First Alert SC9120B – The Hardwired Smoke Detector – Carbon Monoxide Alarm Combo Homeowners Have Been Waiting For. Having a smoke detector and CO alarm in the home is absolutely vital. In fact, for landlords, it is often required. Requirement or not, these devices have the ability to save you, your loved ones, and your belongings form the devastating effect of a fire and poisoning, so it should be an unquestionable need. Unfortunately, there are so many different models to choose from that it can be difficult to find the one that is right for you. There are numerous things to take into consider, such as how it is powered, the brand, its features, its sensors, and so on. Here, we will take a look at the First Alert SC9120B to help you determine whether this may be the right one for you. Click here for the Top 10 Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors.
What Is the First Alert SC9120B?
First Alert is one of this country’s best known brands for smoke detectors. It is owned by BRK, a trusted manufacturer of alarms. The First Alarm range is very extensive by now, ensuring there is a device out there to suit just about any need. They also conform with relevant regulations, which means that if you are a landlord, you can install these detectors in your apartment complexes and other properties and know that you will be fully compliant with relevant legislation.
The SC9120B, meanwhile, is a hardwired combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm. It also comes with a battery backup. The fact that it detects both smoke and carbon monoxide is very important, as those are two huge sources of danger in the home. It uses an electro-chemical sensor for carbon monoxide detection and an ionization sensor for the smoke detection. This means it detects flaming fires more quickly than other smoke detectors. This is in contrast to photoelectric detectors, which are quicker in detecting smoldering fires.
The First Alert SC9120B has a 10 year lifespan and a 10 year battery. This means that, once you purchase it, you will never have to replace the battery. Rather, you will simply have to install a new smoke detector every 10 years. It is a very popular smoke and carbon monoxide detector that people have been very happy to use. If ever it does not last 10 years, it is covered by a 10 year warranty, which means BKR will simply replace it.
Features of the First Alert SC9120B
The First Alert SC9120B:
⦁ Is hardwired but comes with a battery backup. This means it constantly monitors the air even if there is a power outage.
⦁ Can link to other First Alert and BKR detectors so long as they are compatible.
⦁ Comes with a light that tells you whether the alarm sounds were due to carbon monoxide or due to smoke.
⦁ Is fitted with a single silence and test button that makes it very easy to operate.
⦁ Is fitted with a 9V battery.
⦁ Uses an ionization sensor for smoke detection and electro-chemical sensor for carbon monoxide detection.
⦁ Is fitted with a battery compartment on the side, which is easy to reach.
⦁ Is available in packs of one, two, three, or 12.
The fact that it is available in packs of more than one detector is important. A smoke detector should be installed on every floor of the house. In properties with an attached garage or any fuel burning heaters or appliances, a carbon monoxide should be installed on every floor, as well as in every sleeping area. This means that there are quite a few situations in which you will need several devices. For landlords of apartment complexes, the pack of 12 monitors is particularly useful.
What I Liked About the First Alert SC9120B
⦁ It is fitted with an electro-chemical sensor for carbon monoxide detection, which is the most advanced type of technology available today.
⦁ It is both a carbon monoxide and a smoke detector.
⦁ It uses ionization sensors for smoke detection, which means it will detect flaming fires quicker than any other type of alarm.
⦁ It comes with a 10 year battery so that you don’t have to replace it during the lifespan of the device.
⦁ It comes with a 10 year warranty, which means you know it will last for its lifespan.
⦁ It can interconnect with other BKR and First Alert devices, linking to up to 18 devices in total.
⦁ It is fitted with a low battery alert that can be silenced.
⦁ It is very easy to install the device because it is not hardwired.
⦁ It is fully UL certified, which guarantees that it meets the appropriate standards for safety in the home.
What I Didn’t Like About the First Alert SC9120B
⦁ There have been several reviews stating that the device doesn’t last for 10 years. However, since it is covered by a 10 year warranty, this is only a minor inconvenience.
⦁ It does not come with a photoelectric sensor, which means it is not as good at detecting smoldering fires.
⦁ Although it is also a carbon monoxide detector, it does not have the features you would expect on a standalone detector, such as continuous readings and a memory of the highest reading recorded since the last test.
The Final Verdict
Overall, the First Alert SC9120B has its pros and cons, just like any other device. So long as you fully understand both the limitations and the capabilities of this device, you will have made an informed decision in terms of protecting your family. That being said, the SC9120B is made by BKR as part of their First Alert range of products, which go a long way in telling you that it is a high quality device that meets all the relevant standards. The fact that it is a combination alarm is quite unique in the world today and is very useful because you don’t have to install multiple devices all over your home, which can also be confusing. It can also link to various other BKR and First Alert devices, effectively creating a home security system. Mainly, the First Alert SC9120B meets and exceeds all the relevant standards and this means that you know that you can rely on it. Therefore, it is 100% recommended.