First Alert ZCOMBO — Z-Wave Combination Smoke & CO Detector User Manual

User manual (Spanish-language original: Manual del Usuario) for the First Alert/BRK ZCOMBO Z-Wave Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector — a battery-powered combo alarm with independent smoke and CO sensors and Z-Wave signaling to a home security/automation network.

Key Features

• Separate sensors for smoke and CO detection — the two systems function independently of one another.
• Powered by two "AA" batteries.
• Side-access battery drawer for easy battery replacement.
• Z-Wave enabled: the alarm works with any third-party Z-Wave certified device using the Basic Command Class required by all Z-Wave devices.
• Supports Association Group #1 (size 1, default value 0; setting to 1 sends double-alarm messages).

Recommended Locations

Per NFPA 72 (smoke detectors) and NFPA 720 (CO detectors) recommendations:

• On every level of the house, including habitable attics and basements.
• In every bedroom, especially where occupants sleep with the door partially or fully closed.
• In the hallway near any bedroom or sleeping area — install a unit in each bedroom if there are multiple, and at each end of a hallway longer than 40 feet (12m).
• At the top of the stairs between the first and second floor, and at the bottom of basement stairs.
• For additional protection, install units in all rooms, hallways, pantries, and habitable attics/basements where temperatures fluctuate between 40°F (4.4°C) and 100°F (37.8°C).

Wall-mounted units should be placed 4–12 inches (10–30cm) from the wall/ceiling vertex. Ceiling-mounted units should be as close to the center as possible, at least 4 inches (10cm) from any wall.

Where NOT to Install the Detector

• In garages, near furnaces, or in areas with excessive dust, dirt, or grease.
• Directly in combustion particle-producing areas (kitchens, poorly ventilated boiler rooms) — keep at least 20 feet (6m) from particle sources when possible.
• In extremely humid areas, including bathrooms near showers.
• In dead air spaces, under direct sunlight, in turbulent airflow zones (near ceiling fans/open windows), in areas with insect infestations, within 12" (305mm) of fluorescent lighting, or where temperature falls outside 40–100°F (4.4–37.8°C).

Installing the Detector

1. Hold the base firmly and twist the mounting bracket counterclockwise to separate it from the unit.
2. Hold the mounting bracket against the ceiling (or wall) and trace the inside outline of the two mounting slots.
3. Position the unit where it won't be covered by drilling dust.
4. Using a 3/16" (5mm) drill bit, drill holes at each marked center point.
5. Insert the plastic screw anchors (included in the plastic bag with the screws) into the holes. Tap gently with a hammer if needed until flush with the ceiling/wall.
6. Align the mounting bracket with the plastic screw anchors.
7. Screw the mounting bracket to the ceiling or wall through the mounting slots using the two included screws.
8. Before attaching the detector to the bracket, insert the two (2) AA batteries (included) into the battery compartment, matching polarity marks.
9. Attach the smoke/CO detector to the mounting bracket, aligning the guides on the base with the bracket's guides, then turn clockwise until it locks into position.
10. Test the smoke/CO detector — see "Weekly Test" below.

Note: The battery door cannot close if batteries are not installed — this safety feature warns that the unit will not function without batteries.

Replacement Battery Selection

The detector requires two standard AA batteries. Acceptable replacements: Energizer E91, Duracell MN1500. Do not use rechargeable batteries. Clean battery and unit contacts before installing, observe correct polarity, and dispose of/recycle used batteries per local regulations — never dispose of batteries in fire (risk of explosion or leakage). Keep batteries away from children; if a battery is swallowed, contact a poison control center, physician, or the National Battery Ingestion Hotline (202-625-3333) immediately.

Weekly Test

Test the unit weekly using the built-in Test button — never use an open flame to test. Press and hold the Test/Silence button for 3–5 seconds or until the alarm sounds. During test you should observe: horn sounds 3 beeps-pause-3 beeps with the Power/Smoke LED flashing red and CO LED off, followed by 4 beeps-pause-4 beeps with Power/Smoke LED off and CO LED flashing red. If the unit does not respond, verify batteries are correctly installed and re-test; if it still fails, replace the unit immediately.

