device, free of charge. Furthermore, you can access a wealth of online resources that show you how the device should be mounted, installed, and tested. Troubleshooting guides have also been included and you can contact First Alert for support through their website, email, or telephone should you have any other issues.
What I Liked About First Alert 3120B
⦁ It can connect to up to 18 other alarms (12 smoke alarms and 6 other kinds of alarms).
⦁ It has dual technology, meaning it detects both fast flaming and slow smoldering fires.
⦁ Its alarm has an intensity of 85 dB, which is the accepted standard.
⦁ It comes with a visible and audible low battery alert, and you can silence the audible alert for up to eight hours.
⦁ It comes with a 10 year warranty as standard.
⦁ It is easy to install.
⦁ The device is UL certified.
What I Didn’t Like About the First Alert 3120B
⦁ There have been some reviewers who have stated that they received a broken alarm. However, in such cases, First Alert will replace it for free.
⦁ It does not have a safety light to automatically switch on.
⦁ There are no standards for dual-detection alarms at present.
The Final Verdict
Overall, the First Alert 3120B is truly one of the best detectors on the market today. The fact that it can interconnect with other alarms and devices in the home and that it comes with two sensors, detecting both flaming and smoldering fires, are what truly set this device apart. It is clear that it is for good reason that this hard-wired detector is so highly rated by so many people. It comes with a 10 year warranty as standard, which means you know that you will be protected in full for the next decade, so long as you test your alarm regularly. Overall, this device is 100% recommended, therefore.