BRK / First Alert SM6W10A: lights, beeps & chirps explained
120V photoelectric smoke alarm, sealed 10-year lithium backup. Here is what every light and sound on the BRK / First Alert SM6W10A means, how to test and hush it, and when it needs replacing. I install this model across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
What the lights mean
| Light | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green, steady | Running on household power. Normal. |
| Green, flashing | Running on the backup battery (power is off or the breaker tripped). |
| Red, flashing with the alarm | This alarm sensed smoke, or you are testing it. |
| Red, 2 s on / 2 s off after an alarm | Smoke latch: this is the alarm that sensed smoke. Press the button to clear. |
| Red, flashing, no sound | The alarm is silenced. |
| Yellow, flashes every 2 s + soft falling tone | Low battery pre-warning. The battery is sealed, so plan to replace the alarm. |
| Yellow, 1 flash every 6 s + 1 chirp a minute | Low or missing battery. Sealed battery: replace the alarm. |
| Yellow, 3 flashes every 6 s + 3 chirps a minute | Malfunction: the alarm is not working properly. Replace it. |
| Yellow, 5 flashes every 6 s + soft falling tone | End-of-life pre-warning. Plan to replace the alarm. |
| Yellow, 5 flashes every 6 s + 5 chirps a minute | End of life. Replace the alarm. |
| Yellow, flashing, no sound | The alarm needs cleaning: gently vacuum the vents. |
What the beeps and chirps mean
| Sound | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 3 beeps, pause, repeat | SMOKE. Get everyone out and call 911. |
| Soft falling tone (6 notes) | Pre-warning. With a yellow flash every 2 s: the battery is getting low. With 5 yellow flashes: end of life is near. |
| 1 chirp a minute | Low or missing battery. The battery is sealed, so the alarm needs replacing. |
| 3 chirps a minute | Malfunction. Replace the alarm. |
| 5 chirps a minute | End of life (10 years from activation). Can be silenced for about 2 days. Replace the alarm. |
Want to hear them? The free app's sound library plays each pattern.
How to
Test it
Press and hold the test/silence button until the alarm sounds, then release.
End of life
The 10 years count from when the battery was activated at install. When the end-of-life chirp starts, replace the alarm.
BRK's newest models: photoelectric sensing with a sealed 10-year lithium battery. Older ionization-only models are being phased out. How to tell it from the SC6W10A: the two look almost the same from below. The SM6W10A is smoke only, so there is no carbon monoxide wording on the rim. Check the model number on the back.
How long does it last?
Replace it 10 years after the date printed on the back. The test button can still work after the sensor has worn out, so the date is what counts. Sometimes the date is on the side, but the back is the best place to look. Need one swapped? See smoke alarm replacement and repair.
Price
$64.99 installed, plus the flat $99.99 service fee. GST only. See all prices.
Source: manufacturer's manual. Always follow the instructions that came with your alarm.
Other alarm guides
BRK / First Alert SC6W10A · BRK / First Alert 9120BA · BRK / First Alert 9120LBL · BRK / First Alert SC9120BA · BRK / First Alert SC9120LBL · BRK / First Alert 7010BA · BRK / First Alert SC7010BA
All alarm guides · Chirp codes: Kidde vs First Alert