Regular Maintenance

• Test the unit at least once a week.
• Clean the smoke/CO detector at least once a month — gently vacuum the exterior face with a brush attachment, or use canned compressed air. Never use water, cleaners, or solvents.
• Change the unit's location if it produces frequent unwanted alarms.
• Replace the detector 7 years after installation — write the installation date on the unit label. The detector also emits an audible end-of-life signal roughly 7 years after installation.

Silence Feature

The Test/Silence button can temporarily silence a nuisance alarm — but this is for convenience only and does not correct underlying problems. Always inspect your home for a potential issue after any alarm.

• Smoke alarm silenced: unit stays silenced for 15 minutes, then resumes normal operation; it will re-alarm if smoke is still detected.
• CO alarm silenced: stays silenced for the first 4 minutes; after 4 minutes, if CO levels remain potentially dangerous, the horn sounds again.
• Low-battery chirp silencing: press Test/Silence to silence the low-battery chirp for up to 8 hours; after 8 hours it resumes. Replace batteries as soon as possible — the unit will not operate without charged batteries.
• End-of-life chirp silencing: can be silenced for up to 2 days; do not unplug/remove batteries until a replacement unit is obtained.

UL2034 CO Alarm Points (Required Response Times)

The detector is designed not to alarm at a constant 30 ppm level for 30 days, and is UL-tested resistant to false alarms from methane (500 ppm), butane (300 ppm), heptane (500 ppm), ethyl acetate (200 ppm), isopropyl alcohol (200 ppm), and carbon dioxide (5000 ppm). Audible alarm: 85 dB minimum at 10 feet (3m).

What to Do If Smoke Is Detected

1. Stay calm. Follow your family's escape plan.
2. Leave the house as quickly as possible — don't stop to dress or gather belongings.
3. Before opening doors, check that they aren't hot. If a door is cool, open it slowly; if hot, use an alternate escape route.
4. Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth (preferably damp). Take short, shallow breaths.
5. Meet at your family's agreed-upon location and count everyone to confirm safety.
6. Call the fire department from outside as soon as possible, and give your name and address.
7. Never re-enter a burning building.

What to Do If Carbon Monoxide Is Detected

1. Push the Test/Silence button.
2. Immediately move everyone to fresh air.
3. Call your local emergency number or the fire department.
4. If you experience symptoms of CO poisoning, leave the house and seek medical attention immediately.

CO Poisoning Symptoms

Mild exposure: mild headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue ("flu-like"). Medium exposure: severe headache, drowsiness, confusion, rapid heartbeat. Extreme exposure: convulsions, loss of consciousness, heart/lung failure, or death.

General Limitations of Smoke/CO Detectors

This detector is intended for indoor use in ordinary single-family residential settings — it is not designed for OSHA industrial/commercial compliance and does not measure adherence to OSHA norms. Smoke/CO detectors have limitations: they only detect smoke or CO that reaches the sensor at the detector's location; doors or obstructions can affect the speed at which CO/smoke reaches the unit. A detector on one floor may not detect a hazard originating on a different floor. Smoke/CO detectors do not replace life insurance, and manufacturer BRK Brands does not warrant or imply that the units will protect lives against fire or CO poisoning in every case.

Limited Warranty

BRK Brands, Inc. warrants this First Alert product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for 7 years from the date of purchase. BRK will, at its option, repair or replace the product or any defective component during the warranty period. This warranty is exclusive to the original purchaser and is non-transferable; proof of purchase is required. The warranty does not cover normal wear, negligent use or misuse, incorrect voltage/current, disassembly, unauthorized repair, acts of nature (fire, flood, hurricanes, tornadoes), or batteries included with the unit.

Warranty service: Contact Consumer Affairs at 1-800-323-9005, M-F 7:30 AM–5:00 PM (CT). Do not return the product to the retailer. For warranty service, mail to: BRK Brands, Inc., 25 Spur Drive, El Paso, TX 79906.

First Alert® is a registered trademark of First Alert Trust. © 2013 BRK Brands, Inc.